The 20 de Noviembre Market is one of the most iconic and traditional spots in the city of Oaxaca. It is a space where you can enjoy Oaxacan gastronomy, culture, and art, as well as purchase high-quality local products. The history of this market dates to 1862, when its construction began on the streets of 20 de Noviembre, Francisco Javier Mina, Ignacio Aldama, and Miguel Cabrera. This space originally corresponded to what was once the Convent of San Juan de Dios, which existed as an annex to the temple of the same name. The building was planned to house the merchants from the Plaza de Armas (Zócalo). Its construction lasted approximately 20 years, and in 1882, it was inaugurated under the name "Mercado de la Industria."
The 20 de Noviembre Market owes its name to the date the Mexican Revolution began in 1910, a movement aimed at transforming the country and ending the dictatorship of Porfirio Díaz. Its origins trace back to the 19th century when it was a place for selling fruits, vegetables, flowers, and animals. Over time, the market grew and diversified its offerings, incorporating traditional regional products like chocolate, mezcal, mole, cheese, and more. Additionally, the market has been—and remains to this day—a meeting and gathering place for the inhabitants and visitors of Oaxaca, where the richness and diversity of its culture can be appreciated.
This market holds a rich history of its origins, as well as the life stories of each vendor who has spent many years dedicated to commerce. You will also find many traditional cooks with over 60 years in the market, carrying an incredible gastronomic legacy through their traditional dishes and ancestral recipes, passed down from generation to generation.
The 20 de Noviembre Market is a place that offers a wide variety of options for all tastes and budgets. Starting with the "pasillo del humo" (smoke corridor), one of the most popular and busy sections of the market, it delivers an unforgettable experience. Here, meats such as tasajo, cecina, chorizo, and ribs are grilled and served with handmade tortillas, salsa, onion, and cilantro. The aroma and flavor are truly irresistible!
Continuing with another renowned aisle, the chocolate aisle (our state is famous for its Oaxacan chocolate, which is handcrafted with cacao, sugar, cinnamon, and almonds), here you can find various establishments selling chocolate in different forms: powdered, in tablets, in bars, or as a liquid. You can also purchase other cacao-based products, such as tejate, a refreshing drink made from corn, cacao, and flowers.
Then there's the bread aisle, featuring another of Oaxaca's iconic products, known for its variety and quality. In this aisle, you can find breads like conchas, rolls, orejas, and empanadas, or savory breads like tortas and molletes.
The cheese aisle, another essential ingredient of Oaxacan gastronomy. Here, you can find fresh cheeses, such as panela cheese, fresh cheese, and cream cheese, as well as aged cheeses like Cotija cheese, aged cheese, ranch-style cheese, among others. However, the most famous cheese is quesillo, a soft white cheese made from cow's milk, with a stringy texture that allows it to be stretched and rolled.
The mezcal aisle features mezcal, an alcoholic beverage obtained from distilling agave, a plant that grows in the state of Oaxaca. Oaxacan mezcal, representative of our gastronomy, has a smoky and strong flavor. It can be enjoyed on its own or with salt and lime to enhance the palate's delight.
Oaxaca is a state renowned for its artistic and cultural richness. In the crafts aisle, you can find a display of the diverse artisanal expressions from the region, such as pottery, ceramics, black clay, alebrijes, textiles, embroidery, shawls, hats, jewelry, and basketry. These crafts are handmade by master artisans, who infuse them with their creativity, talent, and tradition.
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