The La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Sunday Market (or the Mercado Domingo) is the highlight of the week for many ‘snowbirds’ and tourists who stay in La Cruz. Folks come from all over the Riviera Nayarit; South from Puerto Vallarta and from the North, Sayulita and beyond. The market draws many visitors to its colorful stalls, enticing food, and entertainment by local musicians. My husband, Mike, is a keen photographer so while I shop he takes photos of the displays, the merchants and the entertainment!
Music of La Cruz
Each Sunday you can find all sorts of treasures. Local artisans are happy to tell you about their creations and show you their wares. Many merchants have set prices but it never hurts to ask! You may be able to convince some to barter with you!
The silver jewelry with local semi-precious stones is lovely. I have purchased two custom made rings from Alejandro and Roxanne which I love to wear. There are a variety of silversmiths throughout the market. Each one has a different style so you can find something to suit your taste and style!
Other vendors have unique handmade clothing, shoes, bathing suits, etc. – a nice change from the mass produced garments in other local markets. Handmade baskets, hats, cigars, and local pottery are also available throughout the market. A glassblower shows his creations while he is working on something new.
Colorful purses
Colorful Pottery
Colorful baskets
Colorful rugs
Hand-rolled cigars
When you walk out to the “point” on the jetty you will find wonderful prepared foods just ready to eat or take with you. There is a good variety ranging from candies and nuts to empanadas and enchiladas. The displays are colorful and a treat to see.
Along the Malacon just past Oso’s Marina Restaurant and Oyster bar you will find more food. The offerings in this area include fresh strawberries, vegetables, pasta, salsas, baking and more! We love the fresh baguettes and smoked local fish. Be sure to pick up the smoked fish early as he often runs out!
Bread
Doll
The La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Sunday Market is a great place to people watch or to meet up with friends. We nearly always bump into someone we haven’t seen for a while.
To complete our visit to the market a stop at the Mercado del Mar (Seafood Market) for fresh caught fish for dinner is a must! Prawns, dorado, red snapper and yellow fin tuna are favorites. The seafood is reasonably priced and they will always fillet and skin a piece or peel your prawns for you. You just have to ask! If you have a longer distance to travel back to your home away from home, ask for some ice to keep the fish cold on a very warm Mexican day. The tuna is our favorite as I can buy four servings for about 90 pesos or $8.00 CDN compared to $48.00 at home! Needless to say we eat our fill when we winter in La Cruz.
Fish Market
The market from the bay
The Market from the Bay
La Cruz Waterfront Market
Don’t miss the The La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Sunday Market during your stay! You’ll definitely want to return. Watch a cool video here.
Adios, amigos!
Many thanks to Guest Bloggers; Carol and Mike Mager
Guest Bloggers; Carol and Mike Mager
If you are lucky enough to meet these two, say hello. They’re those kind of folks who always take time for others, assist if needed and just love to chat and share experiences. Mike, now retired, embraces his hobby and talents with the camera capturing the beauty he finds around him through his lens. Carol, now retired, volunteers, reads, entertains and so much more. Carol and Mike are living the good life they both most definitely deserve!
