The Central del Abastos is the modern heir to Mexico City's centuries old tradition of massive food wholesaling. For international visitors, it may seem daunting, but visits are richly rewarded, and there is always lots to eat.
Abastos began in the 1980s when the big market of the Merced was finally deemed just too surrounded by Mexico City. The city, together with authorities up and down the government hierarchy got together to form something that could finally meet the food distribution needs of the entire Valley of Mexico. Although it's big enough to be its own municipality, Abastos is technically still a part of the Barrio San José, and thus part of the historic center of Iztapalapa (see the map by clicking through.)
There are food and business tours all the time, and they are largely necessary, because, as said, Abastos is huge. Some people will go just for certain items. Others send a truck once or twice a week. For casual visitors, it's often enough to just stand back and watch. There is a lot going on here.
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