Mercado de Tepito

The Mercado de Tepito is largely co-terminous with the Tepito itself. It’s technically two markets. But these are so integrated with the covered streets and surrounding street markets that just delineating them is nearly impossible, and not terribly useful anyway.

The southernmost of these (Mercado de Tepito 14 Zona) is the historic building of Pedro Ramírez Vázquez. It went up at virtually same time as many of Ramírez Vázquez’s celebrated markets in the 1950s. Those in La Lagunilla Ropa y Telas and Granaditas, just south of here stand out. But at the same time, he was also working on markets in San Pedro de los Pinos and Azcapotzalco. The Mercado 36 Tepito Varios dates from a little later in the 1960s. It’s slightly bigger than its historic counterpart, with about 562 vendors to the Mercado 14’s 522.

But of course, the market in Tepito dates from ancient times. Undoubtedly, some unofficial market activity took place here as it was a lodging place and second hand trading place for those rejected from the giant Tlatelolco market immediately to the west. But the Tepito we know today began in the 1880s. Vendors were relocated from the Zócalo area in the City center. They set up shop in the atrium and plaza of the San Francisco de Asis church. In truth, they’ve never left.

Ironically, today these two markets, along with their sportswear focused neighbor mark the northward culmination of most of what we consider Tepito.  North of here, Tepito converts back into the Colonia Morelos and gives way rather quickly to the residential neighborhoods that are, if nothing else, considered not Tepito. See the Tepito page for more on Tepito’s conceptual and historical sense of place.

Come for the food. Come for the great prices. There are Mexico City families who will only ever eat and shop here, especially on Sundays.

Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.