Written by Jedediah Watkins
Read Time: 10 minutes
Along the charismatic Avenida de Colima you'll find many an interesting Tienda (store). Boutiques lined with brilliantly curated and crafted wears, riveting restaurants with mind melting morsels and my favourite, coffee shops with carefully caffeinated cappuccinos (I don't drink caps but I liked the alliteration). But alas this sunny Saturday morning, something else piqued my interest. You see, arriving last week it was Easter weekend. A time for mourning, care and finally celebration. The neighbourhood was quieter than I found it this morning. There was a buzz, a hum, a roar billowing from this usually quiet avenue. As I edged closer I located the source or shall I say, sources of this orchestra. A quarter of markets had popped up along the avenida, turning the locale into something resembling Piccadilly Circus on a Friday night!
Resiliente Bazar: Where Luxury Meets Hustle
Before
even setting foot into the first location, the surroundings tell you all you
need to know about this bazar. Big black iron gates bookmarked by decorated
stone pillars. Creating an entrance of grandiosity for an even grander market. Something
you might find in a French period piece, with talk of Napoleon, cake and everybody
wearing far too many clothes for convenience.
Walking into
Resiliente Bazar was like stepping into a scene from a lavish Hollywood gala
turned fashion emporium. The grand function hall, typically reserved for
elegant weddings and high-society soirees, had transformed into a haven for
boutique jewellers and fashion designers. Every corner oozed opulence, with
gold and silver earrings winking from every available space. The stalls focused
on image and social weight, pulling on your aspirations to hook you in.
Despite the
luxurious setting, there was an undeniable hustle in the air. Stalls were
crammed into every nook, leaving little room to maneuver without brushing
against a display of fashionable wears. It was a cacophony of elegance where
influencers darted through the aisles like characters from a reality TV show,
adding an extra layer of glamour to the already extravagant ambiance. The marketeers
took it all in stride, not batting an eye-lid between pitches and advertisements.
A truly energetic way to start the market march!
Bunker
Bazar: Unearthed Treasures Amidst Repetition
It
didn’t take long to reach our next stop on the tour, just half a block down the
road we meet our second of these incredible markets; the 'Bunker Bazar'.
Operating for the last 7 years (as far as my google review research can tell)
the Bunker Bazar offers a fairly varied mix of goods, accoutrement and clobber.
It seemed the most common item here was jewellery or beaded bracelet (adorned
with all the colours of the rainbow).
Contrasting
sharply with the polished elegance of Resiliente Bazar, Bunker Bazar felt like
stumbling upon a hidden gem, like a museum full of original pieces, the white
walls contrasting with the colourful art on display. The space, mixed with
native-inspired jewellery, exuded a raw, unrefined charm. Dotted between the
jewellery you would find face creams and bits and bobs stalls, offering old
sports memorabilia to candy from around the world. However, as I explored the
stalls, I couldn't help but notice the repetition of products. What initially
captivated as unique soon lost its allure after encountering similar items
multiple times.
Despite this,
the enthusiasm of the vendors was infectious. Each one passionately shared the
stories behind their creations, turning what could have been a monotonous
experience into a journey of discovery amidst familiar motifs.
CasaBazar: Where Surprises Await in Unexpected Corners
Hidden from the
beating sun, down the ramp and into an underground car park, akin to a cave or
spiders den, CasaBazar sat as a treasure trove of surprises. The eclectic mix
of secondhand clothes, handmade goods, creams and body products, coupled with
an unexpected tattoo setup, created an atmosphere of intrigue and excitement.
The underground
setting lent an air of secrecy, reminiscent of a post-apocalyptic world, think
Labrynth just without David Bowie prancing between the stalls. Yet, the vibrant energy of the people,
who not only showcased their art but also embodied it, transformed this hidden
gem into a vibrant hub of creativity and self-expression.
The tattoo table,
‘Calathea estudio’ was the highlight of the whole market run. Two shining souls
met me with a big smile and a Bienvenido (welcome), offering flash tattoos for 300
pesos (which in my 6 years of getting tattoos done, is easily the cheapest I
have ever seen). Yet their work GREATLY outmatched the pricing. Providing a true
gift, adding to what I had asked for and seeing the vision better than I could
myself. Within fifteen minutes the job was done, just like in Labrynth, the
baby was saved and a new world had been discovered. A true treasure.
Merequetengue
Bazar: A Chaotic Wonderland Straight from Cyberpunk Dreams
The name
"Merequetengue" aptly described the exhilarating chaos of this
market. From the moment I entered, I felt like I had stepped into a scene from
a cyberpunk masterpiece like "Blade Runner." The crowded aisles,
overflowing with exotic plants, rare clothing finds, and miscellaneous
curiosities, created a sensory overload that was both thrilling and immersive.
With neon signs placed around the walls, the sensory overload invited you
deeper and deeper into the maze of madness.
The characters
here seemed a little bit more eccentric than at the previous markets, as if
they had an intriguing side quest to offer me, on top of whatever they may be
selling. The unique characters and items on sales added to the mystique of this
fascinating fantasy and I couldn’t’ help but delve deeper.
Navigating
through the bustling crowds, each corner revealed a new surprise, adding to the
market's mystique. It was a place where the boundaries between reality and
fiction blurred, and I found myself immersed in a futuristic landscape of
eclectic wonders. Somehow I was more present and more distant than I thought I
could be, caught between escapism and mindfulness. A truly balanced experience.
The equilibrium of Merequetengue!
All of this market madness, reminded me of a market much closer to home…
Lewisham's
Hidden Gem: The Alleyway Flea Market
Nestled in the
heart of my home borough of Lewisham (SOUTH LONDON) lies a hidden delight that
defies expectations. Tucked away down a nondescript alleyway, just off of Lewisham
High Street, the flea market that once resided there is a testament to the
adage that the best things are often found in unexpected places. What initially
appeared as a scene straight out of "Mad Max" with its rugged charm,
DIY stalls and Bohemian character soon revealed itself to be a captivating
treasure hunt for unique finds.
The first step
into this clandestine marketplace felt like stepping into a world where time
stood still. Amongst the odds and ends perched on high shelves, there was a
sense of mystery and intrigue that fueled the hunt for secret goods. Some
sellers, true connoisseurs of their craft, reserved their finest treasures for
those who demonstrated a deep understanding and appreciation of the subject
matter.
Thus began a
dance of wit, knowledge, and cunning as you navigate conversations with these
guardians of hidden gems. Earning the right to pry these coveted items from
their grasp felt like a victory in itself, imbued with a satisfaction that
transcended mere transactions. It was a testament to the market's ethos—where the
art of negotiation and the pursuit of passion intertwined to create an experience
beyond buying and selling.
What struck me
most about this flea market was the sense of community it fostered. Here,
sellers weren't just peddling goods; they were sharing their passions and
expertise with fellow enthusiasts. It was a place where individuals
congregated, almost unregulated, to celebrate their interests and forge
connections based on mutual appreciation. From conversations displaying grand
regard for specialist information to discussing the Arsenal v Tottenham game
the night before, the people came together.
In the midst of
a bustling cityscape, this hideout served as a beacon of unity, bringing
together individuals under the common thread of shared interests and
curiosities. It was a reminder that beyond the hustle and bustle, there exists
a space where genuine connections are forged, and the joy of discovery
transcends mere material acquisition.
I like
markets
Each market
offered a distinct experience, from the lavish allure of Resiliente Bazar to
the underground intrigue of CasaBazar and the chaotic charm of Merequetengue
Bazar. Each place left its unique imprint, drawing inspiration from popular
culture references and real-world dynamics to create a rich tapestry of market
adventures. Much like the flea market now a distant memory for my hometown, these
places do one thing very well, bring people together.
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