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Mexico (4 shows, 2 shorts) DVD $39.95 buy now
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Hot and Pulsing City: La Merced Market |
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Justine Shapiro samples food at La Merced
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Where's It At
Mexico City is divided into 400 neighbourhoods, and all the
extremes of Mexico can be found here. Glamour and chic nestle
against extreme poverty and overcrowding. There's been a market
in Mexico City since before the Aztec times, and the
Spanish discovered new crops here like potatoes, tomatoes,
corn and tobacco which they exported back home. Every neighbourhood
has one mercado, or market. La Merced is one
of the city's largest food markets moving over 24,000 tons
of fruit and vegetable every day. Farm trucks move this mountain
of food in this pulsing and hot city without refrigeration.
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Shoppers Paradise
Mexicans find it hard to live without chilli, and there's
many varieties on sale in the markets, around 150. Other delicacies
include mosquitoes eggs served up in a tortilla
or with a little cactus.
There are many workshops in the city with crafts including
basketweaving, masks and glassware. The Mexicans
take crafts from all around the world and recycle them and
emboss items like glass and fabric with a Mexican twist. Every
home and business has an alter to the mother of Mexico - the
Virgin de Guadelupe.
Whilst shopping and eating, be sure to check out the mexico
specialities, Salsas (sauces), Antojitos (appetizer
like tacos and enchiladas), Maize and
refried beans.
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Traditional Mexican handicrafts
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