Chichi or Solola. Everyone’s got a different opinion and you may be reading mixed reviews wondering what is the best use of your time. Let’s talk frankly one gringo to another. The truth is that it depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. Each market has its merits as well as drawbacks.
Chichicastenango market is huge and full of locals and tourists. Over the years this market has become more and more touristy all the while hanging on to Mayan tradition. Allow me to explain. Walking around in the market you will see people dressed in their typical traje selling the traditional hand-crafted clothing and purses, wood-carved masks and decorations, incense and candles amongst the usual touristy things we like to get in Guatemala. The vendors tend to be a little pushy and you have to watch out for pickpockets. The unique aspect about the Chichi market is the Sunday processions. Sunday morning a procession starts at the steps of Santo Tomas with musicians, incense and candle burners all in their typical dress. This event allows us, outsiders, to get a quick look into the local culture and the experience is something impressive and totally foreign to most of us. I think that makes it worth a visit. For more information on this market click here.
Solola has a very different feel to it. Very busy but quieter. Most of the shoppers here are locals going about their daily business so the vendors are not as pushy and the atmosphere is just more relaxed. You can find good quality textiles here also. The most interesting aspect of Solola market to me is all the fresh food. There’s white corn, yellow corn, purple corn, beans, rice, fish, meat and all the fresh vegetables you can think of. Here you’ll see women carrying baskets or a large sack full of food and other necessities on their head or carrying babies on their back in a wool wrap.
The truth is that it is a hard choice to make. If what you want is the authentic market experience then Solola is the perfect place to find that. If you are interested in seeing a cultural display and still get some souvenir shopping done then Chichicastenango is right for you. However, if you have the time, Why not both?
Want to share your own experiences in Guatemala? Please leave a comment!
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