El Mercado Central

Today after class, we took a class trip to the Mercado Central, the main market here in Alicante. The market was originally constructed in 1921 and is still today, where much of Alicante purchases fresh meats, cheese, fish, fruits and vegetables, and bread. We had an assignment to walk around and talk with different vendors, discovering different foods and goods available in the market. I went in a circle for a good five minutes, following the directions of different vendors trying to find the "bonito seco" or dried tuna.

Outside of the Mercado Central.

The building that houses the market is easily 4 times the size of Eastern Market or Pike Place. When you enter the market, the first floor has an amazing selection of meats. Nearly the entire first floor is made up of different meat vendors and a large variety of meat options. Some options I never want to see raw again, or maybe even cooked for that matter.

First floor, one row of meat vendors.

Downstairs, there are fruits, vegetables, a large selection of seafood, and a variety of breads and sweets. Here in Alicante, I have had some of the best fruit I have ever had and there is always a large supply available. At my home we have pears and apples always on hand, and sometimes for a treat I stop to get a peach from a small store. At the market there were so many varieties of fruits and vegetables available. There were also a large variety of seafood. I never really ate fish before I move to Spain, but now we have it for cenar or in our ensaladas, and I really have become accustomed to it. Being right on the coast, there is so much fresh seafood available at the market. Finally, the fresh baked bread in Alicante is amazing. We always have great rolls with dinner and the panaderias (bread shops) always have the freshest looking treats. I couldn't help myself from purchasing a fresh chocolate croissant from one of the vendors!

Lower level shops, seafood to the left and bread straight ahead.

Outside the market, there is a plaza where they sell beautiful flowers and there is a small cafe with drinks. There is such a community feel while out the market. Old friends meeting up, families wandering around, many families purchase their food from the mercado.

Outside, the flower area.

The Mercado Central is physically and emotionally the center of the city. It is a very common meeting place and a great place to wander and get a taste of what Alicante living is really like!

Hasta luego,
Kelsey