San Pancho has kicked off their farmers market for the season, joining other municipalities in the Riviera Nayarit area hosting farmers markets this winter. San Pancho’s market joins other markets such as Sayulita, Bucerias, and Lo de Marcos.
This is the second year for San Pancho’s “Mercado del Sol” farmer’s market held in Plaza del Sol. The market opens every Tuesday morning at 9:00 AM, offering a day of market shopping during the week when most other local farmers markets are held on Saturday.
The Mercado del Sol farmers market currently hosts 70 venders selling organic and handmade foods, arts, fruits and vegetables from the region, and of course live music entertainment to get you in the mood for shopping in the traditional open-air markets that are best experienced in Mexico.
With only approximately 1,600 full-time residents, San Francisco still displays the characteristics of a more traditional Mexican town—with men on horseback riding through the streets, or roosters running free in a neighbor’s yard for example. Yet even for such a small village, the population is still reasonably diverse. Drawn by the tranquil pace of life, the months of unwavering sunshine, and the tropical coastal atmosphere, San Pancho is also home to a growing number of expatriates hailing from the United States, Canada, or even Europe or southernmost Latin America. The result is an eclectic cultural mix that—along with the beautiful natural environs—is creating even more of a draw for visitors and new residents.
Alongside the interesting cultural mix of a fine art gallery or hidden haute-cuisine restaurant, San Pancho is also brimming with art and social responsibility activity. The art collective Colectivo San Pancho organizes various art expositions and events throughout the year, and a community volunteer organization mobilizes recycling education and efforts and youth activities in the town. Various environmental organizations also work to educate about and protect for instance the local jaguar habitat or the nesting turtle populations on San Pancho beaches.
While recently certain development projects have been planned and commenced in and around San Francisco, the peace and tranquility in the town is still uncompromised. San Francisco (San Pancho) is a unique spot, where pristine white beaches meet jungle green, and old Mexico meets a new international fusion.
This market is really fun and truly a Mexican outdoor market. The market in Puerto Vallarta is a fun place to gather, but it’s hardly a real authentic Mexican market managed by Canadians. I love my Canadian brothers and sisters, but if you want to experience real Mexican markets you have to get out of the tourist area of Puerto Vallarta, there is nothing authentic in those areas, they are Mexico dressed up pretty to make people feel comfortable, but go to a real Mexican market and you are sure to learn something new and experience a real Mexican tradition.