Tianguis in Mexico: A Tradition of Open-Air Markets

In Mexico, an open-air market where a variety of goods are offered is known as a tianguis. The history and culture of Mexico are deeply rooted in these markets. The tianguis custom originated with the pre-Hispanic Aztecs, who gathered to trade commodities. Nowadays, tianguis may be found in towns and cities all around Mexico, selling a variety of goods such as food, clothing, crafts, and technology.

There is more to the tianguis than merely shopping. Locals congregate there to meet up with friends and neighbors, eat street cuisine, and take in the lively environment. Vendors can show off their inventiveness here, while customers can find unusual goods that aren’t found in regular shops. In tianguis, haggling is usual, and both the buyer and the seller are anticipated to haggle until they reach a reasonable price.

Concerns about how tianguis will affect the formal economy have arisen recently. Others see them as a method for small firms to prosper, while some claim that these markets encourage illegal trading and tax fraud. Despite the controversy, the tianguis continues to be a significant aspect of Mexican culture and a well-liked tourist destination.

The short answer to the question of whether Oxxos exist in the US is no. Only Mexico and a few other countries in Latin America are home to the Oxxo convenience store chain. Since its founding in 1977, the business has grown to include more than 18,000 sites. Snacks, beverages, and essential home supplies are just a few of the many products that Oxxo sells. The word “ox,” which in the Zapotec language of southern Mexico signifies “eye,” is the source of the name Oxxo. The company picked this name to symbolize their dedication to offering consumers a wide variety of items, just like the eye is able to perceive a wide variety of colors. Since Oxxo is a franchise, most of its locations are run by independent business owners.

The Latin term “Hispania,” which was the name the ancient Romans gave to the Iberian Peninsula, is where the word “Hispanic” originates. Later, the phrase was used to describe Spaniards and, consequently, those who were descended from them in the Americas. People who have cultural ties to Spanish-speaking nations like Mexico, Spain, and the nations of Central and South America are referred to as “Hispanic” in modern times.

Tianguis, Oxxo, and the term “Hispanic” are all significant aspects of Mexican history and culture. While Oxxo offers a practical way for consumers to get access to necessities, Tianguis markets provide a distinctive shopping experience and a window into Mexican society. Even if the term “Hispanic” has a troubled past, it is nevertheless a significant means of helping people connect to their racial and cultural origins.