 It would have been much cooler if Mr. T was there by jinkoe | El Mercado (Market Square) tips and photos posted by real travelers and San Antonio locals.
514 W. Commerce
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During the Great Depression of the 1930s, the unemployment rate (like everywhere in the U.S.) was astronomical. People who were fortunate enough to find work were left at the mercy of their employer, who, taking advantage of an abundance of labor, set wages extremely low in order to maximize the profits of his product. There were no organizations or laws in place to protect the worker; therefore, if a toiler complained of his or her working conditions, environment or pay, he or she was quickly dismissed. With no voice or representation, the American workers during this time period, worked very long hours (12-18 hours a day), in haphazard conditions, & with very little pay.
In response to this inhumane treatment, San Antonio’s local chapter of the Communist Party established the Workers Alliance-an organization comprised of the unemployed. Under the tutelage of world renowned civil rights activist (& communist) Emma Tenayuca, the Workers Alliance-the vast majority of whom were pecan shellers & agricultural workers-held numerous demonstrations throughout San Antonio demanding jobs & not relief. They also struck in favor of the Mexican laborer, who encompassed the bulk of the workforce of San Antonio during this time frame, demanding their right to protest without the fear of deportation. They also protested for a minimum wage & for a federal minimum wage law.
Although they were not always successful in their endeavors, the Workers Alliance did obtain several victories. Here in the picture you see the Arneson River Theater, which, thanks to constant labor agitation, many jobs were secured for members (& non-members as well) of the WA during its construction. Many members would also find various positions in the theater’s day-to-day operations as well. Leave a Comment Directions: River Walk/La Villita
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The first building in Market Square was built in 1820, but this area did not become a permanent market until the late 1890s. Throughout the 20th Century, the neighborhood was frequently rebuilt and revitalized into the traditional Market Square of today. The area houses a farmers market, the indoor shops of El Mercado, and dozens of storefront shops along Produce Row. There are two famous restaurants in this square: La Margarita Restaurant & Oyster Bar and Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery.
Locals in the city gave us advice to come here for dinner rather than the trendy, expensive Riverwalk, and they were dead on! Though still somewhat touristy, this area was not over-crowded and had a more traditional feel. Plus the stroll from the Riverwalk takes you past many historical landmarks such as Bexar County Courthouse, San Fernando Cathedral, City Hall, Spanish Governor's Palace, and the O. Henry House. Leave a Comment Phone: (210) 207 - 8600Directions: Located between Delrosa and Commerce next to I-35. Just a quick 5-10 minute walk from the RiverwalkWebsite: http://marketsquaresa.com Other Contact: marketsq@sanantonio.gov
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"..San Antonio's most unique and exciting shopping, dining and entertaining experiences.
Here in the romantic center of the Mexican Culture, discover a land of treasures,
bright, bold and beautiful..authentically Mexico and enriched with a
fascinating legacy of public markets."
Compared to my experiences of "shopping in Mexico City" I have to confess that I preferred this neat place's calmness and cosyness over the authentically markets in Mexico where we got followed by dozens of locals without end in sight. Leave a Comment
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 market square by doug48 |
 by keeweechic
There is a really lovely upmarket 3 level store, Los Pueblitos, which had some very nice wares indeed.
Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. summer; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. winter.
See Market Square Travelogue. Leave a Comment
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A very interesting shopping experince. There is plenty of things to purchase, all with a distinct Hispanic flavor. Though there are Texas goods to be had a plenty, it is the crafts from Mexico that make this area different. It is a market pleasent, the prices are reasonable. They are not what you would pay in Mexico for similar products, I am sure, but you are not in Mexico. I personally enjoy the colored pottery done in Talavera style. There is plenty to purchase that is sterotypical and unique things if you really look for you can find. Be preapred however, everything seems to look the same and most of the shops sell similar goods. I pefer the longer market without the food court in terms of quality of the goods and prices. Though the deals are not drastic, a few dollars, it is still fun. I tend to go and window shop more then purchase when I am here though. There are several resturants, food stalls, and street vendors so you wont go hungry. There are ATMS and everyone takes credit cards. And there is a museum to visit too!
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HISPANIC HERITAGE...VERYNICE PLACE TO VISIT...AND ENJOY TYPICAL MEXICAN FOOD WITH SOME MARIACHI MUSIC...LOTS OF CRAFTS PLACES AND SOUVENIR...SUMMER TIME SOME MEXICAN MUSIC PERFORMANCE...
Market Square Ataste of old Mexico Arts, craft and food in a unique market setting with over 50 specialty shops.
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It's a little known discovery that theres a Mexican Seafood restrurant in the market square. Its called La Jaiba. I recently discovered it on my last trip. This restrurant is NUMBER ONE!!! Oh my God, i couldn't believe how wonderful the food was, and how pleasant and informative the waiters and staff could be. We sat outside in the upstairs balcony, where the breeze was so nice, and the view was great. We had the most terrific time. Then afterwards we went downstairs to the club and danced the night away... this by far is the best place to go in the market square. You won't regret it. Leave a Comment Directions: Far end of the strip.
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The El Mercado is a festive and cultural shopping mecca situated adjacent to downtown San Antonio. However, each year the shops become more run down and the merchandise starts becoming overpriced junk. For instance, there are mass produced tinker toys and decorative art that have nothing to do with the Mexican culture and more suited for a fair booth.
The gem to find at the El Mercado are Day of the Dead sculpted dolls. Even then you must decide which are of good quality and which are overpriced cheap tourist traps. Look for ones that include symbolism and propaganda. For a small one, expect to pay about $30 and for a large one about $50 at the most, anything else is overpriced junk that is being exploited from the artist that they paid half of what they are charging.
Don't even bother with the Farmer's Market if you are wanting authentic Mexican merchandise, they are more like a flea market complete with Chinese retaurants. Definitely not the atmosphere the original Mercado is struggling to maintain.
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 El Mercado by StellalunaLeave a Comment Phone: 210-207-4287
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