Market scenes and street life in Oaxaca

The large covered markets in Oaxaca are crowded, colorful, confusing, and fun. So is the Zocalo. And street life in general is full of life. Here are a few pictures just to give a flavor. There are three or four balloon vendors walking the Zocalo and the square in front of the church at any given time.

Numerous small groups of musicians ply their trade.
And the covered markets provide some color.Another market stall featuring grasshoppers and other stuff.

The meat section of the covered market. Temperature in the 90s and no refrigeration.
I plant myself in the middle of one of the many celebrations on the Zocalo! By the way the second story behind me is one of the more famous restaurants in Oaxaca - La Casa de la Abuela. The food is good, but the view of the life on the Zocalo is outstanding - get a balcony seat.
Just couldn't resist taking this picture of incredible colorful clothing. Lots of folks wear ethnic designs for celebrations.
Advertising the local pharmacy. Many celebrations use puppets as part of the processions. We saw puppet bride and grooms in several wedding processions.
Colonial balconies line the streets. I thought this was an imaginative use of one.
Really good street food was plentiful and cheap. These tortillas cost 7 pesos - about 60 Cents American. They were excellent and you had a lot of choice about the fillings.
Yes, people still do carry things around on their head. They are balanced on a scarf that is wrapped around the top of the head and the basket sits on top. It is quite amazing to see a woman carring glasses of some kind of drink on her head in the Zocalo.
Colonial architecture with balconies predominates in the central city area. Buildings are colorful.
All in all, it is quite a riot for the senses.