What awaits you at your local feria! Photo courtesy of "c o n s u e l o," flickr.
One of my favorite things about Chile is that there´s always an opportunity to go buy fresh produce, keeping you out of the big supermarkets and within the community—not to mention it´s considerably cheaper.
Chilean "ferias," best described as open-air markets, are similar to La Vega Central, but on a much smaller scale. They´re on your neighborhood sidewalk or street, occupying maybe a block or so, and are always reliable, because rain or shine, your local "feria" will be there on its designated day. Fresh produce is what you´ll find the most of, but there are always some random items dispersed throughout and generally fresh flowers.
Though many locals have fought against "ferias," due to the trash left behind, shouting vendors and unpleasant odors, they seem to have had little effect, as "ferias" live on as a grand Chilean tradition. According to the Cámara Nacional de Comercio (CNC) (National Chamber of Commerce) and Chiletabacos (British American Tobacco (Chile)) "ferias" in the Santiago region alone sell around $173 million CLP in products annually (around $350 million USD).
There are also other types of markets using "feria" in their title, such as "ferias artesanales," artesian markets, generally in set locations and open daily; a great example is the Santa Lucia Artesian Market—which really deserves its own article…stay tuned!
But the true "feria" is purchasing produce in your neighborhood, getting to know your trusted vendor who always has the best avocados. Though they´re always subject to change, here is a large list of "ferias" throughout the city, so that you too may save some money and support the community. Now, this is nowhere near a complete list, as there are too many, but it´s a start. The best way to find out if there´s a "feria" near you, and I assure you, there is, is ask a neighbor.
The Ñuñoa area:
Tuesday: Guillermo Mann, between Marathon and Pedro de Valdivia.
Wednesday: 1) Av. Matta Oriente, between Irarrázabal and Lo Encalada.
2) Ignacio Carrera Pinto with Santa Julia.
3) Emilia Tellez, between Coventry and Bremen.
Thursday: Nueva Dos, betweeb Marathon and Francisco Meneses.
Friday: 1) Guillermo Mann, between Marathon and Pedro de Valdivia.
2) Av. Grecia, between Ramón Cruz and Américo Vespucio.
3) Duble Almeyda, between Lo Plaza and Ramón Cruz.
Saturday: 1) Av. Matta Oriente, between Irarrázabal and Lo Encalada.
2) Emilia Tellez, between Coventry and Bremen.
3) San Eugenio, between Guillermo Mann and Carlos Ditborn.
4) Juan Gómez Millas, between Los Tres Antonios and Pedro de Valdivia.
Sunday: 1) Nueva Dos, between Marathon and Francisco Meneses.
2) Av. Grecia, between Ramón Cruz and Américo Vespucio.
3) Ortúzar, between Simón Bolívar and Las Verónicas.
The Providencia Area
Thursday and Sunday: Santa María (in front of Phillips)
Friday: Los Concilios with Renato Zanelli.
Saturday: Manuel Montt with Santa Isabel.
The Santiago Area
Tuesday: Ventura Lavalle, between Lira and Cuevas.
Wednesday: Coquimbo, between San Diego and Santa Rosa.
Friday: San Camilo, between Marín and Argomedo.
Sunday: 10 de julio, between Portugal and Vicuña Mackenna.
(*Note: All "ferias" in Santiago generally start early in the morning)
|
|
