On a recent cultural trip to Mexico City I went with a group of ladies and our amazing guide Juan Carlos to the San Angel Mercado (market) and art fair which is held each Saturday in San Angel a charming part of Mexico City. It was love at first sight for me because I adore the old world environment and vibe.
From the narrow cobblestone streets, to the tree lined plazas and the beautiful colonial haciendas it is total bliss. After a few days of constant movement, visiting museums and historical sites, it was nice to relax and take in the local neighborhood that is populated by local artists and artisans each Saturday.
When you first arrive in San Angel you see the Plaza Del Carmen with the local artists showing their paintings and handi-crafts. There is a varied assortment of styles and price ranges. I became obsessed with a Cuban artist and his silk screens of Frida Khalo. He goes by the name of Mecánica Distributiva Art Project.
After my art purchase from the Mecánica Distributiva Art Project we headed up the cobblestone road to the local restaurant Chucho el Roto for fantastic Mexican fare accompanied by my favorite fresh green juice and topped off for desert a coconut flan.
After lunch we headed up the hill to the Jardin Del Arte which is a beautiful garden filled with more local artists. Around the Jardin Del Arte are high end shops selling more art, fashion, home décor and jewelry. Further, there are trendy and local restaurants offering a varied selection of food and libations many with life music.
To the right of the Jardin Del Arte sits the Plaza San Jacito a red colonial hacienda with a breathtaking central garden that has been transformed into a restaurant. The Hacienda itself features exquisite local artists and varying types of a crafts. I am crazy for the ceramics mixed with silver, the clothes and handmade jewelry reminiscent of the kind Frida Kahlo wore.
The Mercado San Angel is a fantastic place to visit on a Saturday while in Mexico City because it combines the charming neighborhood of San Angel with local art, great restaurants, music and fashion.