Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The spirit and soul of a local Mexican market was alive and well on Sunday, October 30, the opening day of the La Cruz de Huanacaxtle open-air market.

Bustling with sounds, sights and a veritable feast of goodies ranging from custom made bikinis, organic eggplants and arugula, exotic spices and salsas, cured hams and Italian sausages, yummy baked goods, fresh pastas, hand-milled soaps, handcrafted jewelry, chic clothing and flowers. To participate in the market the vendors have to make it or grow it themselves, i.e., everything is local and sustainable, and they love sharing their stories.

Here are a few tales heard that Sunday: the Higuera Blanca women’s co-op cultural reference that making tie dye pillows and bags from recycled materials was similar to making tamales; the woman making beautiful jewelry from antique silver patterns adorned with exotic pearls telling the history of the silver patterns and where that particular piece was found including scouring the antique markets of Mexico City, being greeted by a Dotson dog decked out in a collar and leash to coordinate with his owners colorful macramé sandals; the oohlalla French pastry chef hawking delicious croissants and the lady selling “orgasmic organic foods” as her T shirt boldly stated.

This local and sustainable market is set against the background of the sea complete with a musician playing his guitar. Open Sundays from 10 am to 3 pm, the market is located next to the Fish Market at the northeast end of the Riviera Nayarit La Cruz Marina.