As Guadalajara gears up for the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) celebrations next Thursday and Friday, the traditional market in Parque Morelos is once again open for business, selling all manner of traditional foods, toys, trinkets and material for altars.
The toys and paper crafts fair (Feria del Carton y del Juguete) is found on San Diego, the road that flanks the northern side of the park on Calzada Independencia, a few blocks from the San Juan de Dios Market. It opened on October 15 and runs until December 31 (it becomes a Christmas market after Day of the Dead) with opening hours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. More than 150 vendors are plying their trade at this year’s market.
Adorning many of the handicraft stalls are various manifestations of Catrina, the lady of the dead, which come in all colors and sizes. Edible items include the traditional sweet “bread of the dead” (pan de los muertos) and candy skulls that can be personalized with the name of your loved ones.