To the anger of vendors, Guadalajara city hall has shut down the Saturday “bohemian” market that occupies the Parque Revolución (also known as Parque Rojo), located at the intersection of Avenida Juarez and Calzada Federalismo.
This informal, laid-back market attracts around 1,000 independent vendors selling a variety of artisan goods, handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, vintage items, books and memorabilia.
City authorities sealed off the park last week, announcing plans for major renovations to be completed in time for next year’s soccer World Cup.
Although the market is unlicensed and largely unregulated, city hall officials met with vendor representatives and stated they would try to relocate the stallholders.
Government Secretary General Manuel Romo Parra pointed out that there are spaces available in other markets, including some within the popular “Tianguis Cultural,” which also takes place on Saturdays by the entrance to Agua Azul Park.
This week, some vendors protested outside city hall in response to the closure. “This took us by surprise, and we demand to be allowed to work,” said Nelly Navarro, the leader of the vendors. “We don’t want to be relocated. Many of us are single mothers or elderly, and we depend on Parque Rojo for our livelihood.”
Navarro stated that vendors might be willing to contribute financially to the renovations if allowed to remain in the park.
According to the Guadalajara Public Works Department, the renovation of Parque Revolución will take five months and require an investment of 23 million pesos (approximately. US$1.17 million).