What is it about October? If I was still living in Mill Valley (California), this weekend I’d probably be joining friends in Golden Gate Park at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in San Francisco. Of course, I’d have to weigh the days and times of “can’t miss” performers with “must see” films at the Mill Valley Film Festival, which opened October 2 — not to mention trying to catch the San Francisco Giants post-season games. Here in Oaxaca, the song is the same! The Oaxaca FilmFest opened Friday night (Oct. 4) and runs through October 11. Yesterday, the Día del Amaranto (Day of Amaranth) festival was held in the Plaza de la Danza. In addition, during the week, various communities, both in the city and out, are celebrating the Virgen del Rosario (more to come on this).
AND, on Friday and Saturday Oaxaca city’s Mercado Organico (also known as, Pochote-Xochimilco or Pochimilco) located in the plaza of Templo de Santo Tomas Xochimilco, celebrated its 11th anniversary. There was music, folkloric dancers, stalls filled with food and drink, and people (including me) enjoying it all.
The produce at this stand was SO fresh and tempting, even though I didn’t need anything!
Lucky for me, I found the gal who sells my favorite jamaica (hibiscus) concentrate, as I’d run out last week.
Then there was this guy selling jars of homemade chutney. He even remembered me, even though I hadn’t been there for several months! I wanted them all, but managed to restrain myself and come home with just the peach chutney.
The chutney samples were offered on tostadas with a small slice of queso de cabra (goat cheese). ¡My sabroso! “Where?” I asked. “Right over there,” he answered. I made a beeline for the aisle where he pointed and bought some of this yummy cheese.
As always, whenever I venture up the hill to the organic market, I came home with way more than I can possibly eat in a week. Guess I need a little help from my friends. ¡Feliz cumpleaños, Pochimilco! — another of Oaxaca’s treasures.
For more on the market, check out the Pochimilco page on the Oaxaca Wiki.
Mexican Peso Converter
View From Casita Colibrí 
i wish I could be right over to help you!
Wish you could, too! However, it sounds like you are enjoying life in el norte.
Chutney with goat cheese must me a taste treat from heaven! 17 days…
Oaxaca is getting to be quite the foodie heaven!
And who could resist buying from a young person with a smile like his!
Certainly not me!
I think I’ll bring some friends over to the 11 year and 1 week celebration this Friday!
This is the market where I suggested we meet all those moons ago! Take a look at the Pochote Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/mercadopochotexochimilco
Nice photo of Santiago! Adding a link to this story from our Pochimilco Wiki http://oaxaca.wikispaces.com/pochimilco
Thanks Ron! And, I will add a link to the Pochimilco Wiki.