The history of this market dates back to the 19th century, specifically to the beginning of 1861, right in the atrium of the temple of La Merced, a sanctuary that is currently located between Avenida Independencia and Manuel Doblado Street; where citizens from different parts of the Central valleys of Oaxaca met to offer their products.With the passage of time and with the growth of the city, in 1908, right at the time of the Porfiriato, the governor of the state at that time, allocated a budget for the construction of a suitable space for the different merchants who worked in the atrium of the temple of La Merced and thus eradicate the bad appearance of one of the main streets that led to the municipal cemetery.
More than 60 years later, and with the imminent modernization of the city, in 1972, it was agreed to move the market of La Merced to a site more suited to its needs, establishing it a few blocks east of the temple where it originally began; exactly on José M. Morelos Avenue, in concordance with Nicolás del Puerto Street, where the Mercado de la Merced, also called “Mercado Democracia”, is still standing today. Its inauguration took place one year after its planning, precisely on March 1, 1973; since then, different merchants obtained a space in the market to offer their gastronomy and products to the Oaxacan population, as well as national and foreign visitors.
The Merced market has been in its current location for more than 50 years, and like other markets in the city, it has gained great prestige and popularity, which over the decades has preserved its structure and essence, in addition to housing more than 250 tenants; this site has dining rooms, where exquisite Oaxacan breakfasts and meals are offered, such as mole, memelas, tlayudas, enfrijoladas, entomatadas, enchiladas, eggs to order, roasted meats, barbecue, stews, empanadas, and other culinary dishes; It also has a juice bar section, vegetable, fruit, tortillas, and grocery store, decorative items, clothing, and toy stores, a meat section for beef, pork, and chicken, bread and egg yolk bread section. It is worth mentioning that the Mercado Democracia has public restrooms, both outside and inside, as well as a Banorte ATM, magazine stands, and eight entrances: six on Morelos Avenue, including two parking lots, one for customers and one for unloading merchandise, and another 2 entrances on Nicolás del Puerto Street.
Finally, the merchants and administrators of the Merced Market celebrate the 24th of September in honor of the Virgin of Mercy, since its origins come from this temple. For that date, events such as calendas, masses, offerings of water and traditional meals are organized for visitors and locals.
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