A Glimpse into Tlacolula’s Sunday Market
Welcome to our new weekly feature, Photo of the Week! Each week, we’ll be sharing an image that captures a special moment from one of our adventures here in Mexico.
This week’s photo takes us to the vibrant heart of Oaxaca—the Tlacolula Sunday Market. Held every week in this charming town just outside Oaxaca City, the market is a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and flavors. It’s a place where tradition comes alive and the energy is absolutely infectious.
In the foreground of our photo, you can see three women deep in an animated conversation. Their lively chat perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the market—it’s more than just a place to shop. It’s a social hub, a community gathering, and a place to catch up on the week’s news.
Why We Love the Tlacolula Market
What makes this market so special? For one, it’s a feast for the senses. The stalls are piled high with an incredible variety of products, from fresh, colorful produce you’ve never seen before to artisan crafts and delicious, ready-to-eat street food. You can wander for hours, discovering everything from traditional Oaxaca textiles to sizzling tlayudas and roasted grasshoppers.
The market is also one of the oldest and most authentic in Oaxaca. It’s where people from surrounding villages come to sell their goods and where you can witness ancient traditions still thriving. If you’re looking for a genuine slice of Mexican culture, this is it.
Our students at Ideal Spanish Mexico often visit the Tlacolula market as part of their immersion experience. It’s the perfect place to practice your Spanish in real-life situations, bargain with vendors, and get a true taste of local life.
Stay tuned for next week’s Photo of the Week! What kind of places would you like to see featured? Let us know in the comments!

Admiring the miraculous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the sacred tilma, here in Mexico City.
This incredible piece of history and faith is a must-see. Explore the rich culture and traditions of Mexico!
Spirituality in Mexico is incredibly diverse, and sometimes difficult for outsiders to understand. This is a follower of La Santa Muerte in the Mexico City neighborhood of La Merced, just a block away from the Palacio Nacional, which is the seat of the Mexican government.
Mexico is a country rich with images you’ll want to cherish for a lifetime. In today’s world, we’d say it’s highly “Instagrammable.” That’s why, every Monday, we’ll feature an interesting, beautiful, or curious photo that captures this country’s vibrant color, life, culture, and surreal beauty.