Mercado Sánchez Pascuas Oaxaca City , Mexico There ’ s something magical about visiting a country ’ s food markets during a time of cultural celebration . A trip to Oaxaca City ’ s Mercado Sánchez Pascuas downtown night market during Dia de los Muertos ( Day of the Dead ) festivities in early November is a life-affirming experience , providing brilliant insight into Mexican heritage and customs . Rows of traditional Oaxacan food stalls scent the air with the aroma of chocolatey mole , cinnamon-infused atole and steamy corn tamales . But during
The Unique World of Night Markets
Dia de Los Muertos , an extra layer of tradition blankets the market , when ceremonial altars are erected . Flickering beeswax candles , photos of beloved family members and pungent marigolds decorate these altars , both honoring and celebrating the dead . For something really unique to this experience , alfeñiques or calaveritas de azúcar are a fusion of food and Day of the Dead tradition ; these edible sugar goodies crafted into skulls , flowers and skeletons and covered in multi-colored icing invite you to sweetly celebrate the departed .
Marrakech Jemaa el-Fnaa Night Market Marrakech , Morocco Have you ever felt truly immersed in a place … like every cell , every breath , every sense in your body and mind were permeated ? The Marrakech Jemaa el-Fnaa Night Market is an immersion of this magnitude . With each step , spicy scents , fascinating architecture , people dressed in traditional textiles and yes , even cobra charmers wrap you up in intrigue . And although a fraction of this is for the benefit of tourists , the core of this market , located in the historic medina of Marrakech , remains grounded and true to daily Moroccan tradition and heritage . In fact , Jemaa el-Fnaa is so historic and iconic , that it ’ s designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . This place is a sensory feast , but you ’ ll want to focus on the food . Take your time taming the North African evening heat on your skin , and start with a refreshing Moroccan mint tea . Next , let your nose lead you to the smells of mechoui ( spit-roasted goat ), accompanied by traditional bread and chili paste . Leave room for a dessert of sfenj – golden , piping-hot sugared donuts . You may now wipe your brow .
Moroccan Mint Tea
Traditional Sugar Skulls
14 · ESCAPE Spring 2024