The Zócalo in Oaxaca

Zócalo is an interesting word, because it refers to a particular architectural feature, namely a plinth or a pedestal, on which a great monument would be erected.  In Mexico, however, it refers very specifically to the Main city square, which is where the cathedral or main parish church is to be found, and also the principal government building. 

This is the facade of the Cathedral of Oaxaca.  Pictures of the inside will follow in a later post...
The zócalo is to be found to the right side as you face the cathedral. 

On two sides of the square there are restaurants, bars, ice cream shops, and a few high-end retail shops like a shoe store and clothing store.  The center of the square has shade trees, a fountain and a bandstand.  It was a great place to have breakfast one morning.  Wish I could remember the name of the place where I enjoyed huevos a la Oaxaqueña, which is scrambled eggs in salsa verde with Oaxacan string cheese, with a side of refried beans (black beans, not pinto beans) and fresh fruit. 

Early in the morning, it was quite refreshing to eat outside and to watch the vendors set up their goods. 

Above you can see the Government building in the background.

What looks like a calm and serene setting here in the morning becomes chaotic with crowds of people of every age in the evening.  Not only are there vendors of clothing, jewelry, embroidered tablecloths, ceramics, and basketry, there are musicians.  In one evening I heard including a mandolin and guitar group, a mariachi band, and an ensemble of xylophones.  Families gather in the zocalo, too, to enjoy the festive atmosphere.  Vendors were selling toys and balloons -- and some of the balloons were probably 12 feet long and children were laughing chasing them all over. 

Above you can see some of those enormous balloon that the vendors were selling and that children were chasing.  A clever idea for an simple, inexpensive, but entertaining toy. 

This is my favorite picture of a vendor on the zócalo: