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In this week’s ‘Memories of Casa de Campo’ post, Carol Burke remembers the weekly street market in La Romana town – which no longer takes place (I think..)
Whoever said money can’t buy happiness simply didn’t know where to go shopping. – Bo Derek
Every Friday La Romana had a street market where wayfaring vendors sold their products in the streets near downtown.
Street Market
I remember one man who brought only a dozen heads of garlic to the market. He displayed the garlics on a small white cloth on the sidewalk. Although he did not have much to sell, he seemed to enjoy being there and interacting with all the people. But most of the vendors had a large product offering.
Shoes and Handbags at the Friday Market
There was always a big crowd of shoppers inspecting these items for sale.
Customer looking at cloth
The merchandise was displayed in the street so the sidewalks and center would be clear for browsing.
Shoes for sale in front of the Electronics Store
These customers are happy to find a good variety of dishes for sale.
Happy shoppers picking out plates and bowls
Not only shoes, clothing, and kitchen ware, but fabrics and tablecloths were also on hand for the bargain hunters.
Checking out the clothing and fabric lengths
The stream of shoppers at the Friday market had a good time, and the vendors seemed to do well too.
La Romana shoppers and vendors assemble every Friday
Two blocks of the street on the market side of town was always crowded with people buying, selling, bargaining, and just looking. Everyone came to the Friday market from barefoot country folk to well-dressed townspeople.
Country woman bundling up her belongings
Shopping finally done, people gathered up their purchases and headed home.
