If you like awesome steals, souvenirs for the family, and unique antiques with a good story, San Telmo Flea Market would be your Mecca! Fortunately, on Sunday, May 24th, we had the opportunity to experience this shopping pilgrimage. Every Sunday morning and afternoon, the streets of the historic district of San Telmo are flooded with vendors and shoppers eager to take part in the largest flea market in South America. Vendors set up their booths, selling anything from homemade leather purses to antique silverware sets. While the market is especially attractive to tourists and outsiders, the atmosphere also attacks the everyday Porteños with its live performances and welcoming atmosphere.
The market started off small- originally, it was just an antique market for residents in the center plaza in San Telmo. However, over the years it has grown! Keeping to tradition, the majority of the antique booths remain in the center plaza, while the other homemade goods and food are set up on the surrounding streets. While I did not take part in purchasing any of the antiques, I was able to snag a few souvenirs for the family (and of course a few things for myself!) My purchases include personalized mate cups, homemade leather purses, Argentina magnets, and a leather bracelet.
After the group met back up in the Plaza de Mayo, we grabbed a quick lunch and returned to the hotel to take a much needed siesta. When I woke up, I met up with some friends and we walked back to Plaza de Mayo to partake in day 1 of their Independence Day celebrations. Formally known as 25 de Mayo, this holiday celebrates the signing of the Argentine Declaration of Independence, officially proclaiming their separation from Spain on May 25, 1810. The location of the event is particularly special for this event- at the west side of the plaza is the actual building that the declaration was signed!
During the festivities, Argentinians from all over fled to Plaza de Mayo the night before the actual holiday to listen to live music and eat street meats. We were immersed to famous Argentine singers and ate authentic choripan. While we waited for (what seemed like a century) to get our street meat, the indulgence of grilled sausage, chimichurri, tomatoes, and onions was well worth the wait! We finished our sandwiches and ended the evening feeling like real Porteños.
