I know that in the world there are bazaars and sales fairs; and perhaps the atmosphere may be similar. However, I highly doubt that outside of Cuba there are experiences similar to this one. The agricultural fairs on Saturdays on Céspedes Avenue in Santiago de Cuba have become a unique phenomenon. It is the day when trucks loaded with vegetables and root vegetables arrive from other municipalities to sell their products. The peasant or the agricultural cooperative benefits because they sell directly without intermediaries their products at a better price, and the people who buy benefit from cheaper prices. So for the population, it is a good opportunity to buy more with the same amount of money or buy the same and save a little.
It is a picturesque atmosphere although it can be turbulent. With each vendor announcing their product, the calls overlap. People ordering their products increase the hustle and bustle, the city which, during the massive migration of its children, remains silent on Saturdays seems to come back to life.
However, caution is necessary. The crowds always attract the worst of opportunists. It is better to go with just enough money for the purchase and without cell phones to avoid being pickpocketed. It is also necessary to pay attention to the scale, there is always someone trying, and often succeeding, to reduce a few grams and ounces.
An opportunity that few know about occurs in the afternoons, when with fewer crowds and looking to sell everything, some products are discounted between 10 and 20%. Of course, by this time the variety of offerings has decreased significantly.
Today it is almost a ritual in the city, to wait for Saturday to shop at the agricultural fair. Although, if you don't like lines and crowds, it is an activity you should avoid.
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