Mercado Sonora — Attraction in Mexico City

Mercado de Sonora has changed over the years. Once one of the largest medicinal herb markets in the world, most herb dealers are gone and it has degenerated into a market of mostly cheap imported junk merchandise. It is a dangerous and gang controlled. It is a labyrnith of small stalls selling all kinds of charms, chrystals, insence, budas, curing powders, essences, colored oils. A few herb stalls are still here, but mostly selling herbs that are used in ritualist practices like "limpias" or " "soul cleanings." There are still some stalls selling pottery, traditional wooden utensils, and containers. Most distressing is the animal side of the market. Puppies, kittens, birds of all kinds, young goats, and all kinds of small animals are kept in abusive and distressing conditions, especiallly the puppies and kittens. I saw no water available in any of the puppy and kitten cages and enclosures. I saw only 5-8 week old puppies and kittens. They cannot all be sold and one must wonder what happens to those that age out. Goats and rosters were crowded in standing room only cages and enclosures. The animal part of the market is troubling and well below acceptable conditions. This is why I give the one star rating. I will not return to this market and I implore anyone concerned with animal rights and well being to not come and support the cruel conditions of the...

The market is fantastic, but, sadly, I was attacked at knife point on Sunday, June 30, 2019. The very well dressed criminal held a 10" long knife to my throat. He cut my finger with the knife while forcing me violently to the ground. I have broken ribs, and a possible fracture of the coccyx, along with knife wounds. I carry pepper spray, a personal alarm, and a loud whistle. He was in my face with his knife at my throat so fast, I had no time to react effectively. He stole my new white Samsung Galaxy S10+. He dropped the knife and people have told me it is decorated in the manner of witchcraft. This attack occurred in the Mercado de Brujería (witchcraft). If you go to this, or any of the markets, ask a police officer to accompany you. I am a 68 year old lifelong seasoned lady traveler with years in Mexico. I still love my Querido Mexico, but it is becoming more dangerous, as are many parts of the world. To the thug who attacked me, I tell you that there is no room on this earth for people like you. You will suffer greatly in your life, while contributing nothing to the betterment of life. I curse you. I saw the Devil in your eyes. Suffer for your...

As a tourist who loves a market, I wouldn’t recommend this one. Not even for the ‘witchy’ bit at the back which was just candles and weird potions, same in stall after stall. It was so busy (apparently is all week) and claustrophobic as lanes between stalls very narrow. Felt very unfriendly from vendors and locals, not welcoming and smiley like loads of the other markets we visited. The area is hard to get to as it’s just full on traffic until closing time and apparently not a very safe area for a tourist but we wanted to experience it.

A lot of the stalls were exactly the same. Loads of plastic party tat and incense stalls. We were here close Halloween and Day of the Dead so all themed on this.

Worst thing about this market is the fact it sells live animals. There were around 30 kittens in one cramped cage and some not responsive. No water in any of the cages. We saw the woman pick up 6 tiny chihuahua puppies at once just by their legs and they were all crying with the pain. If I could save all these puppies I would and it left me heartbroken. It’s sad Mexico City still allows this to happen.

Just don’t bother! Smelly,...