Mapusa is a quite little town in Goa that does not offer much in terms of sightseeing attractions. But the charm of the town is the weekly Mapusa Friday Market that attracts tourist by scores. The Friday Market is a major market in Mapusa, North Goa and a major tourist attraction. It is located outside the Mapusa Municipal Market. Friday sees most housewives from Bardez and Tiswadi descend on the stalls selling a staggering variety of local produce brought in by farmers and small entrepreneurs from all over Goa, to sell directly to the consumer. The market winds up by dusk and Mapusa quickly gets back to normal, until the following Friday.
This market reflects the essence of Goa and it is a riot of color and noise. Goan women dressed in their colorful best come in from the surrounding villages to sell their locally grown or manufactured wares, including spices of all kind. A fresh fruit, mostly organically grown, is in abundance. It is well known for its jewelry, pottery, spice, and carpet shops. Many of the stalls in the bazaar are grouped by type of goods, with special areas for straw hats, Goan Homemade Churisso and the like. Once entering into the market, the elusive smell that twitches everyone’s nose is Goa’s secret ingredients for all those wonderful sweet and sour curries – round lump of seedless tamarind, or amot as it is known locally, is traded in great demand.
The best part of shopping in the Friday Market is, despite the good bargains, you are still expected to haggle. Never pay the first price asked, whether it is over trinkets, straw hats, dried fish or furniture. The best part about shopping in Goa is the local markets set up by small time traders who sell just about everything imaginable, ranging from spices and clothes to furniture. The Mapusa Friday Market, Goa is also one of the most popular markets in the state.
There are also a number of sari shops, goldsmith, tailors, and other service providing traders who sit at the Mapusa Friday Market. The small trinkets, earthen pots and coir mats are useful for daily use in homes. Furniture items are also quite popular among customers at the market. Most people who live locally around the town visit the Mapusa Friday Market to purchase their necessary supply of goods for consumption and usage for the entire week at one go.
