Mercado da Madalena, monument in Pernambuco, Brazil
The Mercado da Madalena is a market building in Recife containing roughly 180 stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and meat across nearly 1000 square meters. The administrative area retains its original design, while ground-level spaces have been updated to accommodate restrooms and storage areas.
The market was founded on February 6, 1925 and opened on October 19 that same year with the governor Sérgio Loreto present. The Madalena neighborhood had previously been a sugar-producing area during the colonial period before becoming an important commercial center.
The Mercado da Madalena serves as a gathering place where local residents shop and socialize, with vendors who know their regular customers by name. The market keeps alive traditional food practices and regional recipes passed down through families.
The market operates from 6 in the morning until 6 in the evening Monday through Saturday, with Sunday hours ending at noon. It is an accessible location where visitors can walk freely and select fresh products directly from the stalls.
The market was originally known as Mercado do Bacurau because it operated at night and served as a popular gathering spot for evening revelers. A historic coat of arms of Recife was discovered and restored to the facade during a 1982 renovation and remains visible today.
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