El Parián

El Parián is a historic marketplace in downtown Puebla featuring roughly 112 permanent vendor stalls housed within traditional brick structures adorned with colorful Talavera tile work. The stalls are arranged along stone-paved alleys and interior courtyards that create covered shopping passages.

The marketplace was founded in 1760 and became an important trading hub for caravans moving goods between coastal and inland cities until the early 1800s. It served as a crucial commercial junction during the colonial and early independent periods.

The marketplace is a gathering place where local artisans continue to practice and sell handmade crafts passed down through their families. You can watch potters, silversmiths, and papermakers at work as you walk through the covered passages and courtyards.

The marketplace is located in the southeastern part of the historic center and is open daily for visitors wanting to browse, shop, or simply walk around. The covered courtyards and alleys protect you from the sun and rain while you explore the different vendor areas.

Following a major renovation in 1961, the market shifted from functioning as a simple secondhand goods bazaar into a dedicated hub for traditional craftsmanship. This transformation showed Puebla's commitment to preserving and promoting artisan skills passed down through generations.