The Weekly Market of Santa Teresa, Nicoya

Community and Organic Living in Paradise

The Nicoya Peninsula is a magnet for expatriates from all over the world. Many of them came for a couple of weeks and stayed forever. Following in the footsteps of Nicolas Wessberg and Karen Mogensen, two Europeans who came to this area in the 1960s, expatriates seek to live in harmony with the nature that surrounds them.

The Santa Teresa weekly market, held every Saturday, is an example of this ideology. Several people, including locals and expats, set up a sale of organic products. It is not just a place to trade, it is a place to share with the community.

The producers of Santa Teresa

Before talking about the products we usually see in this market, it would be good to talk about who produces them. Avoiding agrochemicals and pesticides, people have their own personal gardens at home. Part of what is harvested here ends up in the market. The rest is consumed at home in various dishes ranging from salads to stews and soups.

These producers are pensioners, retirees, and some who work remotely or seasonally. Others are full-time and visit other markets. Among these are those who make bread, honey, and other prepared products

The Market products

Among the items we can find are fruits such as cape gooseberries, papayas, bananas, oranges, coconuts, and watermelons. Everyday vegetables such as plantains, cucumbers, lettuce, and tomatoes. There are also herbs such as chamomile, cilantro, coyote cilantro, spinach, and celery.
For fans of nuts, there are cashew seeds, a very popular fruit whose seeds are dried and have a texture and flavor similar to peanuts. In addition, there are products such as homemade bread, bottled honey, and spices such as salt and pepper, among others. Prices are generally affordable. There are products in bags that sell for 1,000 colones, about two US dollars. Other products are sold by the piece, such as bananas and papayas.

A place to meet people

Those who participate in the market know each other. What is supposed to be a commercial activity becomes more of a social gathering among friends. Some bring their instruments and entertain with a little music. Any questions from customers are answered promptly and kindly. It is a good opportunity to get food for dinner and also to have a pleasant conversation with the locals. If you are close to the area and you are free, come to the market and take a look.