It is almost hard to remember the cold, wind, rain and some snow days of winter when the sun has come out so bright to greet us. Incredible how fast the trees are getting their leaves and more flowers blooming. So was a perfect morning to visit the local Fresh Market next to the park where I live. It was Sunshine, Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers and More!
Everybody loves to enjoy an outside market such a special tradition that you can feel the history and heritage of all cultures celebrating the fresh garden gifts plucked from the tree and brought out fresh from the ground.
Spain is known for its local markets and every town, village, and city has weekly markets some twice a week for locals and visitors to enjoy.
My local fresh market is open on MARtes (Tuesday) and Viernes (Friday). Let’s learn some of the history to MARtes or Tuesday. Mars (Latin: Mars, Martis) was the Roman god of war and also an agricultural guardian, a combination characteristic of early Rome. How perfect that Martes relating to agriculture is one of the days of my local fresh market – fitting in that I also am living in the city of Lugo (named Lugos for the pan-celtic god of Light) an ancient Roman City formerly known as Lucus Agusti dating back to the 13 BC.
Back to Mars… in the Greco-Roman tradition Mars was second in importance only to Jupiter. Most Mars festivals were held in March, the month named for him (Latin Martius), and in October, which began and ended the season for military campaigning and farming.
The markets in all cities, villages and towns were special meeting places that provided not only the exchange of goods and services but that of vital information – a place to take care of family errands and catch up on local news. Something still popular today and is a very special experience when one gets to do it Open Air and Fresh Market Style!
