Mapusa friday market is a vibrant weekly bazaar that takes place every Friday in the town of Mapusa, about 13 km from the capital city of Panaji.
While the bazaar is open from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am to 7 pm but on Friday, the market gets super active, making it the best day to visit and explore.
Mapusa Market is famous for an incredible variety of items ranging from antiques and Goan pottery, clothing, Goan meats and the freshest sea food, spices etc and the prices are very cheap and negotiable.
Note from Tripoto Editors:
In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Mapusa friday market. We have sourced verified information from our community as well as the internet to craft this comprehensive guide for you. Read on.
What is Mapusa Friday Market and Why is it Famous?
The name “mapusa” comes from the Konkani word “map”, which means “measure”. This refers to the tradition of measuring the goods and products at the market, instead of weighing them. The market has been around for centuries, and it was originally a place where farmers and traders from nearby villages would come to sell their produce and wares. Over time, the market grew and expanded, attracting more vendors and customers from all over Goa and beyond.
Visiting Mapusa Friday Market:
Today, the mapusa friday market is one of the largest and most diverse markets in Goa, and it attracts thousands of visitors every week. The market is famous not only for its products and goods, but also for its atmosphere and culture. It’s a place where you can experience the hustle and bustle of Goa and witness the diversity and richness of its people and heritage, take pictures, or just walk around exploring the hustle and bustle.
You can also buy the freshest fish (and local varieties like Chonak and Modso) and seafood here along with local food products like pickles, dried fish, Goan chorizo, local sweets like bebinca and dodol, cashew nuts. You can also buy carpets, home made products.
Top stuff to buy: Goan chourizo, kunbi sarees, pottery, Goan breads, fresh fish, cashews, seedless tamarind.
If you get hungry while in the market, you can visit Café Xavier's Mapusa.
"If you have never experienced entering a restaurant and small plates of food being served to you at your table without you even calling for it , this is the right place to go experience that. Café Xavier's is very well known for its small plates of Goan snacks like potato chops , Croquettes, cutlets , rolls etc. Besides this they also serve a great variety of Goan food , drinks and fresh juices" – Rachael Pereira
What are the Products and Goods Available at the Market
You can find almost anything you need, and more, at the market, and at reasonable prices. Here are some of the products and goods that you can find at the market, and how to bargain for them:
Clothes and Accessories: for men, women, and children and accessories, such as hats, scarves, belts, bags, sunglasses, and more.
Pottery and Handicrafts: such as bowls, plates, cups, vases, handicrafts, such as paintings, sculptures, masks, dolls, and more, made from different materials, such as wood, metal, clay etc.
Spices, Fruits, Dried Fruits, Vegetables and Flowers: such as turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, seed-less tamarind (amot), cloves, and more, in different forms, such as whole, powdered, or mixed. You can also find fruits, such as mangoes, bananas, pineapples, papayas etc.
Antiques and Curios: You can find antiques, such as coins, stamps, books, and more, in different ages, such as colonial, pre-colonial, or ancient.
What are the Timings and Best Time to Visit the Market?
The mapusa friday market is open every Friday, from 8 am to 6 pm. However, the best time to visit the market depends on your preferences and goals. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best time to visit the market:
Crowd: The market is usually crowded throughout the day, but it gets especially busy in the morning and in the evening. If you want to avoid the crowd, you might want to visit the market in the afternoon, when it’s less crowded and more relaxed.
Weather: The market is open all year round, but the weather can vary depending on the season. If you want to avoid the heat and the humidity, you might want to visit the market in the winter, from November to February, when it’s cooler and drier.
Availability: The market offers a wide range of products and goods, but some of them might not be available at all times. If you want to find the best and the freshest products and goods, you might want to visit the market in the morning, when the vendors arrive with their new stock and supplies.
Places to Eat and Visit around Mapusa Market
• Café Xavier's Mapusa - small plates
• Soul Curry Multicuisine Restaurant & bar - fish thali is recommended here
• Matsya Restaurant
• Le Jardin
Places to visit near Mapusa Market:
• Our Lady of the Flight Church, Mapusa
• Milagres Church, Mapusa
• St. Cajetan Church
• Harvelam falls, Rudreshwar Temple and Harvalem caves - 30 km from Mapusa
What are the History and Culture of the Market and its Vendors?
The market dates back to the pre-colonial era, when Goa was ruled by various dynasties, such as the Kadambas, the Vijayanagaras, the Bahmanis, and the Adil Shahis. The market was a hub of trade and commerce, where goods and products from different regions and countries, such as Arabia, Persia, China, and Portugal, were exchanged and sold.
The market also witnessed the arrival and influence of the Portuguese, who conquered Goa in 1510 and ruled it for over 450 years. The market was a place where the Portuguese and the Goans interacted and intermingled, creating a unique and hybrid culture and identity.
The vendors at the market are mostly locals, who have been selling their goods and products at the market for generations. The market and its vendors are a living testimony of the history and culture of Goa, and they offer a glimpse into the past and present of this coastal state.
What are the Tips and Tricks to Enjoy the Market
Arrive early: If you want to beat the crowd and the heat, you might want to arrive at the market as early as possible, preferably before 9 am.
Carry cash: The market is mostly a cash-only place, and you might not find many ATMs or card machines nearby.
Dress comfortably: The market can get hot and humid, especially in the summer, and you might have to walk a lot and carry a lot of stuff.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your visit to the mapusa friday market today and discover and enjoy Goa’s most vibrant and colourful bazaar. You won’t regret it, we promise!
