At 6:00 pm, vendors begin to occupy Acosta Passage in downtown San Salvador to offer their products, popular not only for their freshness but also for their affordable prices. This is the downtown San Salvador Night Market.

The downtown San Salvador Night Market is a gem that not many know about. We refer to it as a 'gem' not because of its visual appeal but because you can find a wide variety of products at lower prices in this place.

Located in front of the Los Ilustres cemetery, the nighttime activity of the market contrasts sharply with its neighboring area, where a display of colorful fruits, the hustle and bustle of people buying, and vendors inviting you to try their products take place.

Around 5:00 pm, Acosta Passage begins to fill with trucks transporting fresh vegetables and fruits, ready to take home or be resold. Little by little, awnings are raised for the merchants to use, or vegetable baskets are simply displayed on plastic to avoid contact with the ground.

In this place, you can find everything from common vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, green beans, or carrots, to seasonal fruits like jocotes and mangoes.

Hours and Prices

The nighttime market starts at 6:00 pm and ends at 6:00 am seven days a week, making it a good alternative for people who work during the day and don't have time to do their shopping before returning home, as is the case with Margarita Melara, who was doing her shopping at the market.

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However, this is not the only advantage of this place; the nighttime market is visited by a large number of people due to its lower prices and variety of products.

"It's easier for those of us who work, and the prices are quite affordable, so that's why we come at night, to see if we can buy a little better," said Margarita.

"Here the price is lower than if you buy in the (traditional) market because, since you buy in bulk here, all the product comes from Sonsonate, La Libertad, from the irrigation areas," explained merchant Mateo Luna.

Prices may vary depending on the availability of products, and in Margarita's case, she has noticed an increase in certain products such as avocado, onion, tomato, egg, cheese, and cream.

On the other hand, the vendor believes that the products that have increased the most in price are lemons, which are sold at four for $1, and cabbage, which is priced at $5.

"The price is managed according to the market, for example, right now cabbage is very expensive, right now a cabbage costs $5. The price of tomatoes has gone down so it's like compensating, what you can't consume in one product then you take in another product," evaluates merchant Luna.

Some citizens believe that while the market is cheaper than usual, prices have risen over time.

"There is an increase, I came three months ago and yes, there is, it's not the fault of the vendors but everything has gone up (in price)," said the buyer.

How to Get There

The market atmosphere is quite dynamic and populous, people walk or buy from their vehicles, as there is no parking. Those who are luckier manage to park their vehicles on the edge of 15th South Avenue.

The location is accessible for those traveling by public transport, as there is a nearby bus stop on 17th South Avenue, just 3 minutes away. Likewise, there are three bus routes that can take you there, namely R101-1, R3, R42B.

Additionally, the market has stands selling typical food and snacks so you can treat yourself to a snack after your shopping session. In these stands, you can find the classic pupusas and typical dinners like plantains with cream and beans, or snacks like crazy corn.

Origin of the Night Market

The idea of the market arose during the Covid-19 pandemic when markets were closed due to biosafety measures, a cooperative of vendors was formed, and nighttime sales began.

"People came at night always needing products like vegetables and others that are needed in daily life, so that's why this thing of some coming to sell at night was done," Luna explained.

In the end, the market went from being a temporary survival measure to becoming the routine of the vendors who make it up and the people who frequent it.