The craft market in Masaya (Mercado de artesanías) is a colorful place where you can walk among the rows with traditional products, buy Nicaraguan souvenirs, and even enjoy a folk show. The trade building is unusual: the market is located among the old restored walls of the neocolonial era.

Many small shops are filled with bright souvenirs: the gizmos do not differ much from place to place, but the handicraft offers the desirable uniqueness! There are handicrafts from both Masaya and different parts of the country. Decorative items made of clay, wood, marble, leather, and all kinds of fabrics, toys and household utensils, hammocks, bedspreads, cotton clothes, Nicaraguan T-shirts, jewelry, paintings - all this can be purchased daily.

In addition to craft traditions, you can also immerse yourself in folklore traditions. Every Thursday afternoon, a special event called "Verbena" takes place near the market. It is a cultural show of traditional Nicaraguan dance, music, and gastronomy. The show is held at the Old Market Cultural Center (Centro Cultural Antiguo Mercado de Artesanías). The bright performance starts after 7 pm and usually ends at midnight. Participants of the event are professional groups or folk dance lovers from all regions of the country. Artists are always dressed in folk costumes that match the type of dance. The melodies accompanying the dancers mix ancient local rhythms with European motives. In addition to traditional music and folk dancing, the atmosphere is colored by performances of Nicaraguan artists and songwriters. And, of course, the spectacle would not be complete without flavor "additives": the spectators are invited to taste typical Nicaraguan dishes.

The Masaya Craft Market is easy to find: it is located in the city center, one block east of Central Park. You will certainly recognize the market by the colonial wall surrounding it.