The main local market of a country reveals its pulse. It is a place bustling with culture. It’s a great place where you, as a tourist, can become an observer of social norms of interactions and are expected to participate in those social norms.

The Roseau Local market, located in the capital Roseau close to The Roseau Passenger Ferry Terminal, on a Saturday, becomes such a place. It comes alive. There is not a lot of variety in terms of the fruits and vegetables sold, and you can find pretty much everything sold at the market on the side of roads. What makes the market special on a Saturday is something else.

Photo: Michael Lees, Michael Less Media, Dominica

On a Saturday, the variety of activities happening beyond the sale of fruits and vegetables makes the market worth visiting. Often, there is music playing, people dancing, people shopping in the large clothing market, and food vendors selling local cuisine, to name a few. If you are new to the market, Yellow, a well-known local vagrant, the lady in the white ticket with a hat in the first picture below, may harass you a bit, but she is harmless. Consider your interaction with Yellow as a warm welcome to the market. If you are an adventurous eater, I recommend you try Fashcin (cow intestines) and either blood or vegetarian sausage from the food vendors at the indoor market. To me, visiting the Roseau Local Markets on a Saturday is more of an activity to undertake than an errand to run.

Photos: Michael Lees, Michael Lees Media, Dominica

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