Sonora Market

The Mercado de Sonora specialized in merchandise like pottery, party decorations, and live animals.
Even more so, the herbal products sold here are primarily related to magic and the occult.
It’s said to be known worldwide for the magic and esoteric products related to Santa Muerte
and the adoration of San Judas Tadeo.

La herbología

While the most famous vendors are dedicated to herbal products and “botanica,” magic and the occult,
they are generally to be found to the rear of the market’s longest nave.
For many centuries, traditional Mexican medicine has been strongly linked to religious and
magical practices as well as to agriculture.

The variety of medicinal plants sold include avocado leaves for inflammations, chiranthodendron
for heart health, jacaranda flowers for the stomach and more. Dried snakes are sold as cancer
medications, and dried skunks are intended to “strengthen the blood.”
Ocote wood crosses are intended for good luck, chains of garlic may ward off evil,
and the eyes of deer are said to protect against the evil eye.

Items related to white and black magic, pre-Hispanic religious traditions, Santería,
the cult of Santa Muerte, shamanism and many syncretistic beliefs and practices are
all co-mingled. About 2,000 practicioners are said to arrive to the market specifically
for these purposes every weekend.