Ballarò Market of Palermo
The Markets of Palermo represent a place to savor the oldest traditions of the people of Palermo.
The appearance of this market, the customs of selling and buying, the colors, the smells, the custom of submerging streets and squares with stalls, baskets, colorful awnings, is typical of traditional North African markets.
As you enter the streets of the market you are constantly accompanied by calls made aloud, and often in a rather colorful way, from various street vendors to invite you to buy your goods. This picturesque invitation is called "abbanniata" in Palermo dialect.
The most important historical markets in Palermo are: Ballarò, Vucciria, Capo, Borgo Vecchio.
Ballarò is the market oldest and largest in the city and dates back to the era of Arab domination. This market is intended for the sale of the first fruits and everything that comes from the neighboring countryside. The name Ballarò is believed to derive from Bahlara, the name of a village, near Monreale, from where the goods to be sold came from.
