The mayor of Querétaro, Felipe Fernando Macías (Felifer), announced a plan to regulate the activities of 240 artisan merchants in the city. The proposal includes the installation of at least 70 semi-permanent stalls in the Historic Center and shopping centers, with the intention of providing more regulated options for artisans. Additionally, there are plans to add another 20 stalls in wineries and shopping centers with high public attendance.
In this regard, Felifer highlighted that artisan fairs will be created on Sundays in the Alameda Hidalgo. These events will not only include artistic performances and exhibitions, but will also provide rotating spaces for merchants to offer their crafts. The mayor stated: "With this, we respond to the citizens' call to give opportunities to artisans to formalize and regularize themselves."
As part of the municipal strategy to reduce street vending, it is planned to place 50 stalls at various points in the Historic Center of the city, which will be used on a rotating basis by merchants registered in the Artisan Market. Macías Olvera emphasized that irregular street vending, which causes disorder and insecurity in the city, will not be allowed, echoing the demands of the citizens.
The mayor informed that during the week, working meetings will be held with residents, merchants, and artisans of the Historic Center to present the strategy in detail. He also mentioned that the following week the final plan will be announced, which will include new formal trading points, promotional actions, and partnerships with other commercial sectors to boost sales of local artisans.
Despite complaints about low sales in the Artisan Market, Macías Olvera assured that it will remain a fundamental component of the project. Furthermore, there are plans to enable other spaces such as the State Secretary of Government and the old Palace of Justice to strengthen commercial and artisan development in the city.
