What I See with Peter Fiorenza: Soaking up the culture that develops around a city’s markets

As you may have read in some of my recent opinion pieces, I recently spent time in the lovely city of Hobart. There is no doubt, it is simply a little gem hidden at the bottom of Australia. When I was planning to go, I was continually told that I must attend the famous Salamanca Markets while I was there. In fact, it seemed like a “must do” when in the Apple Isle. My hotel happened to be located in Salamanca Place, so one Sunday I couldn’t but be caught up in what indeed was a wonderful experience. I really love the culture that develops around markets, and it seems to be something that happens in most places around the world. It would seem they can be found in Europe, North America, as well as here. From my limited experience, I’d suggest all these markets are special and unique to their location. For instance, here in Geraldton we have the Platform Markets at the railway station. Over several years, the Platform Markets have created a healthy niche in locals’ Sunday morning habits, in many respects, it is the place to be on a Sunday. I really enjoy regular visits to sample local produce and enjoy the company of others. Salamanca Markets tends to follow this brief, but on a much bigger scale. You could say, they are a combination of every market I have been to put together and, then some, on steroids. From memory, I don’t think there was anything missing, with extras I would not have even thought of. First up, there was loads of food, with vans and tents everywhere selling everything from donuts to brekkie rolls, pastries, ice cream, fresh fruit, confectionary and wine. The world-renowned markets were, literally, on my hotel doorstep stretching from downtown Hobart to the famous Battery Point. They are held once a week, on a Sunday, with set up commencing in the early hours of the morning. I thought I’d be woken by the bustling noise, but was surprised to awake undisturbed, to look out my window to see hordes of people streaming along the street. To say Salamanca Place is transformed, is, definitely, an understatement. Hundreds of adults and children filled the thoroughfare engulfed by pleasant aromas of the great cooking delights on offer. There were caravans and stalls stretching for close to two kilometres, with musicians and entertainers seemingly stationed every couple of metres. There was leather goods, clothing, jewellery and household products, with many locally produced or sourced. So much to see, and not enough time. Peter Fiorenza is a city councillor who hosts Sport Shed Saturday between 9am and noon and Fiorenza on Sunday between 10am and noon on Radio MAMA.