Why is it called Open Air Market ?

Cousins and sisters would often spend a few hours in an open market  combing for the best bargains and the best fresh vegetables. Sometimes we would look for a healthy free range chicken to cook for a healthy broth for the elders.

Growing up means spending time learning from our relatives what best to buy in the market and getting to know the vendors who would not cheat us. And surprisingly in Sibu and in Kuching most of these open air market vendors do not cheat (on their scales or in their packaging)

Who invented the open air market? No doubt the first open air market was  a vegetable market in the past had no roof over it.

Was it the Romans? The first open air markets in Rome can be traced back to the Emperor Augustus in the 3rd century BC. During the reign of Augustus, Rome’s economy was flourishing and its Marcellum market, located in the north of the city, was wildly popular. In later years, spurred by Rome’s successes, an indoor market in the form of a plaza was built by the military hero Agrippa, Augustus’ best friend and right hand. (Agrippa is also the man responsible for Rome’s first legendary Pantheon). Agrippa’s plaza hosted vendors selling merchandise and offices for businesses, and would inspire later concepts for bigger and more spacious areas to hold such commercial activities, like the Campo de’Fiori in the heart of the city.

Since then many indoor plazas and stores have been developed, but the open air market remains a tradition not only in Rome, but throughout Italy.

One of the largest open air markets in Europe, Porta Portese is estimated to have around 4,000 stalls that sell everything from religious iconography to books and fresh produce.