History of the José María Villa Retail Market: Bastion of the Popular Economy in Medellín
This research goes through the history of the public market from the beginnings of the organization of the city of Medellín, Colombia, in the mid-nineteenth century, when this used to take place below outdoor tents in the heart of a small community, Plaza Mayor (later to be called Parque Berrío), up to present times, Plaza Minorista José María Villa. During this process, some natural leaders emerged from the base of the pyramid, facing the adversities of the social, economic, and political scene. They struggled peacefully to claim their rights. That is why this research seeks to redeem and show them as an example of improvement and cooperative striving—the work of hundreds of traders, whose effort and sacrifice managed to build an economic outline that is now considered a successful model for popular business ventures.
Furthermore, thanks to their courage and perseverance, they peacefully battled to conquer a space in the city that could enable them to freely practice their profession as traders, in a dignified and humane way inside the complex known as the Plaza Minorista José María Villa in Medellín. This Plaza is a trading organization that has not only generated employment, livelihoods, and economic and social growth for legions of laborers and workers, but it has also become the price moderator for the basic family food basket of the city and region.
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