Once the hippies had followed the ever famous trail through Eastern Europe and ending in Anjuna, they burned their passports never to go home again… that is, until they started to run out of money.

There were backpackers all over India and Goa. So what was so special about Anjuna? Other than freedom, peace, and happiness… they indulged in the mind-altering options Anjuna’s lack of policemen allowed, along with full moon parties and laying out completely naked.

The words ‘hippies’ and ‘psychedelic’ don’t go together for no reason.  Enter: the origins of the flea market. The hippies/free spirits came together and traded their belongings: clothes, jewels, guitars, whatever they had… anything to stay in paradise just a little longer.

The Anjuna Flea market’s vendors now are a nice mix between hippie expats and fun indian stalls. The expats/foreigners usually sell handmade clothing, jewelry, or do something for you like piercings and dreadlocks.

Some have run out of money and need to get home or want to stay longer, others are making a living. Some travel with the tourists, heading north when the tourists leave Goa form Leh during monsoon. In a way the same thing that was happening in the 60’s and 70’s is still happening now.

The clothes that the ‘psychadelic’ girls sell have their own look entirely. “psy goa trance” music and clothing are a very unique, freaky fun type. If you’re looking for girly expensive beach clothes check out Ashvem beach boutiques or wait for the Saturday night market.

You won’t see the old school trading happening, but in my opinion the charm is still there (so are some of the old hippies).

The Indian stalls are what you’ll see in other markets in Goa, or even the rest of India. You might find hammocks, jewelry, buddha or shiva statues. You also might come across a used cell phone, bootlegged DVD’s, or a lonely bicycle.

The customers aren’t all backpackers;  Indian tourists and locals alike to come have a beer, hangout, and listen to the local bands. You might hear some rock bands or the “Goa Trance” music that became popular before techno, house, or dub-step ever did. Bands play at Sea Breeze and cafe Looda, like Shayne Ballantyne and Elvis Lobo, or the rockstars behind Electric Pulse.

Grab a beer, a platter of seafood, and enjoy! If you want to shop hardcore, grab something on the go from a food stand, like the Indian corn on the cob- rubbed with a lime and sprinkled with salt.

One of my favorite (and least favorite things) about the market is you can find items from all over India. If you didn’t make it to McLeod Ganj to buy Tibetan jewelry or a singing bowl, don’t worry because there is a Tibetan sales section.

Did you miss out of buying a yak wool hoodie in the Himilayas? You can get all the Nepalese winter wear right here in Goa!

You can find these items anywhere in India from the banks of River Varanasi to the edges of Rajasthan- and for much cheaper prices than you’ll ever get during season time in Goa.

For that reason, I don’t shop at the market unless it’s unique handmade jewels or head pieces. Although, if you were visiting only Goa on a short vacation with a larger budget, this market would be your heaven.

Comments

mark reid

I'm going to goa in Feb 2020 so excited after watching your video happy safe travels from ireland.