San Victorino Gets the Xmas Spirit

Want some stylish shorts?

You know it's Christmas season when you can't walk across Plaza San Victorino.

The plaza is the center of Bogotá's budget, often pirated, clothing retailers. As Christmas approaches, the plaza fills up with informal sellers, to the chagrin of nearby stores, which pay rent and taxes. In past years, police have tried to clear the sellers away, sometimes causing riots. This year, authorities appear willing to let them stay, just as long as they leave space for pedestrians.

According to El Tiempo, some vendors are sleeping on the plaza in order to not lose their vending spots. And perhaps also to save on rent.

Need a pair  of shorts, a football jersey or a swimming pool to finish off that Christmas shopping list? Hurry on down!

Counterfeit football jerseys are always in style.

Socks for sale.

Want a ´poncho?

After dark, the scene's still hectic.

By Mike Ceaser, of Bogotá Bike Tours

A Sculpture's Sad Legacy

Amongst the alcoholics, prostitutes, illegal street vendors and alcoholic prognosticating taitas stands La Mariposa, by famed Colombian sculptor Edgar Negret, shamefully abandoned. The abstract sculpture, whose name means 'Butterfly', presumably represents hope. Instead, it's a public urinal, a sleeping place for drunks, a refuge for pigeons.

By Mike Ceaser, of Bogotá Bike Tours

San Victorino Gets the Christmas Spirit

Ready for a dip? Swimming pools for sale.

Not much walking room. 

You know Christmas is upon us when you can barely walk across Plaza San Victorino. This year, the  ity authorities seem to have reached an agreement with the vendors, permitting them to set up on part of the plaza, as long as they leave the rest clear.

Dress up for the Millonarios game!

Feel an urge for a dip? There are swimming pools for sale. Want to dress up? Jewelry's and clothing are on offer. Bored? Buy a board game. 

Bored? Try a board game. 

An open-air jewelry mart.  

A cart loaded with carpets. 

By Mike Ceaser, of Bogotá Bike Tours