A geografia das feiras livres em Montes Claros (MG): um estudo acerca das interações socioespaciais entre feirantes e frequentadores

Abstract

Free markets are recognized for their remarkable adaptability, as they demonstrate the ability to resist changes in the market. In addition to facing competition from retail trade, which con centrates on the sale of food in large enterprises. These regular events, realized in the open air and in public spaces, perform a crucial role in intra and inter-urban dynamics, serving as pillars for the commercialization of family and traditional farming products. Furthermore, free mar kets make a significant role in the cultural and social spheres as they are held regularly in different areas of the city. The general objective of this study is to understand the socioecono mic dynamics of open air markets in Montes Claros (MG), in order to explore commercial and social relationships between producers, stallholders and regulars in the period from 2015 to 2022. Research related to open air markets, in Montes Claros, were structured through a bibli ographical review, secondary data and empirical research with fieldwork, questionnaires and semistructured interviews applied to stallholders, regulars and institutional representatives. In this way, it was noticed that in the socio-spatial interactions between commerce and the city, open air markets are part of the daily lives of producers, traders and consumers. In Montes Claros, this process is no different, as street markets have accompanied and continue to accom pany the city's growth, constantly restructuring through economic, social and cultural relations. The study of street markets in this city not only expanded the understanding of these spaces, which perform a crucial role as centers of commerce and social interaction. Thus, it facilitated the understanding of the profile of stallholders and regulars by making it possible to identify who these people are, their needs, motivations and challenges for attending and dealing with the struggle in this dynamic of street markets on a weekly basis.