<div id="slideshow"><div id="slide-container"><div class="slide slide_1 default"><p><iframe width="315" height="560" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XREjSAGWGr0" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p></div><div class="slide slide_2"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/PXL_20241109_183728100_0.jpg" data-entity-uuid="4a16a9a6-6ac7-4f53-b907-a54c5b9d3fa9" data-entity-type="file" alt="Many I spoke too recommend beginning life with Las Águilas." width="760" height="1009">Many I spoke too recommend beginning life with <em>Las Águilas.</em></p></div><div class="slide slide_3"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/PXL_20241109_200738874.jpg" data-entity-uuid="0fe14706-1444-4669-bbd7-8a8ca12fc1af" data-entity-type="file" width="760" height="1009">Also, you should get the appropriate 3pc queen bedspread to support your child.</p></div><div class="slide slide_4"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/PXL_20241109_195450227.MP__0.jpg" data-entity-uuid="2f923364-a2d6-443e-b638-d688f5290566" data-entity-type="file" alt="As I explored further outdoors I found some vendors with some interesting vintage Liga MX kits. These, from my research, look like a 2014 Leon Away and 2003 Rayados Home… Bonus points if you know the difference between this and the 2004 Rayados kit." width="760" height="572">As I explored further outdoors I found some vendors with some interesting vintage Liga MX kits. These, from my research, look like a 2014 Leon Away and 2003 Rayados Home… Bonus points if you know the difference between this and the 2004 Rayados kit.</p></div><div class="slide slide_5"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/PXL_20241109_183806508.jpg" data-entity-uuid="d43cb017-1dab-40d9-a52b-1e4d337c83ee" data-entity-type="file" alt="Of course many international teams and players can be found in addition to your Liga MX favorites." width="760" height="1009">Of course many international teams and players can be found in addition to your Liga MX favorites.</p></div><div class="slide slide_6"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/PXL_20241109_195532895.jpg" data-entity-uuid="dc460dc1-fafb-481a-a82b-0832851f828b" data-entity-type="file" alt="AC Milan - I Rossoneri, The Red and Blacks, Il Diavolo ... Associazione Calcio Milan ... Not sure the year on this but this thing is F-1 Racer approved. " width="760" height="1009">AC Milan - I Rossoneri, The Red and Blacks, Il Diavolo ... Associazione Calcio Milan ... Not sure the year on this but this thing is F-1 Racer approved... My money is on 2007 KAKA!!! </p></div><div class="slide slide_7"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/PXL_20241109_201000067.jpg" data-entity-uuid="2a120d1e-734d-412d-9a17-711b45906b7c" data-entity-type="file" alt="Met a nice guy vending here with this dope Kappa ENGLAND collabo." width="760" height="1009"> Met a nice guy vending here with this dope Kappa ENGLAND collabo.</p></div><div class="slide slide_8"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/PXL_20241109_200234971_0.jpg" data-entity-uuid="048f575f-8ca1-4d2d-9065-66db9abd686e" data-entity-type="file" alt="Don't want anyone to to think they didn't have plenty of Tigres gear, they have been Adidas for 20+, no clue the year on him." width="760" height="1009">Don't want anyone to to think they didn't have plenty of Tigres gear, they have been Adidas for 20+, no clue the year on him.</p></div><div class="slide slide_9"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/PXL_20241109_201257783_0.jpg" data-entity-uuid="8ab33f05-1d78-49ff-a57a-2f6f4e6d45d6" data-entity-type="file" alt="Of course the outdoor vendors had a little bit of everything ... including MOLE from all over Mexico I'm told - coloradito (reddish mole) shown here." width="760" height="572">Of course the outdoor vendors had a little bit of everything ... including MOLE from all over Mexico I'm told - coloradito (reddish mole) shown here.</p></div><div class="slide slide_10"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/PXL_20241109_201121950.MP_.jpg" data-entity-uuid="eb6d444b-80c6-499e-a374-c38667dad1ca" data-entity-type="file" alt="Some fresh honey" width="760" height="572">I found some fresh honey. </p></div><div class="slide slide_11"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/PXL_20241109_193502068.MP_.jpg" data-entity-uuid="c2694c11-8462-463a-9ae3-d9594c612225" data-entity-type="file" width="760" height="572">Inside you can find a full selection from permanent vendors.</p></div><div class="slide slide_12"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/PXL_20241109_185700761.jpg" data-entity-uuid="615f2168-a992-49ce-9903-80a3cbc0724f" data-entity-type="file" alt="I found these balls" width="760" height="1009">I found these balls.</p></div><div class="slide slide_13"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/PXL_20241109_194717329.jpg" data-entity-uuid="30647bad-1439-40a8-b1af-835ad77417f0" data-entity-type="file" alt="And I Found Some more balls here." width="760" height="1009">And I Found Some more balls here.</p></div><div class="slide slide_14"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/PXL_20241109_193528662.MP_.jpg" data-entity-uuid="96ef5500-c3c0-41f5-ba88-1e88897b1fee" data-entity-type="file" alt="I found a less then spectacular replica for Los Cementeros." width="760" height="1009">I found a less then spectacular replica for Los Cementeros.</p></div><div class="slide slide_15"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/PXL_20241109_185722565.jpg" data-entity-uuid="b4e08952-7457-4a8b-a91b-fc3c3ccea359" data-entity-type="file" alt="Then I found a pretty good Cruz Azul replica - the 60+ emblem on the bottom is a nice touch from the kit makers Prima" width="760" height="1009">Then I found a pretty good Cruz Azul replica - the 60+ emblem on the bottom is a nice touch from the kit maker Prima</p></div><div class="slide slide_16"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/PXL_20241109_192242460.jpg" data-entity-uuid="81bf8aac-2e98-48bb-bad4-0b77612a0b50" data-entity-type="file" alt="Ended the trip at the food court with Gorditas that were worth waiting for ... Mexican hot chocolate coffee also provided here." width="760" height="1009">Ended the trip at the food court with Gorditas that were worth waiting for ... Mexican hot chocolate coffee also provided here.</p></div></div></div><p>Swap-O-Rama has been a staple in the Back of the Yards neighborhood of Chicago for over 50 years. Named after the historic Union Stockyards, this area has seen a significant influx of Mexican-American residents dating back to the inception of the market. This rich cultural heritage is reflected in the market's diverse offerings. </p><p>The market was actually established in 1969 and has served the southside of Chicago since then. I almost think it would be hard to think of some common items that you couldn't find amongst the almost 900 different stands.</p><p>In my online research I found a podcast called "<a href="https://www.swap-o-rama.com/podcast/" target="_blank">You Me & The Flea</a>" which seems to have been running for at least the past year. They have dozens of episodes and they do a really good job highlighting the different vendors and things you can find at the market. </p><p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LP7ZnADKyGo?si=n4Q2jTT63zb8PMXy" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p>Football apparel and merchandise can be found throughout the market, but I was particularly impressed by the high-quality replicas available from one of the permanent vendors inside. The Cruz Azul replicas from this year stood out as the best of the bunch, but there’s truly something for everybody, including gorditas.</p><p>The food court, though small, might just be worth the price of admission on its own. The portions are generous, featuring classics like pizza slices and cheeseburgers. Naturally, you’ll find a full array of Mexican favorites, including tacos, churros, and my personal favorite, gorditas. But the variety doesn’t stop there—you can also enjoy pierogi and zapiekanki, a delicious Polish flatbread pizza. </p><p>No discussion of market food would be complete without mentioning the true champion... the walking taco. This iconic treat even has Dorito bags crafted specifically to complement its greatness. For those unfamiliar with the magnificence of the walking taco, here’s a definition that should shed some light:</p><blockquote><p><strong>An Almost Informative Definition of Walking Taco</strong></p><p><em>A walking taco is a fun and portable snack made by taking a bag of chips—commonly Doritos or Fritos—and topping it with taco ingredients. The bag serves as the container, making it easy to eat on the go. Typical toppings include seasoned ground beef, shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, and jalapeños. You simply open the bag, add the toppings, mix it all together with a fork or spoon, and enjoy!</em></p></blockquote><p>After grabbing your walking taco, head to the outdoor market area, where you’ll find some of the most unique soccer apparel, especially from vendors specializing in vintage clothing. My favorite discoveries included retro jackets and Liga MX kits. One vendor, in particular, stood out with an impressive setup right out of his van, offering a wide variety of sportswear. It was clear he had a good eye—the bulk of his inventory featured authentic baseball and basketball team gear. When I asked about soccer kits, he mentioned that they sell out quickly, often early in the day.</p><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/bnsf.jpg" data-entity-uuid="62fa4df7-8ca8-4789-9478-677c036bd270" data-entity-type="file" alt="Swap-O-Rama has been a staple in the Back of the Yards neighborhood of Chicago for over 50 years. " width="100%" height="100%"></p><p>Like the neighborhood itself, Swap-O-Rama is constantly evolving, buzzing with activity, and full of surprises. If you're lucky, you might just stumble upon something truly special and unique as a football fan!</p>
