Fish Market Quirks: No Eating While Browsing in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba

In Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, an unusual custom connected to fish markets is often recounted in local stories. It is said that shoppers are traditionally discouraged from eating fish or other food items while still browsing at market stalls. This practice allegedly arose from old civic order rules aimed at avoiding litter, unpleasant odors, and potential conflicts among vendors and buyers. Eating on-site was thought to disrupt the marketplace’s cleanliness and atmosphere, detracting from its role as a communal trading space. Though concrete contemporary enforcement of such a rule is unclear and may be more folklore than formal law, the custom reflects the islands’ community-oriented approach to public spaces and market etiquette. Residents and visitors alike are reminded to be respectful of local norms, even those that seem quaint or peculiar, as they contribute to the preservation of the islands’ unique cultural tapestry.