Like flea markets throughout the country, Coliseum Swap Meet, an open-air market known affectionately as “La Pulga” in East Oakland, is a reflection of the community it serves. Here, all are welcome to taste the flavors of Mexico and Central America, enjoy a Michelada under the shade, buy household goods, produce, sweets, Croc charms, flowers, hardware, clothes, jewelry, cosmetics, electronics, and more at a discounted price.

La Pulga is situated along an industrial belt in East Oakland, Calif., a part of the city where a Latino majority has emerged over the last few decades. Hiram Durán, a CatchLight Local Fellow at El Tímpano, in collaboration with the CatchLight Local Visual Desk, embarked on a project to understand the cultural significance of the market.

“We chose to use instant film to encourage participation,” Durán explained. “But the film’s lo-fi and unpredictable qualities proved to be the right method to render the market’s mercurial nature.”

During the month-long project, Durán made more than 75 portraits and learned how vital La Pulga is as a place for community gatherings, small businesses, family entertainment, and affordable goods. The multimedia project was published by El Tímpano, along with CatchLight, El Tecolote, and KQED, in spring 2024 and was recognized with four journalism awards.

Hiram Alejandro Durán is a CatchLight Local Fellow, Report for America corps member, and photojournalist at El Tímpano, covering Latino and Mayan communities. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Marshall Project, Pulitzer Center, Imprint News, Riverdale Press, The City, Bklyner and the Mail & Guardian in Johannesburg, South Africa.