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Objective: Patzcuaro tianguis is analyzed from the multidisciplinary perspective of Social Metabolism, with emphasis in circulation and consumption phases. This is from the pre-Columbian era to the present time. The purpose is to know its changes and permanence and the possible factors that influence it to continue existing. Methodology: Based on information from region's historical archive, bibliographic review, interviews with market participants, as well as recent participant observation, the five phases of the proposal of social metabolism are addressed. Results: The market has offered a diversity of goods and 99% of the assistants make barter under customary rules, where corn is the most requested product. The supply of products had been changed by many factors, including continuous socio-cultural change, availability but elements of a food culture that are part of their identity and needs remain. Limitations and conclusions: From the emergence of this market to its present condition, the dynamics and economic forms that include from the appropriation and transformation of natural resources, as well as the forms of circulation and consumption, could be considered traditional and small scale, scarce use of machinery and capital, and predominance of own workforce. The exchange through barter takes place in a context of solidarity economy that has repercussions on the survival of the market. It is evident the need to generate research that deepens the information of the rest of the phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]