Talavera Poblana Mexico

Piñatas

Piñatas are internationally known, but it is not well known that they are used to celebrate Posadas on Christmas dates, apart from children's birthdays. The original ones have seven points alluding to the seven deadly sins according to the Catholic religion, and in their day, they were filled with fruit, although today, children prefer that there are candies and small toys inside. However, the master artisans have adapted to the new times, and now we can find piñatas in the shape of notable cartoons.

Charro Hats

So visually alluring that they are unmistakable, charro hats are perhaps the greatest illustration of Mexican craftsmanship and have become the quintessential souvenir. First, a precise ironing technique is made from rabbit fur to achieve that resistant texture. Later it is embroidered by hand with one or several colors. In their day, they were a symbol of the social status of the landowner and served to protect themselves from the sun when riding a horse.

In any market, as well as in the streets and tourist squares of the country, you will find the indigenous Otomi and Mazahua women responsible for making this beautiful craft. They migrated to the country's capital in the 1970s in search for for better opportunities, which gave birth to their crafts. This includes the production of textiles such as belts, backpacks, shawls, skirts, and dolls.

The history of these dolls is very particular and is an example that Mexican creativity has no limits. They arose due to the lack of economic resources to buy plastic dolls for the community's girls. Then, their mothers decided to replace plastic with cloth, thus creating even more resistant and personalized toys. Dönxu means doll in Otomí and pays homage to the indigenous woman, always hardworking, an excellent housewife, and who fights every day to give the best to her family.

As proof of this, these little dolls always carry a baby on their lap, representing love for their loved ones and fertility. It is very nostalgic to think that many girls who grew up accompanied by their Dönxu Dolls today are mothers dedicated to making them and preserving their traditions. In 2018, the Amealco artisan doll was declared a Cultural Heritage of the State of Querétaro along with the Dönxu, a native of San Ildefonso Tultepec and Lele, originally from Santiago Mexquititlán.

Today these indigenous groups remain in the central zone of Mexico, in the states of Hidalgo, Querétaro, the State of México, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Puebla, and Veracruz. These are some examples of Mexican crafts, but each corner of Mexico has its artistic expressions revalued with cultural programs such as Pueblos Mágicos that have allowed traditions to be preserved. If you are interested in learning mor about the crafts of Mexico firsthand, some tours allow us to get closer to the old trades and meet our invaluable artisans. Please let us know what kind of crafts you can offer to your clients, friends, family, or even for yourself! Please send us an email to IVI DMC Central Mexico: mcabral@ ividmc.travel