Hometown of Artisans: Rosario, Maricela, & María del Rosario

The small town of Cuanajo is located in the state of Michoacán. It is surrounded by mountains that are covered in lush pine trees. Cuanajo is home to the P’urepécha community and to many traditions. They are known for their talented artisans that create a variety of artisanal crafts, such as textiles and carpentry. When you drive up the main road, you will see many shops displaying their crafts. You will find rebozos (traditional Mexican shawls), wooden toys, furniture, and much more. They are also known for their celebration of día de los muertos (Day of the Dead). You’ll see people carrying wooden horses adorned in cempasúchil flowers, fruit, and more as an offering to the family members who recently lost a loved one. This is one of the many traditions that set apart Cuanajo from other communities. 

Hometown of Artisan: Leticia

Cuitzeo is a community located in the state of Michoacán, about 10 minutes from the border with Guanajuato. It is a mini peninsula surrounded by the waters of the Lago de Cuitzeo (Lake of Cuitzeo), the second largest lake in México. This quaint town is known for being a Pueblo Magico (Magic Town). A Pueblo Magico is a status given to towns throughout México by the Secretary of Tourism. This is due to its natural beauty, historical importance, and folklore. 

Cuitzeo is known for its artisanal products made out of tule, which is collected from the Lago de Cuitzeo. Many street vendors set up their stands in the main plaza of the town, where you will find an array of tule products, food, and everyday essentials. One thing you may notice right away is the color scheme used to paint the exterior of the homes and businesses. Especially in the main square and surrounding area, you will see them painted half red and half white. I’m not exactly sure about its significance but it’s a trademark in many towns in Michoacán.

Hometown of Artisan: Victoria

The charming town of San Simón de la Laguna is located in the eastern part of Estado de México. It is surrounded by mountains and lush forests. It neighbors the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary that welcomes the largest migration of Monarch butterflies from Canada and the US. As a result of its proximity, you see the beauty of its vegetation and wildlife. Donato Guerra is home to the Mazahua indigenous community. They are known for hand stitching artisanal crafts, fruit liqueurs, pulque breads, and traditional sweets.

Picture credit: https://www.facebook.com/San-Simón-De-La-Laguna-1907240406168320/photos/?ref=page_internal

Hometown of Artisan: Maricela

It is found in the Meseta P’urepécha (P’urepécha Plateau) in the southwestern part of the state. The Meseta P’urepécha is a plateau that begins at the southwestern foot of the Trans-Mexican volcanic belt. Huáncito is home to the P’urepécha indigenous community. To this day, many speak their native tongue as their primary language and Spanish as their secondary language. Huáncito has many talented artisans that specialize in burnish pottery. Their pottery is unique due to the technique and the traditional designs used such as birds, flowers, deers, among others.

Picture credit: https://www.facebook.com/Huancito/photos/