Mexico is a country rich in culture and traditions, and one of the best ways to experience its diversity is through its craft fairs. These fairs are not only a window into Mexican customs and folklore, but they are also an opportunity to support local artisans and purchase unique, handmade products.
January
Kings Fair in Ixtlahuaca
When: January 2 - 6
Where: Ixtlahuaca, State of Mexico
This fair is famous for its handmade toys and typical sweets. Artisans offer a wide range of products, from wooden toys to traditional clothing. It is an excellent opportunity to purchase unique gifts from the Three Kings.
Candelaria Fair in Tlacotalpan
When: January 31 - February 9
Where: Tlacotalpan, Veracruz
This fair celebrates the Candelaria festival with cultural events, music and traditional dances. Artisans display a variety of products, including ceramics, textiles and jewelry.
February
National Tamale Fair in Coyoacán
When: February 2
Where: Coyoacán, Mexico City
Although it is mainly a gastronomic fair, you can find crafts related to the Candelaria festival. In addition, it is a good place to enjoy tamales of all kinds.
Silver Fair in Taxco
When: Second week of February
Where: Taxco, Guerrero
Taxco is known for its silver production, and this fair is a showcase of the best pieces of silver jewelry and art in the country. There are also workshops and demonstrations of manufacturing processes.
March
Spring and Peace Fair in San Cristóbal de las Casas
When: March 15 - 21
Where: San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas
This fair combines cultural celebrations with exhibitions of local crafts, including textiles, amber and ceramics. It is an excellent place to enjoy Chiapas culture.
Nopal Fair in Milpa Alta
When: Last week of March
Where: Milpa Alta, Mexico City
In addition to food products derived from the cactus, this fair offers crafts made with natural materials from the region. There are workshops and activities to learn more about this versatile cactus.
April
San Marcos National Fair in Aguascalientes
When: April 15 - May 6
Where: Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes
One of the largest and oldest fairs in Mexico, with a section dedicated to crafts from all over the country. You can find everything from textiles and ceramics to glass and metal work.
Pyrotechnics Fair in Tultepec
When: Last week of April
Where: Tultepec, State of Mexico
Famous for its fireworks displays, this fair also features a wide variety of local crafts. It is an opportunity to acquire unique pieces and learn more about the fireworks tradition of the place.
May
National Rural Culture Fair in Chapingo
When: First two weeks of May
Where: Chapingo, State of Mexico
Organized by the Chapingo Autonomous University, this fair promotes rural crafts and agricultural products. It is an excellent opportunity to meet and support artisans in rural communities.
San Isidro Labrador Fair in Metepec
When: May 10 - 15
Where: Metepec, State of Mexico
Known for its pottery and ceramics, Metepec celebrates this fair with a large exhibition of its traditional products. There are workshops and demonstrations of the manufacturing techniques of the famous trees of life.
June
Friendly Cultures Fair in Mexico City
When: First half of June
Where: Paseo de la Reforma, Mexico City
Although it is not exclusively a Mexican craft fair, this international event has a wide representation of crafts from different countries, including Mexico. It is a good place to find artisan products and enjoy cultural diversity.
Cheese and Wine Fair in Tequisquiapan
When: Last week of June
Where: Tequisquiapan, Querétaro
In addition to cheese and wine tasting, the fair offers a variety of local crafts, from textiles to leather goods and ceramics. It is an excellent opportunity to enjoy gourmet and artisanal products.
July
National Mezcal Fair in Oaxaca
When: First half of July
Where: Oaxaca, Oaxaca
This fair is not only for mezcal lovers, but also for those who enjoy Oaxacan crafts. You can find textiles, ceramics and alebrijes, among other products. There are tastings and mezcal-making workshops.
Santiago Fair in Querétaro
When: July 25 - 31
Where: Querétaro, Querétaro
Celebrated in honor of Santiago Apóstol, this fair includes exhibitions of local crafts and cultural events. It is an excellent opportunity to purchase traditional products and enjoy Queretaro hospitality.
August
Huamantla National Fair
When: First half of August
Where: Huamantla, Tlaxcala
Known for its sawdust carpets and the night that no one sleeps, this fair also has a large exhibition of local crafts. It is an event full of color and tradition.
Apple Fair in Zacatlán
When: Last week of August
Where: Zacatlán, Puebla
In addition to apple products, this fair offers a variety of local crafts. There are workshops and cultural activities that highlight the importance of this fruit in the region.
September
Zacatecas National Fair
When: First half of September
Where: Zacatecas, Zacatecas
One of the most important fairs in northern Mexico, with a section dedicated to local and national crafts. You can find silver products, textiles and leather work.
Elote Fair in Cocotitlán
When: Second half of September
Where: Cocotitlán, State of Mexico
This fair celebrates elote with a variety of dishes and derived products. Additionally, there is a crafts section where you can find products made from corn husks and other natural materials.
October
National Silver Fair in Fresnillo
When: First week of October
Where: Fresnillo, Zacatecas
Similar to the Taxco fair, this fair focuses on silver and artisanal products made with this metal. There are exhibitions, workshops and design competitions.
San Francisco Fair in Pachuca
When: October 2 - 20
Where: Pachuca, Hidalgo
What to expect: One of the largest fairs in Hidalgo, with a wide variety of local crafts. It is a good place to find textiles, ceramics and metal products.
November
Alfeñique Fair in Toluca
When: October 15 - November 2
Where: Toluca, State of Mexico
This fair is famous for its traditional Day of the Dead sweets. In addition to alfeñiques, you can find a variety of crafts related to the festival.
Book Fair in Guadalajara
When: Last week of November
Where: Guadalajara, Jalisco
Although it is primarily a literary fair, there is a section dedicated to crafts and cultural products. It is an excellent opportunity to combine the love of books with the acquisition of handmade products.
December
Christmas Eve Fair in Tlalpujahua
When: All December
Where: Tlalpujahua, Michoacán
Known for its Christmas spheres, this fair offers a wide variety of handmade products related to Christmas. It is an ideal place to find unique decorations and special gifts.
Posada and Pine Fair in Amecameca
When: December 16 - 24
Where: Amecameca, State of Mexico
This fair celebrates Christmas traditions with crafts, typical foods and cultural events. It is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the festivities and purchase unique products.
This calendar of craft fairs is just a sample of the cultural wealth that Mexico has to offer. Each fair is an opportunity to immerse yourself in local traditions, support artisans, and take home a little piece of Mexican culture. Plan your visit and enjoy the diversity and talent of Mexican artisans in 2024.