Yucatán was filled with color, texture, and history with the opening of Original Yucatán, the grand artisan gathering held outside of Mexico City for the first time. For four days, the Siglo XXI Convention Center and the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya will be the meeting point for more than 350 master artisans from across the country, who will exhibit and sell their textile works, the result of generations of knowledge and tradition.
This event is a celebration of Mexican textile art, an opportunity to admire the patience and dedication of those who embroider and weave from the depths of their cultural identity. “Textile art is not a fad; it is a way of life that reflects the soul of our people,” the opening message emphasized, recognizing the work of the communities that keep their artisan heritage alive.
Participating in this edition are states such as Chiapas, Oaxaca, Guerrero, Puebla, Tlaxcala, and Yucatán, among others, who share a common purpose: to show that Mexico’s true greatness lies not in luxury window displays, but in the creativity and history woven by the hands of its people. The event also features international guests from Cuba and Paraguay.
Federal Secretary of Culture Claudia Curiel de Icaza recalled that the Original program was created in 2021 as a response to the plagiarism of indigenous designs by major brands. “It was about appropriating the designs of these communities without giving them credit or recognizing their cultural value. Original emerged to make their collective rights visible and dignify their work,” she explained. She added that each handcrafted piece is unique and unrepeatable, and that behind each garment are months of dedication and ancestral knowledge.
The event represents an opportunity for the public to learn about the creative process firsthand, purchase directly from the artisans, and understand the profound cultural value of each work. In addition, workshops, discussions, and exhibitions will be held to strengthen fair trade and the preservation of traditional knowledge.
During the opening event, the efforts of Yucatán’s Secretary of Culture, Patricia Martín Briceño, were recognized for making this event a reality. This event is part of a cultural policy with a human face, promoted within the framework of the Mayan Renaissance. Likewise, the support of President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has turned the Original program into a national platform that promotes the development and well-being of artisan communities, was acknowledged.
Original Yucatán will take place from October 16 to 19, with free admission to the public. It celebrates the talent, creativity, and living history that Mexico’s artisans capture in every thread and every color.
Source: msn
