San Marcos Tlapazola will open its doors this weekend to celebrate the ninth edition of the Red Clay Fair. The event will take place as part of Guelaguetza 2026 and will feature handcrafted pottery, traditional textiles, music, and local cuisine from this Zapotec community located about one hour from Oaxaca de Juárez.
The event was announced on the social media accounts of the Oaxaca State Tourism Secretariat (Sectur Oaxaca) and offers visitors the opportunity to discover the community’s famous red clay pottery, handmade using ancestral techniques. The pieces are shaped entirely by hand and fired using sunlight and open-fire methods that have been preserved for generations.
What to Expect at the Red Clay Fair
The fair will be held on July 11 and 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., at the San Marcos Tlapazola Agency Plaza in Tlacolula de Matamoros.
Throughout both days, visitors will enjoy:
- Exhibition and sale of handcrafted red clay pottery
- Traditional textiles
- Live wind band music
- Cultural dance performances
- Traditional Oaxacan cuisine
A total of 40 women artisans will showcase and sell their handcrafted pieces.
As part of the program, a Red Clay Workshop will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, where visitors can learn about traditional pottery-making techniques used to create items such as casseroles, cooking pots, pitchers, mugs, and cups.
Food and beverages available at the fair will include:
- Mezcal
- Tejate, a traditional drink made from corn and cacao
- Traditional Oaxacan dishes
How to Get to San Marcos Tlapazola
San Marcos Tlapazola is located in the Central Valleys region, approximately 60 minutes from Oaxaca City.
Visitors can use the special BinniBus route, which operates during Guelaguetza 2026 to transport residents and tourists to various festival events.
The route to San Marcos Tlapazola will operate on Sunday, July 12, beginning at 8:00 a.m. Buses will depart from Juárez Avenue, in front of the Sectur Oaxaca offices.
According to the Metropolitan Collective Transportation System, buses will depart every two hours and rides will be free, making it an affordable option for anyone wishing to visit this community, renowned for its traditional red clay pottery.
Source: oaxaca.heraldodemexico
