Artisans recognized for their talent at the first Mexican Folk Art Fair at Xcaret

Discover their stories, techniques, and pieces that were part of this celebration of Mexican art.

In Mexico, folk art is not just a tradition; it is the living heartbeat of our history and culture, expressed through the talent of artisans who, with passion and mastery, shape each piece, infusing it with soul, identity, and legacy.

At Xcaret, this invaluable richness is celebrated through Feria Xcaret de Arte Popular Mexicano, an event conceived as a tribute to the indomitable spirit of our country. This fair is a vibrant celebration of our roots, a homage to the collective spirit that acts as a driving force of empowerment for artisans and young people who hold the hope of preserving our heritage in their hands.

As a central part of this cultural celebration, a contest is held to recognize the most outstanding Mexican artisans, awarding the works that best represent their identity, mastery, and pride.

This call becomes a powerful incentive for participants to showcase the piece they are most proud of. And yes, in 2025 there will be a contest again, with great expectations placed on the talent that amazes us every year.

The Mexican Folk Art Fair will take place from September 25 to 28, 2025, in the heart of Xcaret Park, a setting that combines nature, culture, and tradition to offer a unique and unforgettable experience.

You can enjoy it in two ways:

• • Included with your admission to Xcaret Park, where you can also explore all the park’s wonders.
• General admission to the fair for $200 MXN, no park entry required.

This blog aims to transport you to the heart of this celebration, which gives voice to our traditions turned into art and pays tribute to the minds behind these iconic pieces: true guardians of Mexico’s cultural memory. Their skilled hands transform materials into works that tell stories of passion, resilience, and a deep connection with their surroundings.

We invite you to discover the talent and dedication of the winners from the previous edition and to be part of a unique experience that not only preserves our heritage but also makes it beat strongly in the heart of Xcaret.

Textile Art: Hands that Create, Hearts that Inspire

1st Place FRANCISCA PALAFOX Backstrap Loom Weaving with Various Techniques, San Mateo del Mar, Oaxaca

True canvases that come to life with scenes inspired by the sea, fishing, and the people of her town: such are the creations of Master Francisca. With infinite patience and extraordinary skill, she depicts intricate designs woven on her backstrap loom, shaping pieces that are both art and cultural testimony.

Her weaving, exquisite and of exceptional quality, captivates not only for its beauty but also for the value it holds in preserving ancestral techniques. This tireless work has earned her prestigious recognitions such as the National Grand Prize of Folk Art, the National Mexican Nativity Contest, and the Grand Prize of Folk Art.

Since the age of 20, Master Francisca has never stopped creating traditional and innovative pieces, learning this noble craft from her mother and sisters. She has worked with hand-spun cotton threads, silk, pita fiber, and even unusual materials like human hair, with which she made a huipil in honor of Julia Pastrana. Her passion for the loom transcends generations: today, her children and grandchildren are the keepers of the invaluable legacy she has passed down to them.

Master Francisca’s art is not just an act of creation; it is a bridge between the past and the future, a living manifestation of the resilient and creative spirit that defines Mexican folk art.

951 431 3297 / 951 548 5066, email: paolapalafox1011@gmail.com, Facebook: Francisca Palafox- – Tejedora de sueños, Instagram: @francisca_palafox_textiles

2nd Place DALIA GUADALUPE RAMÍREZ MARTÍNEZ Backstrap Loom Huipiles with Brocade Application, Venustiano Carranza, Chiapas

Since the age of 12, the backstrap loom tradition has been part of the life of this talented artisan, who learned the craft from her grandmother and mother. Together with the women in her family, she has kept this noble technique alive, turning each thread into a story of identity and belonging.

With a fresh vision and vibrant creativity, she has not only dedicated herself to perfecting traditional techniques but has also opened new paths for Mexican textile art. Her innovative pieces and the revival of designs such as the petate thread technique have positioned her as a worthy representative of the artisan youth driving cultural legacy into the future.

Her talent and dedication have been recognized nationally: in 2021, she was awarded the Bicentennial Textile Prize at the National Textiles and Rebozos Contest organized by FONART, and that same year she won first place in the textiles category at the Fray Bartolomé de las Casas contest in Chiapas

Her story is a powerful reminder that tradition and innovation are not opposites, but threads that, when intertwined, weave a vibrant present and a future full of possibilities for Mexican folk art.

Artesanías CHA'V (992 112 6614), email: daliaramirezmartinez10@gmail.com, Facebook: Artesanías CHA'V , Instagram: @artesanias_chav

3rd Place ARTURO ESTRADA HERNÁNDEZ Rebozo Weaving Using the Ikat Technique, Santa María del Río, San Luis Potosí

Dreams, colors, and shapes intertwine as an extension of himself in each of his weavings. With overflowing passion and a deep love for his craft, Arturo has turned textile art into a language that expresses identity, emotion, and tradition.

Born in the renowned "cradle of the Mexican rebozo," his training began under the guidance of master rebozo weavers who passed on the basic principles and traditional techniques that now define his work.

At 18 years old, his talent was already shining brightly: he won first place in the National Rebozo Contest, an achievement that marked the beginning of a career full of accolades. Among his honors is the prestigious National Award at the National Rebozo Contest in 2004, which cemented his place among the great exponents of Mexican textile art.

Arturo’s work is the result of years of dedication, a bridge between the heritage of past generations and the projection of an art that remains alive thanks to hands like his.

Facebook: Arturo Estrada (485 104 2537) , areshe.ae@gmail.com

From Earth to Soul: Ceramic Art

1st Place ZENAIDA RAFAEL JULIÁN Polychrome Clay, Ocumicho, Michoacán

From Ocumicho, Michoacán — a pottery town known for its iconic “diablos” — comes the vibrant and lively art of Zenaida Rafael Julián. Her overflowing creativity is reflected in whimsical, colorful, and bright divs that evoke the deepest traditions and legends of her community.

Heir to a family legacy, Zenaida grew up surrounded by clay and the hardworking hands of her mother, who passed down the secrets of the craft. What began as a childhood game soon turned into a path of artistic expression. At twelve, she modeled her first pieces as a conscious effort; by fourteen, she was already letting her imagination flow into divs that are now recognized in national contests and sought after by collectors.

Her unique style not only reflects absolute mastery of the technique but also an artistic voice that contributes to supporting her family and enriching the culture of her town. In each div, Zenaida imprints the essence of Ocumicho, turning clay into a language that honors the past and projects it into the future

Zenaida’s art is a living example of how tradition and innovation coexist, reminding us that Mexican hands are capable of shaping imagination itself.

351 115 2774 , alex56rafael@gmail.com

2nd Place MANUEL JERÓNIMO REYES Glazed Black Clay, Santa Fe de la Laguna, Michoacán

From Santa Fe de la Laguna, Michoacán, comes the legacy of a master potter who has transformed tradition into art: Manuel Morales Pérez. With over forty years of experience, his work stands out for the elegance, quality, and originality that emanate from each piece. Specializing in candlesticks, he also brings to life incense burners, pots, and utilitarian objects that transcend the everyday to become true works of art.

Manuel’s story goes back to his childhood, when he watched with admiration as his grandfather molded clay with wisdom and patience. Those moments shared in the workshop, after having lunch together following a day in the mountains, deeply shaped his path. In that sacred space of creation, a vocation was born that has accompanied him throughout his life.

Using a special clay that combines red and white tones, Manuel molds unique pieces decorated with delicate bird appliqués, symbols of freedom and beauty. His traditional technique includes wood-fired kiln firing and the application of cobalt oxide, which gives his creations that unmistakable shiny black tone that sets them apart.

Each work by Manuel Morales is an offering to the earth, the fire, and the heritage of his ancestors, reaffirming that in the wise hands of our artisans, clay transforms into living culture.

443 483 0586, Email: terheriarte57@hotmail.com, Facebook: Jeronimo Tereri, Instagram: @jeronimoterer

3rd Place ALFONSO CASTILLO HERNÁNDEZ Polychrome Clay, Izúcar de Matamoros, Puebla

From Izúcar de Matamoros, Puebla, emerges an iconic div of Mexican folk art: Alfonso Castillo Hernández, an artisan whose story is deeply intertwined with the tradition, identity, and cultural memory of our country. As the leader of a family business with more than two centuries of history, he represents the fifth generation of a lineage dedicated to polychrome clay.

Among pigments, clay, and tools, he discovered not only a vocation but a passion that led him to proudly embrace the heritage of his lineage. Today, his hands continue to bring to life the renowned Trees of Life, symbols that tell stories, worldviews, and legends passed down through generations.

Alfonso’s mastery has been recognized nationally with highly prestigious awards, such as the National Prize for Arts and Sciences and the title of Living Legend—honors that celebrate not only his talent but also his tireless work as an ambassador of Mexican folk art.

Every sculpture born in his workshop is a living manifestation of the soul of Mexico. Alfonso doesn’t just shape clay; he shapes history, community, and hope, proving that tradition, when honored with excellence, becomes eternity.

Facebook: Alfonso Castillo Hernández, 243 128 6734, alfonsocastillo981@gmail.com, Instagram: @alfonso_castillo22

Hand-Carved Stories: The Magic of Wood

1st Place MARTINA NAVARRO GONZÁLEZ Inlaid Maque, Uruapan, Michoacán

In each of her works, Martina Navarro González offers us a sensitive journey into the depths of the past, evoking the greatness of a traditional technique whose origins date back to pre-Hispanic times. With more than four decades dedicated to perfecting her art, Martina has become an undisputed reference within the landscape of Mexican folk art.

Her mastery has been celebrated with distinctions at multiple levels: state, national, and international, solidifying her place as one of the great guardians of our country’s intangible cultural heritage.

Beyond awards and recognitions, Martina finds her greatest pride in the continuity of her legacy. Three generations now accompany her on this path—young talents who, under her guidance, are not only preserving the tradition but also taking it toward new horizons.

Martina doesn’t just create works; she builds bridges between yesterday and tomorrow, between roots and renewal, keeping the flame of an art alive and strong through time.

Facebook: Taller de Maque Incrustado – Martina y Thomas (452 210 490) , maqueirepani@gmail.com , Instagram: @martinaythomas

MARIO GERARDO JAHUEY Wood with Inlay, Ixmiquilpan, Hidalgo

With extraordinary sensitivity and impeccable mastery of traditional technique, Mario Martínez Hernández has successfully fused innovation with the legacy of his Hñähñu roots, creating pieces that not only beautify but also convey identity, history, and cultural resistance.

Through meticulous craftsmanship, Mario transforms traditional materials into contemporary expressions of deep meaning. His creations, ranging from jewelry to decorative objects, stand out for their originality, detail, and connection to ancestral symbolism, reinventing an ancient heritage with a fresh and modern perspective.

Since 1993, his talent has been rightfully recognized with multiple national and international awards, consolidating his position as one of the great exponents of indigenous folk art in Mexico. His work has traveled through fairs, exhibitions, and museums both inside and outside the country, captivating diverse audiences and promoting a dialogue between cultures through art.

Beyond his role as a creator, Mario also stands out as a strong advocate for intangible heritage. His commitment to preserving the technique has led him to teach courses and workshops, where he not only imparts the craft but also passes on his language, knowledge, and worldview, thus strengthening the cultural continuity of his community.

Mario Martínez Hernández doesn’t just shape material; he shapes memory, identity, and indigenous pride. With each piece, he pays tribute to his ancestors and admirably extends the living thread of a tradition that resists, flourishes, and transforms.

www.artejoya.com.mx , Facebook: Arte Joya (772 124 4049) , lamagiadelaconcha@yahoo.com.mxWebsite:

3.er Lugar GENARO AYALA Huajes y juguetería en maque y laca Santa Temalcatzingo, Guerrero.

A natural artist and heir to a deeply rooted family tradition, Genaro Ayala proudly represents the third generation of a lineage of artisans.

His training began at a very early age, under the guidance of his parents, Don Juan Ayala and María Benigna. By the age of six, he was already repairing pieces alongside his mother, in an environment where art was not only a craft but also a daily language.

His childhood, humble in origin, instead of limiting his creativity, became the engine that fueled his imagination. The absence of toys led him to create his own playful universe from the materials available, ingeniously transforming simple objects into extraordinary pieces full of symbolism and nostalgia—from little cars to entire carousels.

Throughout his career, he has participated in numerous contests, where his talent has been rightfully recognized.

Every piece that comes from his hands is a window into his childhood and the cultural richness that surrounds him. Through his work, Genaro honors his roots, transforms memories into art, and shows that creativity knows no bounds.

756 132 5546 ,antijaker7@hotmail.com

The Essence of Art in Every Form: Other Techniques

1st Place MARINA MARTÍNEZ PEDRO Painting on Amate Paper, Xalitla, Guerrero

Heir to a deep artisanal tradition, Marina Martínez Pedro has dedicated her life to preserving and elevating painting on amate paper, an ancestral technique that, in her hands, takes on a unique vitality. Originally from Xalitla, Guerrero, Marina has developed a distinctive style that combines technical precision with a keen narrative sense, depicting customary scenes of traditional Mexican life.

Whether through vibrant colors or the refined use of black ink, her compositions portray emblematic moments such as festivals, weddings, and dances with remarkable sensitivity, while incorporating symbolism that evokes the duality of day and night. Her work conveys not only beauty but also identity, memory, and belonging.

Awarded multiple prizes — including the Grand Prize of Folk Art in 2007 and first place in the National Mexican Nativity Contest — Marina has established herself as one of the most outstanding exponents of this technique. Her talent and commitment make her a tireless promoter of her town’s cultural richness and Mexican folk art.

733 147 7911, marinamartinesz03@gmail.com

2nd Place ROSSANA RAMÍREZ Embroidered Huajes, Oxkutzcab, Yucatán

Rossana Ramírez has turned embroidered huajes into living canvases of emotional expression and creativity. Each of her pieces is the result of an intimate and deeply artistic process, where embroidery becomes an act of dedication, introspection, and resilience. With every stitch, Rossana deposits fragments of her story, turning each object into a unique work that holds a piece of herself.

Throughout her seven-year career, she has embraced this technique not only as a form of expression but also as a constant challenge. Her commitment to originality and detail has led her to create pieces that are always distinct, each with its own soul and character. Her talent has been recognized with a state award and two first-place prizes in folk art competitions, establishing her as a worthy representative of Yucatán’s artisanal creativity and sensitivity.

Facebook: Rossana Ramírez, 997 114 9171, superrox@outlook.com

3rd Place IGNACIO PUNZO ÁNGEL Hand-Hammered Copper and Silver, Santa Clara del Cobre, Michoacán

Ignacio Punzo Ángel is a worthy representative of the legendary silversmithing tradition of Santa Clara del Cobre. From an early age, he embraced with vocation and discipline the teachings passed down through generations in his family, perfecting the art of hand hammering. With absolute mastery of the technique and admirable physical endurance, he transforms metals like copper and silver into majestic pieces, whose creation process can extend over more than three months.

Every piece sculpted by Ignacio bears the mark of his effort, patience, and artistic sensitivity. His skill allows him to shape creations that dazzle with their harmony, proportion, and beauty, elevating the Michoacán tradition to levels of excellence recognized nationwide. In his hands, metal takes shape, soul, and purpose, establishing him as a true guardian of Michoacán’s artisanal legacy.

434 114 0324, ipunzo_santaclaradelcobre@hotmail.com

Feria Xcaret de Arte Popular mexicano celebrates the creativity, craft, and legacy of those who keep our traditions alive with passion and excellence. An event where voices, colors, and textures converge to shape the artisanal soul of Mexico.

Each piece displayed is the result of a creative process that combines technique, history, and identity passed down through generations.

This event not only recognizes the exceptional talent of its participants but also elevates the diversity of expressions that make up Mexican folk art. It is a space where tradition and art proudly and authentically engage in dialogue.

Don’t miss this event that pays tribute to our masterful hands. Learn more about its protagonists, techniques, and activities here. Feria Xcaret de Arte Popular Mexicano 2025: Tradition and Culture