How are the trajineras of Xoximilco made?

Discovering the art behind the Trajineras of Xoximilco

In the lush land of Cancun, Mexico, lies a magical place full of tradition: Xoximilco Cancún This place, named after its namesake in Mexico City, is known for its picturesque canals, colorful trajineras and parties full of music and joy.

But have you ever wondered how these iconic boats are made?

But first things first... What is a trajinera?

Trajineras are typical Mexican boats, originating from pre-Hispanic times. These boats are known for their striking colors and decorations, which reflect the rich Mexican culture.

A trajinera is a typical boat from Xochimilco and Tláhuac, south of Mexico City. It is built with flat-bottomed wooden planks and covered with chapopote, a kind of rubber derived from petroleum that makes it waterproof. It can carry 10 to 25 people and is used in calm, shallow waters, with a maximum height of 30 cm from the base to the surface of the water and a width of 3 meters. To move, it uses poles that rest on the bottom of the body of water where it moves. The names of Lupita, Margarita or Juanita were placed at the request of the catrines to celebrate someone with that name or simply to adorn the name of one of their fiancées or girlfriends.

These boats are recognized for their use in the transport of goods and local tourism. The version destined for visitors is the most popular and widespread.

What is the origin of the term "trajinera"?

Originally, the word was used to describe boats dedicated to commerce, due to its etymology. Therefore, they were also known as "jumbillos" or "tulillos", the latter for the smaller versions. However, over time, the use of "trajinera" has spread and it is not incorrect to apply it now also to rafts used for tourist purposes.

If trajineras have their origin in Mexico City, how is it possible to find one in the Riviera Maya?

In Xoximilco! This place is a recreation of the famous canals of Xochimilco in Mexico City, located in Cancun. Here, visitors can experience Mexican culture at its best, navigating on trajineras (water boats) while enjoying live music, traditional food and a festive atmosphere.

During the ride through the park, you can savor a wide variety of representative dishes of Mexican gastronomy, which will transport you with aromas and flavors throughout the country. In addition, you can enjoy a free selection of tequila, beer, soft drinks and aguas frescas while sailing on the trajinera. This experience will allow you to toast and celebrate Mexican style with everything you need to say cheers!

How and where are the trajineras of Xoximilco made?

To discover the secrets behind the manufacture of these beautiful boats, we ventured to the workshops where they are made. Located in Xoximilco Park, we talked with Eduardo Ascención Martínez to find out how the trajineras are made, from the sketch of the top, assembly, until the trajinera is in operation and ready to enjoy the party.

The process begins with a simple sketch of the design of the copete, the upper part of the trajinera that is often decorated with flowers, traditional symbols or in the case of the trajineras of Xoximilco Cancun, all are in honor of a state of the Mexican Republic or a park of Xcaret.

Sketch of the trajinera "La Milagrosa".

Once the design has been finalized, approved and with the colors of the trajinera, the next step is the assembly, where the artists elaborate each element that carries the top of the trajinera.

The body of the trajinera without design or color is built in Nayarit. Once it arrives in Cancun, the roof is placed on it, which has a special mechanism to open and close.

Then, the artisans proceed to assemble the different parts of the trajinera, such as the coffee table, coolers and chairs. Each piece is assembled with care and precision to guarantee the strength and durability of the boat.

When the trajinera takes shape, the decoration is done. Bright colors and intricate designs are painted by hand, adding a unique touch of personality to each boat.  

Finally, before the trajinera is ready to set sail, it is thoroughly tested to ensure that it is in perfect working condition. Only when quality and safety have been guaranteed does the trajinera join the rest of the fleet in Xoximilco.

Extra facts:   

• In total there are 52 trajineras operating at Xoximilco Cancun.  
• The trajineras undergo a galvanizing process in Veracruz before arriving in Cancun: Galvanizing consists of coating the steel and iron with a layer of zinc to protect it from atmospheric corrosion.  
• The elaboration of the copetes takes approximately 2 and a half months, depending on the design.  
• Depending on the size, it transports between 10 and 25 people.  
• A large Trajinera is approximately 7 m long and 1.80 m wide.

In conclusion, the trajineras of Xoximilco are not only impressive boats, but also the protagonists of the night. Each one of these boats tells a unique story, and creates new stories on board with the music, dance and gastronomy of Mexico.   

If you ever have the opportunity to visit Xoximilco, be sure to embark on one of these trajineras and immerse yourself in the magic of this unique place.