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If you visit the city of Oaxaca, you'll see that it's more than just a tourist destination; it's a place where ancestral traditions are kept alive through its handicrafts. Each town has its own specialty, and exploring the handicraft route is a unique way to immerse yourself in Oaxacan culture. In this post, we take you through the towns you can't miss if you want to discover the true traditions of Oaxaca.
One of the first towns you should visit is San Bartolo Coyotepec , famous for its black clay . This unique technique, which gives the pieces a dark, shiny finish, is one of Oaxaca's most recognizable symbols. At Doña Rosa Pottery , you can see how these pieces are made, from molding to polishing with quartz stones and firing in wood-fired ovens. It's a fascinating experience that will allow you to appreciate the work behind each piece.
Another must-see town is San Martín Tilcajete , known for its alebrijes . These hand-carved and painted wooden figures are a blend of art and tradition, depicting imaginary creatures full of color and detail. At Jacobo and María Ángeles' workshop , one of the most renowned in the region, you can see the creation process of these works of art, from carving to painting with natural dyes. If you decide to take an alebrije home, make sure it's handmade and painted using traditional techniques.
Teotitlán del Valle is another key stop on the handicrafts route. This town is famous for its textiles made on a pedal loom , a tradition passed down from generation to generation. Here, families use wool and natural dyes, obtained from plants, insects, and minerals, to create rugs, tablecloths, and other unique pieces. Visit the Teotitlán Community Cultural Center to learn about the history of textiles and watch loom weaving demonstrations. You can also stop by Mario Chávez's workshop , where you'll find unique, high-quality pieces.
In Santo Tomás Jalieza , the textile tradition is expressed through embroidery crafted on a backstrap loom . This town is known for its floral and geometric designs, which are used on blouses, dresses, and tablecloths. A visit to Abigail Mendoza's workshop will allow you to see how these unique pieces are made and learn about the ancient techniques that have been kept alive over the years.
In Santa María Atzompa , the artisanal tradition centers on barro verde , a technique that uses local clay and natural glazes to create unique pieces. Visit the Handicraft Market to find tableware, decorative figurines, and more. Take the opportunity to learn about the creation process, which includes the use of natural glazes and firing in wood-fired ovens.
Finally, San Pablo Villa de Mitla is famous for its foot-operated textiles , featuring designs inspired by the archaeological ruins of Mitla. Visit local workshops to see how these unique pieces are made, and combine your visit with a tour of the Mitla ruins to fully immerse yourself in the region's history and culture.
Traveling the handicraft route in Oaxaca is an enriching experience, but it's important to plan your trip well. Many of these towns are close to each other, so you can visit several in a single day. Bring cash, as many workshops and markets don't accept credit cards, and take advantage of the opportunity to directly support local artisans. Ask about the creation process of the pieces, as this not only adds value to your purchase but also allows you to connect more deeply with Oaxacan culture.
Exploring the handicraft route in Oaxaca will not only allow you to take unique pieces home, but also connect with the region's ancestral traditions. Each town has its own history and techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation. It's a way to support local communities and take a little piece of Oaxaca with you.
