The 11th annual Feria Maestros del Arte, Lakeside’s quintessential gathering of artists and artisans from all over Mexico, opens its gates on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, November 16, 17 and 18.
This year’s event will be held in a new location at Plaza de la Ribera (formerly Sol y Luna), Rio Bravo 10 on Ajijic’s west side. Admission is set at 50 pesos per person. Gates open at 10 a.m., closing at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Sixty of the country’s best artisans will showcase wares that include textiles and clothing, ceramics, masks, Huichol bead and yarn arts, jewelry, toys and dolls, lacquer ware, household furnishings, articles fashioned from stone, wood, metal, paper, gourds, straw, palm fronds, cornhusks and pine needles, as well as high quality publications on Mexican art and culture.Expect to pay wholesale prices – the same as if you visited their homes or studios.
And art won’t be the only attraction. The Feria offers great food this year – stuffed baked potatoes, BBQ ribs, Mexican dishes, a salad bar and more.
The bar will be open and serving margaritas, Cuba libres, wine, beer and non-alcoholic drinks. Licores Paz will present tequila tastings courtesy of the Siete Leguas distillery.
At noon on Saturday, entertainment will be provided by Mariachi Feminil. There will also be folkloric dancing, radish carving and demonstrations on how to use a molcajete (the mortar and pestle tool for grinding spices) and how to tie your rebozo (traditional Mexican shawl).
Feria Maestros del Arte is a Mexican non-profit organization and all folks making it happen are volunteers. The artists pay nothing to participate – no booth fee, no percentage of sales – and are hosted by local residents for the three days of the event. When you attend the fair, the 50 pesos you pay for admission helps the program continue. You will be able to take comfort knowing that you are helping keep alive Mexican folk and indigenous art that is in grave danger of disappearing.
For more information contact Marianne Carlson at (376) 765-4785 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Donna Williams at 765-5937.