The Tlaqueparte Expo has opened in Tlaquepaque as sellers from Mexico and across the world descend on the Guadalajara suburb to offer a menagerie of artisan products.
This biannual event is held at the stately Centro Cultural El Refugio and runs from Thursday, October 26 through Monday, October 30.
The fine line between artists and artisans will all but disappear during this popular expo which showcases high-quality regional handicrafts at wholesale prices.
With its picturesque streets and colonial era churches, Tlaquepaque has a worldwide reputation as a center for decorative Mexican arts and crafts. In keeping with the area, Tlaqueparte places a focus on high quality artisan products made with natural materials.
This giant biannual bazaar has been running since 1997 and should have something to please everyone at a range of prices. Besides dozens of examples of Mexico’s well-known folk art, there will be a large presence of crafts from countries such as Cuba, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, India and from the African continent.
Many of the items on sale will have Christmas themes, so you’ll easily be able to decorate your house and tree with creative seasonal goodies. This is a magnificent opportunity to do some early Christmas shopping and buy directly from the artisans.
At Tlaqueparte you’ll find jewelry, ceramics, Cuban Panama hats, lacquered boxes, Mexican silver, mirrors, furniture, belts, wallets, guayaberas (the iconic Latin American shirt), women’s clothing, hammocks, deck chairs, bags, masks, photo frames, religious items, blown glass, paintings, wrought iron and candles – and that’s just a few of the products on display.
Also on sale will be those highly popular and collectible alejibres – brightly-colored sculptures of fantastical animal-like creatures, typically carved from the copal tree.
A major plus of Tlaqueparte is that shoppers are able to browse, ask questions and buy directly at cost from the artisans. While wholesalers are especially attracted to the four-day event, even the most frugal of spenders can pick up delightful gifts for less than 50 pesos. The sprawling venue, the Centro Cultural El Refugio, is perfect for housing the many vendors’ stands. Buyers can make a day out of their visit by also taking in Tlaquepaque’s other attractions.
TlaquepArte is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Centro Cultural El Refugio, Donato Guerra 160, Tlaquepaque (about three blocks from the main plaza). For more information visit www.tlaqueparte.com.