Trapito (photo by Lucy Nieto courtesy of Flickr)

A trapito, a simple small rag, is what this gorgeous piece of art is. Trapitos are usually used around the house for cleaning, doing dishes or, perhaps, for polishing some furniture. It is no surprise that a culture, long known for their cleanliness, would also have the most beautiful items as implements for basic daily routines, like cleaning.

Tablecloth (photo by Lucy Nieto courtesy of Flickr)

The intricate details of textiles from Mexico can continue to impress years after first being acquired. The delicate weaves, hand stitching of embroidery or hooking of crochet blend perfectly with the most brilliant use of color to create stunning artwork. While tourists may not want to use this rag for cleaning back home, the sturdiness of these handmade goods rivals any cleaning sponge on the market. It is also one of the greenest ways to go eco-friendly at home.

Napkins (photo by Lucy Nieto courtesy of Flickr)

Much like the rags, which can bring such beauty to a typically mundane chore, napkins, like those above, can be found in marketplaces throughout Mexico. The idea of using cloth napkins has become lost due to the rush of modern society. In Mexico, however, simplicity has never gone away. Beautiful napkins, tablecloths, and dinnerware are luxuries that should be enjoyed and taken care of. Often they are the heirlooms that survive lifetimes being past from generation to generation.

Embroidered fabric (photo by Lucy Nieto cortesy of Flickr)

The fabrics, like other textiles of Mexico, vary from city to city, but always maintain a brilliance that sets them aside from any other around the world. The colors may have something to do with it, but the flowers and other pictures also have a strong impact. Places like Puebla and Oaxaca are known for their beautiful patterns, but anywhere within the country offers an amazing collection of fabrics.

When visiting a marketplace, find the textiles and look for the venders working their craft there at the stall. Most are happy to show you what they are working on, and are happy to show their trade. When traveling with children, it is a great way to show the work that goes into items we sometimes take for granted. It also enforces the importance of traditions and the things families can pass through the generations. So much can be learned, enjoyed and cherished, all from a simple cleaning rag.

Mexican embroidery magazine (photo by Karen Barbe courtesy of Flickr)

Huipiles or Uipilli in Nahuatl, simply means blouse. However, one look at the exquisite beauty of these loom embroidered textiles begs to ask, can they truly be considered just a blouse? More wearable artwork then simply clothing, these amazing textiles are one of the most common items traveling back home with visitors of Mexico. In a word dominated by factory processed clothing, the thought of hands painstakingly working the intricate designs is unbelievably beautiful and inspiring.

Ornate Oaxacan huipil (photo by A30_tsitika courtesy of Flickr)

The gorgeous patterns often serve to not only decorate the clothing, but also serves to give personal information of the person wearing the item. Details such as the village they live, their marital status and personal beliefs are revealed through the weaving. Various parts of Mexico also provide a stunning collection of different styles and patterns of Huipiles. The Huipiles of Oaxaca are going to be different than those found in Puebla.

Colorful huipiles (photo by A30_tsitika courtesy of Flickr)

The huipil is constructed of three panels which are stitched together to form a rectangle. A hole is made in the center for the head, although sometimes it is added during the weaving process. The sides are elaborately stitched leaving openings for the arms and sometimes, for ceremonies, streams of ribbons are also added down the length of the sides of the mid section.

Amazing details (photo by A30_tsitika courtesy of Flickr)

The length of the huipil varies running from sleeveless to fuller scapular sleeves from greater width. They can extend to the waist or run down to the calf. All huipils are worn with a skirt, regardless of their length. The corte, a type of skirt, is one of the most common accompanying the huipil.

Huipiles are an intriguing example of the detail and handmade craftsmanship still found throughout Mexico. Simply sitting and watching the artist weave the patterns is a cheap, family friendly attraction in itself. While many tourist enjoy wearing their purchased huipiles, many return home with a piece of artwork to be enjoyed decorating a wall. It truly can be a brilliant way to bring the beauty of Mexico with you.

some strong coffee (photo by Stephentepreneur courtesy of Flickr)

While Columbia’s “Juan Valdez” may be well known abroad, Mexican coffee is superbly delicious with a very distinct taste and quality all of its own. The flavor is sometimes referred to as light, but the rich character of taste can rival some of the very best Guatemalan brands.

Mexican coffee is graded in regards to the altitude in which it is grown. Mexico is also one of the first places to produce the organically grown coffee that is now becoming so popular with ecologically-minded aficionados.

Drying coffee beans (photo by Angela 7 Dreams courtesy of Flickr)

The basic process for making coffee seams simple, but the complex knowledge of the region and plants are what affords the best tasting coffee in the world. The most famous coffee markets in Mexico include Pluma, Oaxaca, Coatepec, Chiapas and Tapachula.  The basics of coffee bean making are as follow: the coffee berries are picked, dried and the seed extracted. That seed is dried, roasted and becomes the more familiar coffee bean.

Fresh coffee beans (photo by Angela 7 Dreams courtesy of Flickr)

Mexican coffee seldom makes its way up to the food shelves of its North American neighbors, however, with the luxury of the internet, many are beginning to indulge in the glorious Mexican coffees Europe has long enjoyed. Should you come across the following brands, know that you are going to enjoy some rich and tasty Mexican coffee. These brands come from throughout Mexico: Liquidambar, Santa Catarina, Irlandia, Germania, and Hamburgo.

Sacks of beans (photo by Stirlingnoyes courtesy of Flickr)

Trio of sopes with pork (photo by bunchofpants courtesy of Flickr)

Every culture has the treats that are perfect for any occasion. Sopes are one of the delightful foods that can be dressed up for a classy affair or enjoyed bare with merely a sprinkle of cheese. A close cousin to the tortilla, this chubby delicacy makes a perfect base for a main dish or simply a light snack by itself.

Elder making sopes (photo by guanatogwyn courtesy of Flickr)

Sopes are made of the same masa that tortillas are rolled from. The masa is made from corn that has been dried, soaked in lime, and then dried again. The dry mixture has water added and usually a leveling agent like baking soda. The dough is rolled into fat round shapes with little walls built up around the edge to keep in the topping. The sope is usually cooked on a comal much like the corn torilla.

Plain sopes (photo by Chad Magiera courtesy of Flickr)

Sopes can be found throughout Mexico and the creativity comes from the filling. Sometimes the simplest can be the tastiest treat. Oaxacan cheese with a spicy green chili salsa is a refreshing change from a heavier dish, while seafood is the coastal favorite around Acapulco and Cancun. Throughout middle Mexico, chapulines find their way on to sopes with a delightful smear of homemade guacamole.

Sope feast (photo by lorenia courtesy of Flickr)

Sopes are highly versatile and can stand alone as a meal or fall to merely a snack size status. With meat and cheese or merely salsa, sopes are the perfect way to enjoy the local Mexican fare of the city you happen to be visiting.

Chapulines as a topping (photo by Cesar Rincon courtesy of Flickr)

The popularity of Mexican cuisine has found its way onto the tables of homes across the world. Tacos, enchiladas and chips with salsa are just a few favorites. How do you think your family would feel about seasoned insects?

Visit cities like Oaxaca or Puebla and the local marketeers are sure to offer a culinary delight that has been enjoyed in the region for over 3,000 years. Chapulines, which are cooked and seasoned grasshoppers, are quickly becoming a popular favorite of tourists.

Chapulines in the marketplace(photo by Matt Murf courtesy of Flickr)

These crispy delights can be eaten as a snack, much like nuts, sunflower seeds or popcorn. Vendors often sell small bags of Chapulines so shoppers can eat while perusing the marketplace. There can be various flavors for Chapulines, but the most common is flavored with lime. Chili-flavored Chapulines are popular, but some locals believe the chili is usually used to cover the taste of stale grasshoppers. Still, many adore the hotter variety.

Chapulines sold in Cholula(photo by Andresmh courtesy of Flickr)

Visit Oaxaca, and the popular tlayudas are enjoyed with Chapulines as the meat. Tlayudas are a crunchy taco that usually has a smear of refried beans and pork lard and a topping of meat and lettuce or cabbage. Oaxacan cheese, of course, is also added. Chapulines and guacamole are also a marriage made in Mexican heaven and the two create a delightful treat as the topping for a tlayuda.

Tlayudas with chapulines (photo by erlin1 courtesy of Flickr)

Chapulines can be a delightful snack while enjoying the Mexican marketplace or a divine dinner topping for a delicious tlayuda. Although bizarre to some, the chapuline quickly becomes a favorite of tourist because of the crispy and flavorful characteristics similar to potato chips or fried soybeans.

The bizarre becomes standard fair once you give into this intriguing delicacy. With popular shows highlighting chapulines, maybe it stands a chance to become the next snack food favorite.

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The Nochebuena, the Spanish name for the plant known in English as a Poinsettia, was believed to have been cultivated by Aztecs for decorating altars for ceremonies. Even today, its gorgeous, and brightly colored leaves adorn modern churches for Christmas services throughout Mexico. Although the plant affords a long blooming season, it is most often associated with winter, particularly the Christmas holiday.

One tale connects the plant to Christmas through the telling of a child who lacked a gift to bring the Christ child during the Posada celebration. Having picked up some wildflowers by the roadside, she journeyed to bring her humble offering. Upon presenting the gift, the small flowers exploded into the popular and large leafed, bright red Poinsettia.

Posada parade in Oaxaca (www.flikr.com CC)

Another connection offers the idea that the pointed leaves of the plant represent the star of Bethlehem. The oldest though, goes back to the Aztec’s belief that the flower was connected to the Gods and a symbol of purity. Modern Christians have connected this idea of purity to Jesus Christ and even align his blood to the rich scarlet color of the plant.

Poinsettias grown for the Christmas Season Photo Mary Jordan -- The Washington Post

The Nahuatl word for Poinsettia, cuetlaxochitl, translates to either “flower that wilts”, or “flower with leather petals”. Both exhibit the sad fact that Poinsettias are best enjoyed as a potted plant since the leaves will wilt and become leathery within minutes of cutting.

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It is often thought the large red petals are the flower of the plant, but, in fact, the flowers are the tiny yellow nubs in the center of the red leaves. As many in Mexico have learned, the Poinsettia is a plant that can be enjoyed year round as a houseplant, and with special care, can bloom rich in color for many winter seasons.

Oaxaca City is located in the southern region of Mexico. It’s a great city to vacation if you like architecture, history and shopping.

Taking a tour through the city, you can see the many beautiful buidlings, such as the Centro Historico (Historic Center), el Templo y ex Convento de Santo Domingo de Guzman (The Temple and Ex-Convent of Saint Domingo de Guzman), la Basilica de la Soledad (The Basilica of Solitude) and el Teatro Macedonio Alcala (The Macedonio Alcala Theater). Santo Domingo is considered the most beautiful church in Mexico. It is also a museum that is home to terrific exhibits displaying the history of the area.

Surrounding the Historic Center in the city’s main plaza, you will find main traditional markets to shop for pottery, textiles and clothing. Now is a time to also sample the local cuisine with foods such as Oaxacan cheese, tamales, peppers and mole dishes. If you a fan of alcohol, don’t miss out on Oaxaca’s mezcal. This regional beverage is created from the maguey plant.

When staying in Oaxaca, a great choice for accommodations is the Oaxaca Bed & Breakfast Inn. This local inn is just 1 1/2 blocks from Santo Domingo in a terrific, convenient area. There are ten great restaurants and four parks within a three block radius. And 10 300-year-old churches are all within a 10 minute walk from the inn. To learn more about Oaxaca Bed & Breakfast Inn, visit their website.

Photos by Mike McElhatton

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If you are traveling to Mexico, you might want to visit during one of the many Mexican festivals. Here are some of the popular festivals in Mexico, where you can enjoy the dancing, music, culture, history, parades and partying.

Carnival
Three days prior to Ash Wednesday, the streets of Veracruz fill with music, dancing, floats and entertainment. The other main Carnival celebration is in Mazatlán the week leading up to Lent. You will enjoy tradition cultural dancing, strolling musicians, parades, street parties and much more.

Day of the Dead (El Día de los Muertos)
Celebrtated all over the country from October 31st to November 2nd, the Day of the Dead is a very recognized festival. People build altars of food, drink and marigolds for those who have passed away. Special food festival, art & crafts, and even cemetery celebrations take place throughout the country.

Festival de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
Our Lady of Guadalupe’s feast day is an annual celebration in Mexico on December 12th. The Lady (or Virgin) of Guadalupe is an important icon in the Mexican culture. The basilica just outside of Mexico City has a huge celebration every year. Another popular spot during this time is Puerto Vallarta, where you can enjoy a 12 day festival honoring the Lady of Guadalupe.

There are several other festivals in Mexican, including Holy Week festivals leading up to Lent and the Night of the Radishes festival in Oaxaca the day before Christmas Eve.

Plan your vacation around one of these Mexican festivals to thoroughly enjoy the celebrations of Mexican culture.

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