Municipal Handcraft Fair “Tunich 2006”

July 14 - 23, 2006 in Dzityá, Yucatán

* This year: July 27 - August 5, 2007

HISTORY
The majority of the handcrafters in the state of Yucatan are known for creating their handcrafts with great precision and beauty while incorporating the designs, colors and styles of the local culture. Their work is also a tradition and an important part to the family economy.
With this in mind, for the fifth year running, the artisans of Dzitya and the Municipal government of Merida, are coordinating the craft fair that will show the traditional word and stone products from this village.

OBJECTIVE
The primary function of the Tunich Municipal Handcraft Fair is to provide a space for the commercialization of the crafts produced in the towns and villages surrounding Merida and to provide the opportunity to make contacts with wholesale buyers. Another function is to provide a place for families and tourists to see the crafts in a wholesome atmosphere where there culture and fun are brought together.

DEVELOPMENT OF THE EVENT
During this year's event, an event that grows and gets more important each year, there will be a contest for the Municipal Handcraft Award. With the contest they intend to promote the creativity, dexterity and abilities of the craft sector of the Municipality of Merida. The crafters will compete for various awards and at the same time serve as a vehicle to promote the crafts of the towns.

Above: A stone worker in Dzitya

Another of the innovations that will be carried out in this fair, is the Business Encounters that will link people in the construction businesses with the artisans that craft articles for decoration and construction (stone and wood door frames and windows, counter tops, facades, floors, etc.)

This year, with the participation of some 200 artisans, the crafts will include: pottery, clay, stone, embroidery, ceramics, bone, coconut, horn, conch, agave, hammocks, filigree, carved wood, palm, wickerwork, recycled paper, costume jewelry, hippy – japa, saddlery, skin and by-products. It is expected that some 50,000 people will visit the fair.
In the case of the Handcraft Award, it is expected that more than 50 artisans in the branches of stone, wood, embroidery and agave will compete.

To read in Spanish click here