Tunich 2008
Municipal Handcraft Fair
July 25 to August 3rd

To read in Spanish click here

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 often an important part of 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 years event, an event that grows and gets more important each year, there will be a contest for the Municipal Handcraft Award. With the contest the organizers 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.

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.). Renovation and construction are becoming big businesses here, and one advantage of working with local companies is the availability of local artisans.

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, saddlery and leathercraft. 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.

Entrance: is free

Parking: $10 pesos

Free transportation:
From the Main Plaza (Calle 60 and 61) in front of the Cathedral: 10 AM, 3 PM & 6 PM
From  Sta. Lucia Park: 10:15 AM, 3:15 PM & 6:15 PM
From Calle 60 and Colon Ave next to the Hyatt Hotel: 10:30 AM, 3:30 PM & 6 :30 PM

Return trip, leaving Calle 18 between 19A and 21 in Dzitya, next to the park: 1PM, 4 PM & 10 PM. Arrival is to the Main Plaza in Merida with one stop at Colon Ave a block from the Hyatt Hotel.

Schedule:

Friday, July 25
7 PM Regional show with Dzereco and Nohoch, two Yucatecan comedians
7:30 PM Inauguration
8 PM Musical group Yahaal-Kab

Saturday, July 26
7 PM Merida’s Children’s Folkloric Ballet
8 PM Trova Nova trio
9 PM Regional theater Tauch and Company

Sunday, July 27
2 PM Children’s show Toy Factory
3 PM Forever Circus
4 PM Children’s Workshop Learn by Playing
5 PM Puppet theater Leiciento
6 PM Children’s choir Yidzat Il Kay – international award winners
7 PM Musical group Carlos Tello

Monday, July 28
8 PM Musical group Los Liberarios

Tuesday, July 29
7 PM Chicharita clown
7: 30 PM Acoustic group Latino
8:30  PM Mexican Arts Institute Ballet Son del Caribe

Wednesday, July 30
7 PM Musical group Ska La Kolekta
7:30 PM Musical group Santa Cecelia
9 PM Musical group Dayron and the Boom

Thursday, July 31
7 PM Country/ranchero soloist Emilio Galvan
8 PM Country/ranchero soloist Lizbeth Rodriquez
8:30 PM Guanajuanto folkloric ballet

Friday, August 1
7:30 PM Mariachi Real de mi Tierra
8:30 PM Mexican Arts Institute This is Mexico

Saturday, August 2
7 PM Chicharita clown
7 PM Latina Zona Ballet Latino Show
8 PM Musical group Taxco

Sunday, August 3
2 PM EM Magician
3 PM The Payanuchos
4 PM Children’s workshop Get Close to Your Culture
5 PM Dance Academy Malehine Mele
6:30 PM Romantic music soloist Filiberto Aguilar
7 PM Musical group Los Juglares
8 PM Musical group The Maya International

To read in Spanish click here

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