Visiting Oaxaca: Artisans and Art

Our first stop was the workshop of Huella Carmin, where we were introduced to the fascinating magic of cochineal bugs. These tiny creatures, commonly found on the nopal cactus, are used to create red-hued dyes that are highly prized for their rich color and natural origin. By the pound, they’re very expensive to purchase. We learned how these bugs are carefully collected and combined with other natural ingredients like moss and indigo to create the beautiful dyes used in traditional Oaxacan textiles.

Next, we met Leslie, a young artisan who is keeping the tradition of velas de concha alive. These traditional candles, shaped like seashells, have been made by Leslie’s family for generations. At just 23 years old, Leslie is already making a name for herself by creating new designs that combine modern colors and molds with traditional forms for the candles. I bought so many items from her – it always feels good to support Latina entrepreneurs.

Taller Manos Que Ven

José Garcia Antonio is a world-famous ceramist who has gained international recognition for his stunning work. Despite losing his sight many years ago, José has continued to create beautiful ceramic pieces with the help of his wife. Together, they work as a team, with his wife assisting him in finalizing the small details of his pieces before they are sold. He shared their love story and seeing these two interact was just – priceless.

Frida’s Cocina

Frida’s Cocina, run by Beatriz, is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Oaxacan cuisine. Looking back at my food pics, my mouth still waters thinking about her enchiladas (unlike any I’ve ever had). Beatriz’s love for Frida Kahlo is clear in her look, her clothing, and her bold and vibrant dishes, which are as colorful and flavorful as the famous artist herself. Seriously – don’t miss the enchiladas – they’re unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before.

Chef Mimi Lopez

Chef Mimi Lopez is an award-winning chef known for her exquisite moles. We had the pleasure of learning her traditional mole recipe and hearing her story while visiting her home. There is no love like sharing your food and home to strangers and she was so gracious with us. She’s a true firecracker in the kitchen, and her passion for food is contagious.

Taller Una Inspiracion de Mi Vida

At Taller Una Inspiracion de Mi Vida, we witnessed the creation (from literally the ground up!) of alebrijes, whimsical creatures that originated in Mexico City but have been perfected in Oaxaca. We met young and talented artisans who create these intricate pieces from scratch, using traditional techniques passed down through generations. We also learned about our spirit guides—known as our “tona” and “nahual“.

Taller de Noparely

Noparely is run by Aracely, a traditional curandera, or healer, who has a deep knowledge of medicinal plants and traditional healing practices. Her workshop was a fascinating glimpse into the world of traditional medicine, and we left feeling inspired by her wisdom and expertise. I opted to get a “limpia” – a traditional cleansing ceremony. It involves using a raw egg, fresh herbs, and a reading – a classic cultural homage to Mexico.

La Herencia de Lucas

Our final stop was La Herencia de Lucas, an artisanal mezcal distillery where everything is done by hand. From harvesting the maguey plants to crushing them by hand, every step of the process is carefully crafted to produce small-batch mezcal that is truly exceptional.