Festival Arte del Pueblo is an eight day celebration of art and culture in San Martín Tilcajete, Oaxaca.
The festival is a space for local artisans to exhibit and sell their works. You’ll find a range of products from all over Oaxaca including alebrijes from San Martín Tilcajete, black pottery from San Bartolo Coyotepec, rugs from Teotitlan del Valle, and clothing and textiles from Santo Antonino Castillo Velasco. There will also be traditional clothing and woollen dolls from Chiapis, and Huichol art from Jalisco and Nayarit.
The festival was created by group of artisans, Maestros Talladores de Tilcajete, in conjunction with Taller Jacobo y María Ángeles and Restaurant Azucena Zapoteca to help support artisan families who have suffered economic difficulties since the social conflicts in 2006 caused a decrease in both domestic and international visitors to the region.
As well as the exhibition and market the festival will include a variety of cultural events including a traditional parade by the Chinas Oaxaqueñas, contemporary and traditional dance performances and concerts including Bajo Mis Manos, La China Sonidera and Lorena y Los Alebrijes. If you want to get hands-on try one of the artisan workshops. These include barro negro (black pottery), alebrije painting and jewellery making.
While you’re there don’t miss the traditional food including mole, coloradito, chichilo and higaditos, tamales, empanadas, garnachas and molotes, nieve, tejate and some special Day of the Dead treats. There will also be mezcal tastings and degustations.
If you need transport there are free buses twice daily at 12pm and 4pm. The meeting point is Gallery Voces de Copal on Alcalà 303, Centro.
See the poster below for the full program or check the website.
Festival Arte del Pueblo
27 October – 3 November, 9am – 9pm
Restaurante Azucena Zapoteca
San Martín Tilcajete
