At the Salón de la Historia in the Palacio de Gobierno, we had the honor of attending the press conference announcing ORIGINAL: Encuentro de Arte Textil Mexicano—a major cultural event coming to Mérida for the first time after four successful editions in Mexico City.
From October 16–19, 2025, the Centro de Convenciones Siglo XXI will host over 300 master artisans from across Mexico (and guests from Cuba, Guatemala, and Paraguay) for a four-day festival of fashion, craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation.
From Mexico City to Mérida: A Growing Cultural Movement
With support from the Secretaría de Cultura del Gobierno de México, the Consejo de Artesanos ORIGINAL, and Yucatán’s cultural institutions, ORIGINAL Yucatán represents a nationwide expansion of this movement. As Mexico’s Secretary of Culture Claudia Curiel de Icaza explained, this event transforms the way society values popular art, moving beyond commercial exploitation to emphasize cultural respect, sustainability, and the rights of artisan communities.
Governor Joaquín Díaz Mena highlighted Yucatán’s role as a cultural ambassador:
“Here in Yucatán, textile art is part of our everyday life. It’s not only fabric or clothing—it’s identity, pride, and the living voice of our ancestral communities.”
What to Expect at ORIGINAL Yucatán 2025
- Dates: October 16–19, 2025
- Venue: Centro de Convenciones Siglo XXI, Mérida
- Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. daily
- Admission: Free
Activities & Highlights
- Artisan Expo & Market:
Over 300 artisans will present textiles, jewelry, accessories, ceramics, metalwork, and more—celebrating heritage crafts and offering pieces for sale directly from the creators. - Fashion Shows:
Every evening at 7:30 p.m., the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya will host runway shows featuring collaborations between master artisans and top designers from Mexico and abroad. - Workshops for All Ages:
- Original Ts’irulitos for children
- Original Najil noolo’ob for older adults
These workshops connect generations through craft, creativity, and cultural heritage.
- Panels & Talks:
Forums with experts, artists, and cultural leaders will address topics like cultural rights, sustainability, and fair trade in the fashion industry. - Filigree Encounter (Oct 18–19):
A special focus on Mexico’s filigree jewelry tradition will feature 50 master artisans sharing techniques and history. - Gastronomy & Performing Arts: Visitors can also enjoy traditional cuisine and live performances reflecting Mexico’s cultural diversity.
Why ORIGINAL Matters
Since its launch, ORIGINAL has reshaped the narrative around artisan work in Mexico—transforming it from undervalued “folk art” into recognized cultural heritage with legal, economic, and artistic value.
As artisan Suemi Argelia Montejo Gutiérrez shared:
“Each piece carries generations of knowledge, colors, and techniques. ORIGINAL is a space of respect where our work reaches new audiences without losing its identity.”
Young artisan Christopher Alejandro García Luna added:
“Events like this give visibility to new talents. For me, crafting is not only art—it’s a livelihood, a way to share our traditions with the world.”
Mark Your Calendars
- Event: ORIGINAL Yucatán 2025 – Encuentro de Arte Textil Mexicano
- Dates: October 16–19, 2025
- Venue: Centro de Convenciones Siglo XXI, Mérida
- Hours: 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. daily
- Runway Shows: 7:30 p.m., Gran Museo del Mundo Maya
- Admission: Free
- Full Program: original.cultura.gob.mx
A Platform for Cultural Pride and Economic Growth
As part of the national strategy for indigenous and Afro-Mexican development, ORIGINAL Yucatán not only celebrates creativity but also supports the economic wellbeing of artisan communities through fair trade, cultural recognition, and international exposure—like Yucatán’s upcoming participation at MONDIACULT 2025 in Barcelona, where Maya embroidery will be presented as a model of cultural heritage with a gender perspective.
For visitors and locals alike, this is a rare opportunity to experience Mexico’s living textile heritage up close—where every thread tells a story of identity, resilience, and beauty.
