Fair Trade Christmas Shopping Excursion to Maya Communities

 

This 18th of December, Carlos Sosa and I will be hosting a boutique shopping trip to Calkini and the surrounding Maya villages in Campeche.  Just about an hour and twenty minutes from Merida, we will visit some of the local artisans and do some Christmas shopping. There is a diverse group of artisans in the area and they create beautiful work including the jipi hats or more internationally known as “Panama hats”. It is fascinating to see how they are made and we will be graciously invited in to see the process and meet the artisans. We will also be visiting stone workers, embroiderers and see many different crafts offered in the area. This is a way to truly participate in a fair trade exchange. We are hoping to buy gifts with great meaning and made by those who have dedicated their lives to their crafts. 

 

The artists rarely leave their villages and therefore have minimal access to a wider public. They sell their products wholesale at a very low price, so we are hoping to bring them buyers to purchase from them directly. This will help boost their economy and  be a way to learn about the wonderful and unique culture that is so close to  us here in Yucatan. It will be a boutique experience you will not forget.