Tlaquepaque, the Artisan Village| Mexico

This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon. Tlaquepaque (“Tla-Keh-Pa-Keh”) not really a tongue twister is it? It is an artistic area, six miles from Guadalajara city. The name comes from the Nahuatl Native Indian language, and literally means the “best of everything.” Dating back to Hispanic times it now has trendy antique shops and restaurants along paved streets, gardens and street performers. The shade of the sycamore trees and the ivy-covered walls, all add to the charm of this delightful artisan’s village. If you are in Guadalajara then do make a visit to Tlaquepaque, the Artisan Village| Mexico; I went twice as I had not got my fill or feel of the place.

Tlaquepaque, Old Town

Tlaquepaque has this traditional, old town feel to it unlike the cosmopolitan uptown Guadalajara El Parían is a circular cluster of restaurants where you can watch the traditionally dressed Mariachi playing and couples dancing the Jareb Tapatio and you must watch these. There are many other cafes and restaurants which also have the Mariachi serenading every table. Some cafes have tables outside on the street where one can watch passers-by. The street performers fill the air with their haunting Mexican melodies. It seems like everyone is either eating or shopping or doing both. Children playing, couples hand in hand and women busy bargaining.

Street Market

There is a choice of exceptional souvenirs to take home and you will be wondering what not to take. Terracotta, porcelain, pottery, blown glass and metal artefacts are reasonably priced to suit every pocket. I find the unusual figurines or public statues alongside the paved roads fascinatingly charming and they tempt you to stand and stare at them.

Exclusive shops selling high-end interior stuff are at one end of the market. There are many shops selling t-shirts with graffiti, straw hats, leather goods and household ware. I wished I could pick up a few but I knew they would not reach home in a single piece. Most of the pieces are of skulls and skeletons but they colourful and full of fun. In Mexico, they celebrate the dead and they have a day especially for the dead.

It is heartening to see that the culture and the traditions are kept alive and encouraged.I had a magical experience discovering all the enthralling features of Tlaquepaque, Mexico-The Artisan Village and I will let the pictures below talk for themselves.