Rosarito is getting ready to welcome thousands of visitors for the 10th edition of Expo TlaquepArte, Mexico's most important handicraft event.

This year, the exhibition will take place from Friday, September 6 to Monday, September 9 at Centro de Convenciones Baja California Center in Playas de Rosarito, promising 4 days full of cultural wealth, tradition, and delicious gastronomy.

Expo TlaquepArte has consolidated itself as an exceptional stage for artisans from all over the world. At this event, attendants will be able to explore a wide variety of handcrafted products, from textiles and jewelry to decorations, cosmetics, and gastronomic products.

With the participation of 200 exhibitors from 25 Mexican states, including Baja California, and 16 international countries, this is an event that you cannot miss. Admission is free!

Baja Californian artisans in Expo TlaquepArte: Octavio Morales shows off popotillo art

Among the exhibitors of this 2024 edition, there is Baja Californian artist Octavio Morales, who joined Expo TlaquepArte more than 2 years ago to show off a very interesting kind of work: straw art or popotillo, which consists of artwork created with broom straw sticks, cut with nails piece by piece, to create all kinds of images that look like paintings from afar.

Through his father's teachers, he learned how to make these artworks: paintings are made with broom straw, which is dyed naturally like the Aztecs used to do so, and, without a doubt, represent the historic and cultural wealth of Mexico.

It should be noted that this is one of Mexico's oldest types of handicrafts, and some of these projects can take from 8 to 10 months of work.

Popotillo art takes advantage of straw by using several different techniques and at Expo TlaquepArte 2024 you'll find around 30 different works of art, all with different measurements and styles.

Colombia will show its roots and traditions at Expo TlaquepArte

In a press conference, we spoke with Carolina Ortiz, Colombian exhibitor, who told us about the importance of Expo TlaquepArte as a cultural exchange event, a perfect place for artisans from all over the world.

Under the brand name Wanita by Carolina Ortiz, one can find bronze costume jewelry, drenched in gold and completely handwoven; a work carried out by women who are heads of their families who live in Medellín, Colombia, and who 100% handcraft all kinds of earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets.

Ortiz also spoke about her brand Banana Belt's with braided belts and leather accessories, which are the perfect touch for any type of outfit.

"For Expo TlaquepArte, we will have around 70 or 80 different colors and available in all sizes for everyone in the family, for children, ladies, and gentlemen," Carolina Ortíz said.

For her part, artisan Stella Cárdenas Jimenez, a native of Bogotá, Colombia, presented her feminine linen and rayon clothesline, handcrafted, with watercolor and embroidery that can be purchased from September 6 to September 9 at Mexico's most important handicraft event.

With products made of 100% cotton and excellent quality guaranteed, the brand will be presenting more than 20 products with different knitting and embroidery techniques for women of all ages and sizes.

"Handicrafts are a piece of Colombian history, so in each of our techniques we are representing our country. We try to have all of our folklore and our colors represented in these clothes," Stella Cardenas said.

Thailand joins the 16 countries that will be showing off handicrafts at Expo TlaquepArte

Expo TlaquepArte allows attendants to witness different techniques and styles from all over the world.

A total of 16 countries will take part in this exhibition, where you will find a great assortment of international products such as exotic wood from Cuba, vibrant paintings from Peru, carved wood from Ecuador, handcrafted lamps from Turkey, fresh coffee from Colombia, and costume jewelry from Russia.

For the first time ever, this exhibition will welcome Thai artisans who will offer a great variety of textile products.

Expo TlaquepArte will be stage for exhibitors from 25 Mexican states

Heirs of the pre-Hispanic tradition of Mexico and national and internationally renowned artisans will be presenting their projects and designs at Expo TlaquepArte: this is an excellent opportunity to purchase Mata Ortiz pottery from Chihuahua, boxes from Olinalá, Guerrero, silver from Taxco, and several products from Tlaquepaque, Jalisco such as rugs, handcrafted shoes, and glassblowing items.

Expo TlaquepArte will last 4 days and it will take place from September 6 to September 9. It will be open from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM at Baja Center Rosarito, located at Carretera Escénica Tijuana – Ensenada Ejido #1029.

Admission is completely free and it is a family friendly event, which means the whole family can enjoy this great variety of products!

Visitors will have the chance to meet artisans and learn all about the processes behind their artwork.

If you wish to keep an eye on this event and learn more about all of their different exhibitors, you can follow the website and social media pages of Expo TlaquepArte:

Website: http://tlaqueparte.com/
Facebook: Expo Tlaqueparte
Instagram: @tlaqueparte_expo