From September 25 to 28, Xcaret Park on the Riviera Maya hosted the 2025 Xcaret Fair of Mexican Folk Art, an event that brought together 141 artisans from across the country with the aim of preserving, promoting, and showcasing Mexican folk art to new generations. Over the course of four days, visitors and officials alike admired unique pieces that tell the stories of entire communities through textiles, ceramics, woodwork, and ancestral techniques, among others.
Architect Miguel Quintana Pali, Founder and President of Grupo Xcaret, led the celebration with a heartfelt message of gratitude, calling the creators “the magical hands that keep the legacy of our peoples alive.” He also announced the continuation of the annual exhibitor rotation program, designed to accommodate more artisan families and enrich each edition with new talent.
A highlight of the fair was the special contest dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe, which drew 98 entries rich in symbolism and devotion. The winner was Abel Ávalos Guerrero, a ceramicist from Guanajuato, for his work “Construyendo mi fe” (Building My Faith)—a piece that captivated the jury with its creativity and intricate detail. During the announcement, Quintana Pali revealed that the theme for the next edition would be the National Coat of Arms, inviting artisans to reinterpret this emblem using various techniques.
Artisans also took the stage to share their voices, including master weaver Francisca Palafox Herrán from Oaxaca—winner of the 2025 National Award for Great Masters of Artisanal Heritage—who reminded the audience that every piece is the fruit of history and the collective effort of entire communities.
The fair was attended by Sonya Santos Garza Zambrano, Director General of the National Fund for the Promotion of Handicrafts (FONART); Nathalie Desplas Puel, Undersecretary of Tourism; Lilian Villanueva Chan, Director General of the Quintana Roo Institute of Culture and Arts; and Diana Estefanía Hernández, Secretary of Tourism for Playa del Carmen. They all agreed that Mexican handicrafts are an invaluable legacy that draws the world’s attention to the country, conveying history, identity, and a deep connection to nature.
With this edition, the Xcaret Fair of Mexican Folk Art solidifies its position as a space for recognition and shared prosperity—a place where the past is honored, the present is celebrated, and the future of Mexican folk art is inspired.