Explore Tlalpujahua de Rayón: Mexico’s Artisan Hub

Tlalpujahua is one of those corners of Mexico that, just by hearing its name, refers us to the creativity of its artisans. This Magical Town is located approximately one hour 50 minutes from Morelia, the capital of the state of Michoacán.

 

The place for arts and craftsThe beauty of Tlalpujahua is evident from its geography: it is located in a mountain since its main activity used to be mining. That is why there are still traces of this past in its architecture, in the oldest houses and in the daily work of the artisans.

 

The climate in Tlalpujahua has a lot to do with its location at 2,600 meters above sea level (aprox. 8,500 feet), which is why it tends to range from mild to cold depending on the time of year. Its name comes from the Nahuatl language and means “Land of Tezontle”.

 

In 1522 the first Spanish missionaries began to arrive, they established themselves by building convents of Baroque architecture such as that of San Francisco, which dates from the 17th century, and which has its doors open to the public.

 

The Santuario de Nuestra Señora del Carmen (Sanctuary of Our Lady del Carmen), patron saint of Tlalpujahua, is a must-see place on the route. It offers a beautiful panoramic view since it was built in one of the highest points of the town.

 

The splendor of Tlalpujahua was due to the extraction of gold and silver from its mines, mainly at the end of the 19th century. This activity had to stop in 1937, after a terrible accident caused by an alluvium claimed the lives of hundreds of miners and buried the Carmen neighborhood.

 

The manufacture of glass Christmas spheres is one of the activities that keep Tlalpujahua as a must-see destination, although its artisans are also dedicated to produce other pieces made with straw, feathers, ceramics, quarry and even projects using blacksmithing techniques.