Expo TlaquepArte 2025 officially opened its doors this Friday, September 12, at the Baja California Center, where it will run through September 16.
The opening ceremony featured the traditional ribbon-cutting, led by Baja California’s Secretary of Tourism, Zaida Luz López, who praised the cultural and artistic legacy of Mexico’s Indigenous peoples. She also extended an invitation to residents of both Californias to experience this international celebration of craftsmanship.
Bringing together 200 artisans from 16 countries and 23 Mexican states, Expo TlaquepArte has solidified its reputation as Mexico’s premier artisan showcase. Over five days, visitors can discover unique creations from Mexico, Colombia, Cuba, Turkey, Egypt, and beyond.
Inside the exhibition hall, guests will find everything from Colombian hats and Cuban cigars to Turkish mosaic lamps and traditional Arab cosmetics. The event also features a wide variety of regional foods and drinks, including mole, mezcal, cheeses, salsas, tequila, Mexican sweets, and coffee.
Cuba’s Longstanding Presence
Among the most visited stands is Cuba’s, where hand-carved pieces in bone, mahogany, and granadillo are on display. Artisan Maykel Cervantes, who has 20 years of experience and has exhibited at Expo TlaquepArte for over 13 years, reflected on the importance of keeping these traditions alive.
“I’ve been working with bone for about 20 years, and our stand features pieces from different artisans, including textiles,” Cervantes explained. “We love coming to Rosarito because of the warm welcome we receive.”
He also encouraged visitors to value handmade work over mass-produced goods. “We invite everyone from Baja California and beyond to appreciate handmade craftsmanship, because its value remains incalculable.”
The Voice of Baja California’s Indigenous Peoples
Mexico, as the host country, holds a central place in the exhibition with artisans from across the nation, including Indigenous communities. Among them are the Kumiai people of Baja California, who showcase their cultural and historical contributions.
Their stand features baskets, books on Kumiai ethnobotany, seed necklaces, and pieces inlaid with deer horn.
Artisans Laura Zazueta and Isaac Romo highlighted both the commercial and cultural importance of their participation. “We always look forward to each new edition of Expo TlaquepArte,” Zazueta said. “It’s a beautiful experience, and we’re blessed because sales are always good.”
Romo added: “We invite everyone to learn about the roots of Baja California.”
Oaxaca’s Tradition of Alebrijes
From southern Mexico, Eugenia Sosa arrived in Rosarito for the first time with her workshop Maravillas de Copal. With over three decades of experience, Sosa continues a family tradition of creating alebrijes—colorful fantastical creatures carved from copal wood.
“I’ve spent 36 years in decoration, painting, and design,” she said. “The wood is called copal, the main material for alebrijes, and we decorate it with acrylic paints, a very old technique.”
As a third-generation artisan, Sosa emphasized the importance of heritage. “We learned the craft from our parents, and we continue passing it down from one generation to the next.” She encouraged visitors to attend the fair and purchase pieces directly from the artisans.
Don’t Miss It
Expo TlaquepArte runs through September 16, open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with free admission.
With the chance to experience the world in just a few aisles, the fair is a family-friendly event that blends art, tradition, and culture, offering visitors the opportunity to take home authentic pieces filled with history.
Website: tlaqueparte.com
Facebook: Expo TlaquepArte
Instagram: @tlaqueparte_expo
