Each region is famous for its historical heritage, and Mexico is the country in which several cultures are mixed at once. The fusion of traditions of different ethnic groups is reflected in the work of folk craftsmen, local cuisine and souvenirs, and is offered to tourists in a huge variety. It is fair to call this place a paradise for shopaholics.

Panama Bekal

A big misconception is that all Mexican city dwellers wear a sombrero. In fact, they only wear them for the carnival. The local population holds in high esteem a more compact and practical headdress – panama. This accessory has earned respect and popularity so much that in the city where they are produced, a monument in the form of 2 headdresses was erected right on the central square.

Bekal has long been famous for the production of his panamas of the same name. They are made from palm leaves, and this, as you know, is a natural fire-resistant, waterproof material that does not mold. Elastic and smooth products keep their shape well, and can be kept rolled up for a long time without losing their appearance. Panamas are sold everywhere, but on the outskirts they are much cheaper than in the central regions.

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Cosmetics

Although Mexico is a country of the richest natural resources and talented craftsmen who can create completely unique things from the gifts of nature, there are still no well-known cosmetic brands here. But cosmetics made in the USA and Canada are sold here at a very low price. This fact should not be overlooked. On the shelves there are almost all European brands, in supermarkets and duty free in Cancun or Mexico City, their prices are not so inexpensive. The choice of local cosmetics is small, but natural oils from jojoba, avocado, coconut and cactus can be distinguished.

Natural soap will be a gift for the collector – there is definitely enough of it here. Interestingly, 2 centuries ago, soap in this country was in such short supply and cost so much that it served as money. Today everyone has it, but they make it together with pieces of fruit and fragrant spices. Many people are surprised by the smells of orange and cinnamon, aloe vera, or french fries. Packing with pleasantly smelling contents is a good idea for a small present to relatives and friends.

Sombrero

The name of this exotic headdress comes from “Somdre”, which means shadow. This wide-brimmed hat perfectly protects from the scorching hot rays. They wear it only here, but outside the country this accessory is unlikely to come in handy. Still, visiting tourists buy these things as a souvenir, because many of them are hand-embroidered and really unique. There are simply thousands of these products on the markets, their prices are very reasonable, and depend not only on the location of the outlet, but also on the quality of workmanship.

Sombrero production tops the list of traditional folk crafts. Initially, they were made from rabbit skin for cattle drivers, a little later they began to use wool and included in festive costumes. Today, hats contain decorative elements, gold or silver cords, and are still decorated with hand embroidery. Traditionally they are made of straw, but there are also more expensive pieces made of velvet and leather and decorated with precious stones.

Skulls

Souvenir products in the form of skulls can convey the colorful atmosphere of this land. The famous Calavera – the symbol of the Day of the Dead – is made of ceramic and decorated with flowers and patterns. Created by local artisans, it is of the greatest interest to tourists. The people zealously revere the cult of the dead, because their ancestors were once the ancient Aztecs. Symbolism is found everywhere, even in the usual shop windows of shopping centers there are mannequins decorated as skeletons.

Every year on November 1-2, the townspeople celebrate the Day of the Dead, a holiday dedicated to the memory of the dead. During this period, carnivals are organized and sweet figurines in the form of skulls are made. The main character of the festival was Katrina – a doll made in the form of a skeleton. The country is very fond of these symbols of the connection between the living and the dead, and they are happy to offer to buy them. Although the name is a bit gloomy, they are still very colorful attributes that can be found everywhere – in shops and souvenir shops.

masks

Most of the visitors consider it their duty to buy masks, because these curiosities cannot be found anywhere else. Since ancient times, these attributes have become part of the culture and are the main element of costumes for various ceremonial dances during holidays and festivals. Totem and ceremonial masks are created by hand from natural wool, hair, teeth and animal skin using the majolica technique. The smell of these things is not so pleasant, but the masters ask for a lot of money for them.

The symbolism of the tribal peoples is really impressive. The simplest mascaras are made of wood, clay, papier-mâché, fabric, while the more expensive ones contain jade, turquoise, and mother-of-pearl. Products, like many centuries ago, are still used. They depict famous people, supernatural beings, animals, and various abstract concepts. They are decorated with corn kernels, horse hair, horns, as well as drawings of various motifs.

Each amazing and unusual item is intricately decorated and has its own sacred meaning. Before buying, it is important to clarify its true purpose. Perhaps some, at first glance, harmless little thing made for sacrifices and used in rituals.

amulets

The rarest and most interesting things are found in the Sonora Witch Market in Guadalajara. This is an unusual place where it will be fun even just to take a walk. Numerous tourists pay attention to unusual items – amulets and amulets. It is to them that folk craftsmen attribute magical powers that supposedly bring happiness and protect against losses. The cheapest of them are grass bags or “stones” with leather inscriptions. The more expensive ones usually look like miniature animal skulls, knuckles, or dried rabbit feet.

Real ritual paraphernalia is made of natural objects. It can be the remains of monkeys, dried snakes or bats. The local people normally treat all these accessories, because each of them believes in the existence of supernatural powers and often go to aboriginal sorcerers. But visiting travelers and people with a weak psyche are really discouraged by these specific gizmos and will feel out of place. Many amulets look terrifying and have a corresponding smell.

Alebrihe

Alebrije can be called truly folk products. These are bright toys depicting unseen fantastic animals. The craft itself originated at the beginning of the last century, when papier-mache creatures created by Pedro Linares appeared. Rumor has it that during a serious illness, animals with horns, tails, wings and fangs appeared to him in a dream. It was them that he transferred to paper. Soon there were followers of this business, and the occupation grew into an extravagant art of a new period. In the 1980s figurines began to be reproduced from wood, which gave a fresh direction to the development of this skill.

These unimaginable toys are in demand among collectors. Design works cost a lot of money, but simpler products can be purchased for a symbolic amount. Alebrije production has long been the hallmark of the state of Oaxaca, and you can find them there in huge numbers. As for symbolism, each animal personifies fear, horror and other mental states of a person, more specifically, it is better to check with the seller.

maracas

After the sombrero, maracas are second in demand among visitors. Many voyagers imagine that all Mexicans walk the streets in these strange outfits, but this is an erroneous opinion. These are such ancient shock-noise instruments that the Indians used them during their rituals, and shamans used them to identify diseases by sound. These hand rattles have become a popular symbol of Latin American music today.

Buying folk art products is a great chance to personally get acquainted with the diversity of the country's culture. As a rule, modern products differ in design, but are always sold in pairs. They are made from the fruits of the iguero tree, coconuts, leather and plastic, and filled with crushed pebbles, dry peas, and beads. There are also designer models on sale. They are decorated in the form of a drawing or painted according to folk motifs. I boldly buy such a gift for children or friends – there will be no limit to joy.

Poncho

No one remembers when a hole first appeared in a multi-colored woolen blanket, but, unequivocally, Latin America is the birthplace of the poncho. Traditionally, it is made from an ordinary cut of hand-woven and dyed material, or from soft wool with folk patterns. This warm, comfortable and beautiful thing that will last for many years. Wear it over your shoulder or simply decorate the interior. Do not forget that you need to buy souvenirs in the region, city or state where they are produced.

The word “poncho” in Russian is translated as “lazy”. Indeed, this is the simplest cape over the head. This clothing first appeared in an Indian tribe, but historians say that such capes were already worn in the Inca empire. In the old days, they were worn by both men and women, regardless of social status and status. Even during the Civil War, it covered the shoulders of North American soldiers. Subsequently, the poncho was repeatedly transformed, during which various materials and colors were used.

Ceramic products

Black clay ceramics has become a unique and colorful souvenir product that can decorate any room. Pottery has become the emblem of the state of Oaxaca, and this is no coincidence. About a century ago, the workshop of Donna Rosa appeared, where pots, jugs and other household utensils were produced. The color of traditional raw materials changed with the development of technology, and eventually ceramic creations received not only a special brilliance of polishing, but also a clear ringing sound emitted when tapped.

For a gift, you can buy all kinds of different-sized creations in the form of plates, mugs and tea sets or other attributes for the home. The most beautiful ceramics are decorated with Mayan ornaments. For many centuries, such dishes have traditionally been decorated with bright paintings, national or floral ornaments, as well as scenes from mythology. Many technologies were invented by the Indians. This also includes enameled talavera products made of volcanic clay, which enliven the interior with their colors.

Leather products

The country is famous for its amazing leather goods. The best of them are sold in Guanajuato. It so happened that the main leather production is located here, which supplies almost all of Latin America with clothes. Who among the travelers did not get to Guanajuato should not despair. Local markets also have a good selection of sandals, boots, belts, jackets, handbags, purses and other items made of genuine leather of excellent workmanship.

Mexico is a country with ancient original traditions. All of them are captured in locally produced items. Craftsmen got the hang of making any accessories. Good souvenirs can be cases for glasses, knives and even guns. Such items have become not only attractive, but also quite practical, as they will delight for many years in a row.

Pinyata

As a surprise for your children, you can bring a piñata. By tradition, it is made of paper, such as papier-mâché, and gives the appearance of an animal, a fairy-tale hero or some kind of figure. They are so bright and colorful that the eyes run wide, besides, this is a wonderful decoration for any celebration, whether it's a birthday or a New Year‘s carnival.

Piñata is played outdoors or indoors. No wedding or party is complete without this fun and colorful entertaining game. Usually Mexicans give these to their children. The toy is filled with sweets, after which it must be broken with sticks. For Russia, this game is quite new, but it has already managed to win the love of children and adults. Toys are sold empty or with filling, and the most popular are cartoon characters such as Spider-Man, minions and other funny creatures.

Indian crafts

Colorful markets are simply teeming with souvenirs of various kinds, including Mayan or Huichol handmade. Crafts are represented by woodcarving, hand embroidery, unique costume jewelry and unique paintings. This region is simply famous for craftsmen and masters of their craft. Techniques and secrets are passed down from generation to generation, so over time, objects have not lost their flavor.

Items of Indian artisans reflect the national traits of the red-skinned people. These are not just souvenir attributes, but wool paintings, wooden figurines, epic masks, unusual household items made of white or black clay. Inexpensive gifts will be small figurines and medallions and obsidian items. The cost does not scare off buyers, but rather attracts from all over the world. Once in this magical atmosphere, I want to find such a souvenir, thanks to which the emotions and impressions of the trip will be preserved for a long time.

Obsidian

An interesting present for the stronger sex can truly be called an Aztec knife. The blade is made of volcanic glass formed as a result of the rapid cooling of lava. This rock has such a hardness as, for example, steel knives and some files that are familiar to us. He can cut anything, for which he is very much appreciated among lovers of edged weapons. The handle is usually made in the form of an eagle's head from bone or wood. The material for the scabbard is rawhide.

The country is rich in deposits of obsidian ore, so any tourist wants to visit the region of volcanoes. A piece of rock that will remind you of a wonderful journey to the country of the ancient Aztecs and Mayans can be bought right on the spot. Interestingly, the Indian tribes could not have lathes, but ancient masterpieces are made with precision and polished to a shine, which is almost impossible to do by hand, because the material tends to split. Today, obsidian serves as the basis for various accessories, yet the artifacts found by archaeologists defy any explanation.

Textile

The state of Oaxaca has long been famous for its high quality original textiles, in particular embroideries, spinning and carpets. The works are striking in their beauty, but you can buy them at a reasonable price. In the markets of large cities, the stalls are covered with woven bedspreads, hammocks and homemade knitwear with interesting ornaments. Things of high quality, and sometimes completely unique. There are really a lot of goods here, and the prices for them are quite affordable.

Traditional dresses have the most bizarre patterns. If the work is manual, then things will pull a lot of money. Slightly cheaper are tunics, sundresses and T-shirts. Huipil tunics made of white fabric with colorful embroideries, and colorful rebozo shawls are highly valued. Reboso can be seen in the alleys on the shoulders of passing ladies. Slings for carrying babies are made in the same style. To create these garments, natural dyes are still used, in particular indigo and cochineal.

blue amber

Jewelry made of blue amber will be a wonderful exclusive present, because this natural material is not found on our continent. The history of this stone is calculated for centuries. The first mention of it appeared in the time of Columbus, when a team of travelers received a mineral as a gift. The mineral did not make a splash, and soon they simply forgot about it. In the last century, it was again talked about as the rarest and most valuable stone of blue or blue color. It is found on the planet only in three places, including Mexico.

Many scientists associated the formation of blue amber with the activity of volcanoes, as well as blue clay, but this hypothesis was soon refuted. Now it is known for sure that the stone acquires an unusual shade due to the presence of carbon impurities in the composition. The chemical element gave it the ability to phosphorescent and retain biological material, such as insects, lizards and frogs trapped in the resin. Such inclusions are very rare and highly valued in the precious metals market.

Paintings

Those who love art objects should definitely look into local art galleries, where you can buy copies. If we take the painting of the Baroque era, then in Mexico there were no conditions for its development. Achievements in this area are quite modest and reminiscent of Spanish motives. Religious and portrait painting spread more here, with the help of which Catholic churches were decorated.

Among the famous artists of the old generation, Alonso Lope de Herrera and Baltasar Echave Ibia are distinguished, and among contemporaries – Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. It is their reproductions, even if not quite cheap, that you can bring home. Small mini copies or magnets will be a simple souvenir for those who are not very passionate about art, but want a picture that is pleasing to the eye.

Hammock

A wonderful gift for yourself or a friend will be a hammock. This is such a thing that you will need both for giving and for outings into nature. The hammock will not only remind you of adventures in a sunny country, but will also bring true satisfaction to all family members. Especially if it is handmade from 100% cotton. The absence of a crossbar has become a distinctive feature of Mexican hammocks. They are more stable, and you can also lie in it both along and across, if the dimensions allow.

In Spanish, “hamaca” means a piece of cloth. Get it in Merida or the state of Yucatan. This is a beautiful and practical souvenir that pleases with bright colors and always cheers you up. Many people know that rhythmic rocking has a calming effect, has a positive effect on the vestibular apparatus, and also relieves stress. This is a symbol of summer, relaxation, simple, easy life. You can hang it anywhere, even in an apartment or office.

Chile

Anyone who has ever tasted a truly hot chili knows that it can feel like a fire in the mouth. This is what distinguishes Mexican cuisine from European or Russian. Hot spicy spices are used in almost every dish. Food with a burning taste is the hallmark of every cafe or restaurant in this wonderful country, and all because more than 80 varieties of chili are grown in Mexico, each of which has a different degree of hotness. Peppers are so popular that even when buying dried fruits on the street, sellers offer to pepper them.

They are bought fresh or dried, and in order not to burn the insides during the tasting, the seller usually asks for information about each variety. Eating pepper in such quantities is not accidental! Scientists believe that capsaicin isolated from hot chili can improve blood circulation and even change the composition of the human intestinal flora for the better. Therefore, if you want to surprise your friends, buy each a peppercorn, or even better, give them sauces based on chili peppers.

Vanilla

It is known for certain that the first European person to taste vanilla was Christopher Columbus. It happened near Mexico. This spice was highly valued by the ancient Indians and was used as a currency. Due to the labor-intensive and long processing process, vanilla is still considered one of the most expensive spices in the world today. Interestingly, a cheap substitute for vanillin could not repeat the persistent and delicate aroma of a natural plant.

Due to the fact that Mexico is a major supplier of spices, it is worth buying it here locally. Prices here are 3-4 times less than Russian ones, and vanilla itself can be stored for about 35 years, while in a closed container it does not lose its properties and aroma. It goes on sale in pods or liquid – the product with crystals on the surface is considered the best. It is sold everywhere, but the main criterion is quality – a good vanilla pod should be completely dark.

Fruit

Being in these parts it is better to taste all the familiar and unfamiliar fruits. Any of them grown under the sun will be significantly different from those that you can try in Russian supermarkets. For example, oranges are green here, but this does not mean that they are less tasty and healthy because of this. As for tangerines, they just have an abundance of seeds, but the taste is very pleasant. Watermelons are bright red oblong, almost pitted.

It is worth recalling that dirty fruits can easily become a source of infection, so they should be washed very carefully. Cherimoya is the most amazing fruit you can find here. It resembles a green sugar apple, but its grains are poisonous, and the juice causes blindness if it gets into the eye. Black sapote is another exotic fruit with a green shell and unusual dark flesh inside. It reminds everyone of the usual persimmon, but with impurities of its own taste and aroma.

Delicious toppings for desserts are prepared from it and added to ice cream. In the markets you can find exotic fruits that are sold for a penny, and this is not surprising, because Mexico is their homeland. But it is better to take unripe fruits on the plane, for example, guava, mango, papaya or exotic pitaya, which tastes like kiwi. As an alternative, they also bring candied fruits from figs, pears, pineapples, pumpkins.

Sweets from cacti

Sweet souvenirs that do not take up much space in your luggage, but are guaranteed to convey a good mood, candied fruit and delicious fruit jam. Here they are prepared from almost all fruits, but candied fruits and sweets from succulents are considered tasty and unusual. We are talking about the same cactus that is depicted on the flag of the country.

Indigenous people simply adore prickly pear. She is not afraid of either heat or cold, she multiplies rapidly. You cannot kill this cactus, but you can eat it. Prickly pieces are sold on every corner for a penny, but you can make a whole bunch of goodies from them. The cactus is boiled as a side dish, cut into slices and added to salads, dried, ground and then drunk as a healthy miracle drink. They will not survive the flight, but you can and even need to try this exotic on the spot.

Dulce de leche

This delicious dessert came about by accident. Somehow, two very famous politicians, we will not name their names, quarreled among themselves. The cook rushed to separate them and left milk and sugar on the stove. When she returned, the pan was burnt, but the thick brown liquid in it was simply divine. Dulce de leche resembles boiled condensed milk, and is also used as a sauce, spread and filling for confectionery.

Dulce de leche or “milk caramel” can be tasted in every cafeteria. They sell it as a topping for ice cream or by weight, so you can take a jar or two away. On the basis of this delicacy, sweets are also made that resemble the notorious “Korovka”. The recipe for this dessert is not complicated: goat milk with sugar is boiled over very low heat. Other ingredients are added as needed. The mixture is stirred occasionally until it becomes like a thick caramel.

Kanas asadas

Mexican cuisine is Indian and European culinary traditions rolled into one. After a delicious meal, it is customary to serve sweet fruit or roasted sugar cane for dessert. This is a specific dish that is not found in any other nationality. Any sweet tooth will give his soul for such yummy. The cane itself is already very sweet, but when fried, it is simply magnificent. You can taste an exotic dish in a cafe or local eateries. The food is inexpensive but popular among the indigenous people.

Reed cultivation is a laborious process, besides, it grows only after 12-16 months. Until recently, the so-called green harvest was used for harvesting. The planter set fire to the ripened crop, and in a matter of seconds the flames engulfed the field. The fire rose high and took with it extra leaves and everything that interfered with harvesting and squeezing the juice. Today, spectacular burnings are used less and less, but this method does increase the amount of sugar obtained from cane.

Chocolate

Among other things, the Indians also gave the world cocoa. The word “Xocolatl” in the local dialect means “bitter water”. The Indians roasted cocoa beans and mixed them with pepper. Many believed that cocoa had magical properties, and used it during religious ceremonies, grandiose holidays. This drink of the gods will be the best souvenir for a good hostess or mother, and you can also grab chocolate with it. There is no doubt about the quality and naturalness of this product.

Bitter varieties are more appreciated here, so not every tourist will appreciate it. Still, there are things that can surprise, such as dark chocolate with chili or with almonds and cinnamon. It is of interest that when the chocolate drink was taken to Europe, the culinary specialists changed the recipe to their taste and mood. From cool and savory, he reincarnated into a hot and sweet drink. And if we talk about Mexican chocolate, then they usually mean either hot chocolate in different types, or hard chocolate bars with various fillings.

Amaranth oil

The ancient Aztecs knew a lot about healthy foods. They called amaranth “the golden grain of God.” And it's not just that. The use of these magical seeds every day can strengthen the human mind and body. This is what the nation of Indian “supermen” is grown on! It is known that amaranth has more than 100 varieties. This is an annual plant with purple spike-shaped inflorescences.

The plant itself serves not only as food, but also as an element for rituals. It was made into oil for easy transportation. Like other high-quality natural oils, it is obtained by cold pressing. It has a pleasant nutty taste and contains biologically active substances. Amaranth oil is much less expensive than in Russia, and you can find it in stores and markets, packaged in glass or plastic containers.

Soft drinks

A sip of a milky-white sweetish drink invigorates and refreshes well during a hot day, and, importantly, improves digestion. True, horchata has nothing to do with dairy products. The main ingredients are rice flour, ground almonds, sesame seeds, barley or chufa tubers. The drink itself is Spanish, but it has taken root in this territory. Horchata is sold on tap or already packaged in large plastic bottles or tetra packs in large supermarkets.

Gained popularity and iced tea from hibiscus Agua de Jamaica or hibiscus. The tea has a rich scarlet color and has a delicate aroma of rose and tart cranberry. During the heat, this soft drink is simply indispensable, especially if you drink it with crushed ice. No one takes home this tea, because it is distributed on all continents. Both soft drinks are recommended for overweight people. They contain many vitamins and microelements, and are dearly loved by everyone who sits on proper nutrition.

Coffee

Important information for tourists will be that coffee is not a prohibited product. You can even transport a loose product without any identification marks. Mexico was not the birthplace of this tree, but for two centuries it has become a leader in world coffee exports. The product is grown without the use of pesticides, so its demand is overstated due to the high quality of coffee beans. Coffee can easily have a different taste in each region, and connoisseurs can easily distinguish between nutty, caramel and vanilla shades.

For cultivation, only the Arabica variety was chosen. It has a pleasant taste with a sour note and a slightly noticeable citrus aftertaste. The product produced in the mountainous regions is considered the most valuable, yet it is difficult to recommend anything. Each variety is tasty in its own way, besides, it is not always used to brew a drink, cooks use it as an ingredient for dishes. Coffee will not hit your pocket hard, but it will be a great surprise for friends of coffee lovers and work colleagues.

Tequila

As for the bans, this product can be exported, but no more than 3 liters are allowed to be imported into Russia. Every tourist considers it his duty to buy a bottle or two of tequila. This is a wonderful souvenir and a reason to celebrate a trip with friends, fortunately, there are enough views of it here. According to unofficial data, there are more than three hundred varieties, but according to official data – only four. A quality product is labeled “100% de agave” or “100% blue agave”. It is this tequila that the locals themselves drink and advise others.

Tequila is made only from blue agave with a strength of 40%. Agave is not a cactus at all, as many people think, but a plant of the asparagus family. Exposure can be either 2 months or 3 years. Tequila is an exclusive product and a symbol of the country, which is desirable to purchase in supermarkets. Compared to other outlets, the prices here are much lower. Tequila production is located in Cancun, where you can see its processing stages, taste and buy your favorite elite variety.

Mescal

Alcohol is presented in such a wide range that you can simply get confused at the window. Mezcal is the common name for all agave-based alcoholic beverages. This also includes tequila, which is made from a certain type of agave, and not like mezcal – from several. Don Julio, Corralejo and Herragudo have been considered unsurpassed brands for many years. A caterpillar is often placed in bottles with contents. This is an indicator that the alcohol is of high quality and the insect has not dissolved.

A museum dedicated to tequila and mezcal has been built in Mexico City, where during the tour there will be an opportunity to taste strong drinks. Tasting is paid, but you can buy the bottle you like and take it with you. The most interesting thing is that mezcal often costs much less than the container in which it is poured. Masters have long mastered the art of making bottles by hand, decorating them to your taste. There are many beverage producers, but the exclusive design, thanks to which bottles can get into the collection, is not found everywhere.