Each region is famous for its historical heritage, and Mexico is the country in which several cultures have mixed at once. The fusion of traditions of different ethnic groups is reflected in the art of folk crafts, local cuisine and souvenirs, and is offered to tourists in a huge variety. It's fair to call this place a shopaholic paradise. The stores have everything: from magnets to exclusive ceramics. Going home from an unforgettable journey, many leave here with weighty luggage, filled with souvenirs for relatives, friends and acquaintances. So what to bring from Mexico? Of course, those things that can not be found in any other corner of the globe.
Panama Bekal
The big misconception is that all Mexican city dwellers wear a sombrero. In reality, they only wear them for the carnival. The local population has a more compact and practical headdress - Panama - in high esteem. This accessory has earned such respect and popularity 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 eponymous panamas. They are made from palm leaves, and this, as you know, is a natural fire-resistant, waterproof material that does not grow moldy. Elastic and smooth products keep their shape well, and can be stored for a long time in a rolled-up state without losing their appearance. Panamas are sold everywhere, but in the outskirts they are much cheaper than in the central areas.
Cosmetics
Although Mexico is a country of the richest natural resources and talented craftsmen who know how to 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. Almost all European brands are on the shelves; in supermarkets and duty-free shops 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 a shortage and was so expensive that it served as money. Today everyone has it, but they make it together with pieces of fruit and fragrant spices. Many are surprised by the smells of orange and cinnamon, aloe vera, or French fries. Packaging with pleasantly smelling contents is a good idea for a small present to family and friends.
Sombrero
The name of this exotic headdress comes from "Somdre" which means shade. This wide-brimmed hat provides excellent protection from the scorching, hot rays. They wear it only here, but outside the country this accessory is hardly useful. Still, visiting tourists buy these things as a souvenir, because many of them are hand-embroidered and are truly unique. There are just 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 were included in festive costumes. Today, hats contain decorative elements, golden or silver cords, and are still hand-embroidered. Traditionally, they are made of straw, but there are also more expensive specimens made of velvet and leather and decorated with precious stones.
Skulls
Souvenirs in the form of skulls can convey the colorful atmosphere of this land. The famous Calavera - a symbol of the Day of the Dead - is made of ceramics and decorated with flowers and patterns. Created by local artisans, it is of the greatest interest to tourists. The people jealously revere the cult of the dead, because their ancestors were once the ancient Aztecs. Symbols are found everywhere, even in ordinary showcases of shopping centers there are mannequins painted to resemble 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 held and sweet figurines in the shape 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 of the living with the dead, and they are happy to offer them to be acquired. 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 more of these wonders can not be found anywhere else. Since ancient times, these attributes have become part of culture and are the main element of costumes for various ceremonial dances during holidays and festivals. Totem and ritual masks are created by hand from natural wool, hair, teeth and skin of animals using the majolica technique. The smell of these things is not so pleasant, but the masters ask a lot of money for them.
The tribal symbolism is really impressive. The simplest mascaras are made of wood, clay, papier-mâché, fabric, and in expensive ones, jade, turquoise, and mother-of-pearl are found. Products, like many centuries ago, are still in use. They depict famous people, supernatural beings, animals, and various abstract concepts. They are decorated with corn kernels, horsehair, horns, as well as drawings of all kinds of motifs.
Each amazing and unusual object is fancifully decorated and has its own sacred meaning. Before buying, it is important to clarify its true purpose. Perhaps some seemingly harmless little thing is made for sacrifices and is used in rituals.
Amulets
The rarest and most interesting things are found in the witchcraft market of Sonora in Guadalajara. This is an unusual place where it will be fun even to walk. Numerous tourists pay attention to unusual items - amulets and charms. It is to them that folk craftsmen attribute magical powers that supposedly bring happiness and protect against losses. The cheapest of them are herbal bags or “stones” with leather inscriptions. The more expensive ones usually look like smaller copies of an animal's skull, knuckles, or dried rabbit legs.
Real ritual paraphernalia is made of natural objects. These can be the remains of monkeys, dried snakes or bats. Local people have a normal attitude to all these accessories, because each of them believes in the existence of supernatural forces and often go to the aboriginal sorcerers. But visiting travelers and people with a weak psyche are really discouraged by these specific little things and will feel out of place. Many amulets look terrifying and have a matching scent.
Alebrich
Alebrije can be called truly national products. These are bright toys depicting unprecedented fantastic animals. The craft itself originated at the beginning of the last century, when creatures from papier-mâché, created by Pedro Linares, appeared. Rumor has it that during a serious illness in a dream, animals appeared to him with horns, tails, wings and fangs. It was them that he transferred to paper. Soon the successors of this business appeared, and the occupation grew into the extravagant art of the new period. In the 80s, figures began to be reproduced from wood, which gave a fresh direction to the development of this skill.
These incredible toys are sought after by collectors.Design work costs a lot of money, but products can be purchased more simply for a symbolic amount. The production of Alebrije has long been the hallmark of the state of Oaxaca, and you can find them there in huge numbers. As for the 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 sombreros, maracas are the second most popular among visitors. Many voyagers imagine that all Mexicans walk the streets in these strange outfits, but this is a misconception. These are such ancient percussion-noise instruments that even the Indians used them during their rituals, and shamans with their help identified diseases by sound. These hand rattles have become a popular symbol of Latin American music today.
Buying products of folk art is an excellent chance to personally get acquainted with the diversity of the country's culture. Typically, modern products vary 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 picture or painted under folk motives. 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 woolen multi-colored blanket, but, unambiguously, the birthplace of ponchos is Latin America. Traditionally, it is made from the usual cut of hand-weaving and dyeing material, or from soft wool with folk patterns. This is a warm, comfortable and beautiful piece that will last for many years. They wear it by throwing it over the 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 most simple over-the-head cape. This clothing first appeared in the Indian tribe, but historians claim 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, she covered the shoulders of North American soldiers. Subsequently, the poncho was repeatedly transformed, in the process of which various materials and colors were used.
Ceramics
Black clay ceramics have become unique and colorful souvenirs that can be used to decorate any room. Pottery has become the emblem of the state of Oaxaca, and this is no coincidence. About a century ago, Donna Rosa's workshop 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 polish brilliance, but also a clear ringing sound emitted by tapping.
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 finest pottery is 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 volcanic clay enameled talavera products, which enliven the interior with their colors.
Leather products
The country is famous for its stunning leather goods. The best ones are sold in Guanajuato. It so happened that the main leather production is located here, which supplies clothing to almost all of Latin America. 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, wallets and other things made of genuine leather of excellent manufacture.
Mexico is a country with ancient and distinctive traditions. All of them are captured in the items of local production. Craftsmen got the hang of making any accessories. Cases for glasses, knives and even guns can be good souvenirs. Such items have become not only attractive, but also quite practical, as they will delight for many years in a row.
Pinata
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 their eyes run up, besides, they are a wonderful decoration for any celebration, be it a birthday or a New Year's carnival.
Pinata is played outdoors or indoors. No wedding or party can take place without this funny 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 filled, and the most popular are cartoon characters such as Spider-Man, minions and other funny creatures.
Indian crafts
Picturesque markets are teeming with souvenirs of a wide variety of styles, including handmade Mayan or Huichol. Crafts are represented by wood carvings, hand embroidery, unique jewelry and original paintings. This region is simply famous for its 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 paintings made of wool, wooden figurines, epic masks, unusual household items made of white or black clay. Inexpensive gifts will be small figurines and medallions and things made of obsidian. The cost does not scare away 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 last for a long time.
Obsidian
An interesting present for the stronger sex can truly be called the Aztec knife. The blade is made from volcanic glass formed by the rapid cooling of lava. This rock has such hardness as, for example, the steel knives we are used to and some files. He can cut anything he likes, for which he is very appreciated among fans of edged weapons. The handle is usually made in the form of an eagle's head made of bone or wood. The material for the scabbard is rawhide.
The country is rich in obsidian ore deposits, so any tourist will want to visit the volcano area. A piece of the breed that will remind you of the wonderful journey to the country of the ancient Aztecs and Maya Indians 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 renowned for its high quality original textiles such as embroidery and 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 counters are lined with woven bedspreads, hammocks and home knitwear with interesting ornaments. The items are of high quality, and sometimes completely unique. There are really a lot of goods here, and their prices are quite affordable.
Traditional dresses have the most bizarre patterns.If the work is manual, then things will pull a lot of money. Tunics, sundresses and T-shirts are a little cheaper. White fabric tunics with multicolored embroidery and colorful rebozo shawls are highly prized. Rebozo can be seen in the alleyways on the shoulders of passers-by. Baby carriers are made in the same style. Natural dyes are still used to create these garments, 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 goes back centuries. The first mention of it appeared during the time of Columbus, when a team of travelers received the mineral as a gift. The mineral did not make a furore, and soon they simply forgot about it. In the last century, they started talking about it again, as about the rarest and most valuable stone of blue or light blue color. It is found on the planet in only 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 gave it the ability to phosphoresce and preserve biological material such as insects, lizards and frogs trapped in the resin. Such inclusions are very rare and are highly regarded in the precious metals market.
Paintings
Those who love art should definitely check out local art galleries, where copies can be purchased. 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 resemble Spanish motives. Religious and portrait painting became more widespread 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 from contemporaries - Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. It is their reproductions, even if not entirely cheap, that you can bring home. Small mini copies or magnets will become a simple souvenir for those who are not very keen on art, but want a nice looking picture.
Hammock
A hammock will be a wonderful gift for yourself or a friend. This is such a thing that you will need both for summer cottages 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 made by hand 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.
Translated from Spanish "hamaca" means a piece of fabric. They buy 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 swinging has a calming effect, has a positive effect on the vestibular apparatus, and also relieves stress. It 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 really hot chili knows that the mouth can feel like a fire. 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 wondrous country, and this is because more than 80 varieties of chili are grown in Mexico, each of which has a different degree of pungency. The pepper is so popular that even when buying dried fruit on the street, sellers offer to pepper it.
They are bought fresh or dried, and in order not to burn the insides during tasting, the seller usually clarifies the information about each variety. Eating pepper in such quantities is not accidental! Scientists believe that the capsaicin secreted 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 one a peppercorn, or even better, give them sauces based on chilean pepper.
Vanilla
It is known for certain that the first European person to taste vanilla was Christopher Columbus. It happened not far from Mexico. This spice was highly prized by the ancient Indians and was used as currency. Due to the laborious and long processing process, vanilla is still considered one of the most expensive spices in the world today. Interestingly, the cheap vanillin substitute could not replicate 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 right here locally. Prices here are 3-4 times less than Russian ones, and vanilla itself can be stored for about 35 years, while it does not lose its properties and aroma in a sealed container. 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.
Fruits
While 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 can be tasted in Russian supermarkets. For example, oranges are green here, but this does not mean that this makes them less tasty and healthy. As for tangerines, they just have an abundance of seeds, but the taste is very pleasant. Watermelons are bright red oblong, almost seedless.
It is worth recalling that dirty fruits can easily become a source of infection, so they should be washed as thoroughly as possible. Cherimoya is the most amazing fruit you can find here. It resembles a green sugar apple, but its grains are poisonous, and the juice, when it gets into the eye, causes blindness. Black sapote is another exotic fruit with a green shell and an 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 on the plane it is better to take unripe fruits, for example, guava, mango, papaya or exotic pitahaya, which tastes like kiwi. As an alternative, they also carry candied fruits from figs, pears, pineapples, pumpkins.
Cactus sweets
Candied fruits and delicious fruit preserves will be sweet souvenirs that will not take up much space in your luggage, but are guaranteed to convey a good mood. Here they are prepared from almost all fruits, but candied fruits and sweets made from succulents are considered tasty and unusual. We are talking about the very cactus that is depicted on the flag of the country.
The indigenous people simply adore prickly pears. She is not afraid of either heat or cold, it multiplies quickly. You cannot kill this cactus, but you can eat it. The prickly bites are sold for pennies on every corner, but you can make a whole bunch of goodies out of 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 appeared by accident. Somehow two very famous politicians, we will not name their names, quarreled among themselves. The cook, rushed to separate them and left the milk and sugar on the stove. When she returned, the pan was burnt, but the brown thick 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 enjoyed 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, which resemble the notorious "Cow". 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 periodically until it becomes like a thick caramel.
Kanas asadas
Mexican cuisine is Indian and European culinary traditions in one bottle. After a delicious meal, it is customary to serve sweet fruit or fried sugar cane for dessert. This is a specific dish that is not found in any other ethnic group. Any sweet tooth will give his soul for such a 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 eatery. The food is inexpensive but popular with the indigenous population.
Growing cane is a time consuming process, moreover, it grows only after 12-16 months. Until recently, the so-called green harvesting was used for harvesting. The planter set fire to the ripe crop, and in a matter of seconds the field was engulfed in flames. The fire rose high and carried away with it extra leaves and everything that interfered with harvesting and squeezing out the juice. Today, spectacular burns 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, grand celebrations. This drink of the gods will be the best souvenir for a good housewife or mother, and with it you can grab chocolate. There is no need to doubt 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, for example, dark chocolate with chili or almonds and cinnamon. It is interesting that when the chocolate drink was taken to Europe, the chefs changed the recipe to their taste and mood. From cool and savory, it transformed into a hot and sweet drink. And if we talk about Mexican chocolate, 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 wholesome foods. They called amaranth "the golden seed of God." And it’s not just that. Consuming these magical seeds every day can strengthen the human mind and body. This is what the nation of Indian “supermen” is based on! It is known that amaranth has more than 100 varieties. It is an annual plant with purple, spike-shaped inflorescences.
The plant itself serves not only as food, but also as an element for conducting ceremonies. For easy transportation, oil was made from it. Like other high quality natural oils, it is cold pressed. 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 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 took root in this very territory. Horchata is sold on tap or already packaged in large plastic bottles or tetrapacks in large supermarkets.
Hibiscus Agua de Jamaica or hibiscus iced tea also gained popularity. The tea has a rich scarlet color and has a delicate aroma of rose and a tart cranberry. During the heat, this soft drink is simply irreplaceable, especially if you drink it with crushed ice. Nobody brings this tea home, because it is widespread on all continents. Both soft drinks are recommended for overweight people. They contain many vitamins and microelements, and are dearly loved by everyone who is on the right diet.
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 became the leader of the world coffee export. The product is grown without the use of pesticides, so its demand is overestimated due to the high quality of coffee beans. In each region, coffee can easily have a different flavor, and connoisseurs can easily distinguish between nutty, caramel and vanilla shades.
For cultivation, they chose exclusively the Arabica variety. It has a pleasant taste with a sour note and a slightly noticeable citrus aftertaste. The product produced in mountainous areas is considered the most valuable, yet it is difficult to advise one. Each variety is tasty in its own way, moreover, 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 plenty of species here. According to unofficial data, there are more than three hundred varieties, but according to official data, there are only four. A quality product is marked with the words “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 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 it is advisable to buy in supermarkets. Compared to other retail outlets, prices are much lower here. Tequila production is located in Cancun, where you can see its processing stages, taste and buy the elite variety you like.
Mezcal
Alcohol is presented in such a wide assortment that you can simply get confused at the showcase. Mescal is the general name for all alcoholic beverages made from agave juice. 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 the contents. This is an indicator that the alcohol is of high quality and the insect has not dissolved.
In Mexico City, a museum dedicated to tequila and mezcal has been built, where during the excursion there will be an opportunity to taste strong drinks. Tasting is paid, but you can buy a bottle you like and take with you. The most interesting thing is that mezcal often costs much less than the container in which it is poured. Craftsmen have long ago gotten used to making bottles by hand, decorating them to their taste. There are many beverage manufacturers, but the exclusive design, thanks to which bottles can be included in the collection, is not found everywhere.
