Japanese-born artist depicts the life and rituals of the peoples of the Chiapan Highlands region from a unique perspective.
Stories by Leigh Thelmadatter
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The rebozo: Mexican women’s annual ritual of wrapping themselves in patriotism
On Mexican Independence Day, millions of women dig out the rebozos in their closets to wear with pride.
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Mexico attracts people not only of this world, but from outer space too
Mexico ranks seventh in the world for the number of UFO sightings, and Mexico City records by far the highest number of reports.
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The Tarahumara Project: one woman’s arrival home to a much different world
After her Jeep broke down in a remote area of Chihuahua, Libby Townsend found a new family among the Rarámuri.
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Chocolate: a gift from Quetzalcóatl to Mexico and the world
The cacao tree, which the Aztecs believed was stolen from paradise to give to man, has been grown for at least 4,000 years.
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From picture frames to hospitals, this entrepreneur still growing strong
Javier de Lope has poured his energy into the creation of companies in various fields, then selling them when they hit their stride.
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Chiapas gallery expresses Mayan culture in new ways
Galería MUY is a multi-faceted project involved in production, education, and fair commercialization of fine art grounded in indigenous cultures.
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In Mexico, tuna is not a fish but a fruit
Some cactus in Mexico is economically important as a commercial crop, and others are only harvested wild as a local delicacy.
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Reinventing Guadalajara ceramics: the legacy of artisan Jorge Wilmot
Eight years after his death, the legacy of artisan Jorge Wilmot lives on in the establishment of the Guadalajara area as a source for world-class ceramics.
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The rain brings out a culinary delight in Mexican forests
The rainy season is upon us and if you live anywhere near a forest in Mexico, you may have the chance to try some local delicacies — wild mushrooms.
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If you build it, they will come: an art school and San Miguel
Mexico has always attracted adventurous foreigners looking for something different, but the expat enclave phenomenon we know now began in the 20th century.
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Mexican teachers working to overcome challenges during the pandemic
Mexico has used distance education to serve rural populations. But nothing done before could prepare for a shutdown of the school system.
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Musician’s efforts introduce rural children to the performing arts
Not content with a successful international career, a Mexican musician has chosen to work at providing artistic opportunities to Mexican children.
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The huipil, a ‘canvas’ for culture and identity, is truly indigenous
Some truly indigenous garments survived the European influence brought by the Conquest. One of the most important is the huipil.
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Rebellious artist Manuel Felguérez dies at the age of 91
A rebellious abstract artist who broke with the work of the muralists to open up a world of possibilities for Mexican artists died at his home in Zacatecas.
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The true story of Mexico’s ‘Happy Chicken’ restaurant chain
A family-owned stand selling grilled chicken in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, is now an international business with over 1,000 outlets.
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Historical printing techniques are preserved on an old hacienda in Veracruz
Tucked away in the rainforest of northern Veracruz is La Ceiba Gráfica, a restoration project dedicated to preserving pre-20th century printing.
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Most pilgrimages and sanctuaries are now Catholic but roots are pre-Hispanic
The Spanish imposed Catholicism on their newly conquered lands, but pilgrimage was part of indigenous life for many centuries prior.
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From floating islands to abandoned lots: urban gardening in Mexico
The modern concept of reclaiming urban space for agriculture has become popular due to concerns about the environment, food quality and food availability.
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In a country with no tigers, the tiger dance survives, particularly in Guerrero
Mexico has “tiger” rituals in the form of dance and they have two things in common: the image of a fierce wildcat and a purely pre-Hispanic origin.
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Mexico’s artisans struggle to survive in a Covid-19 world
Artisans face an unprecedented situation, perhaps even catastrophe. “Non-essential businesses” are shut, tourism is dead and street traffic is nil.
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Mexico’s favorite taco has immigrant roots
Mexico’s most popular taco originated in the Middle East but why they should be called “shepherd’s tacos” is anybody’s guess.
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Which are the real alebrijes? Papier-mache from CDMX or carvings from Oaxaca?
There are essentially two craft figures that claim the title – wood carvings from the state of Oaxaca, and papier-mache figures from Mexico City.
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Alec Dempster, a Canadian ambassador of traditional Mexican music
It might have been the gods that ordained the musician and artist to become an ambassador of Mexican culture to the outside world.
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The María doll: from street vendor to international icon
Now a symbol of Mexico found in tourist promotions all over the world, she has a surprising but unknown backstory.
