Handicrafts of Jalisco: Get to Know the Folk Art in Mexico

Jalisco handicrafts and folk art are some of the most unique and beautiful handicrafts in Mexico. Full of history and tradition, the state of Jalisco is one of the top producers of quality handicrafts in the country. Do you live in Jalisco or are interesting in purchasing Mexican real estate on the Pacific coast of Mexico? Garza Blanca beachfront private residences are luxurious, finely constructed and have a dream location on a pristine beach near Puerto Vallarta.

If you can imagine yourself living in Mexico one day, keep reading below to learn more about the history and interesting facts about Jalisco handicrafts. Who knows, if you end up buying a second home in Mexico, Jalisco handicrafts could make a beautiful addition when furnishing your dream home at Garza Blanca.

The state’s oldest craft traditions date back to the pre-Hispanic period. Even today, you can still see the evidence of traditional designs and forms that were developed back in the colonial period. Jorge Wilmot moved to Tonalá near Guadalajara in the 1950’s after studying ceramics in Europe and Asia and introduced modern ceramic techniques to the neighborhood of Tlaquepaque, especially high-fire stoneware. He also expanded the area’s production of Jalisco handicrafts from pots and jars to complete dish sets, large vases, mosaics and tiles and so much more.

In fact, Wilmot was awarded the Mexico National Prize in Arts and Sciences in 1997 for his talent and contributions to the arts and crafts sector.

In fact, Jalisco is one of Mexico’s largest producers of handicrafts and folk art after the states of Michoacán and Oaxaca. Many of the Jalisco handicrafts are made near Guadalajara, which is the center of commerce for Jalisco and Western Mexico. Today, the manufacture and sales of handicrafts remains an important component in the state’s tourism industry. In fact, in the Regional Museum for Ceramics was founded in 1964 in Tlaquepaque by the “Patronato de Artes e Industrias Populares” and exhibits the best examples of the state’s ceramics.

A year later in 1965, Jalisco was one of the first Mexican states to organize a state institution known as the Instituto de Artesanía Jalisciense that was centered on research about handicrafts, organizing craftsmen and market state goods, and contributing to other public works projects.

In order to help promote and support young artisans in their craft, Jalisco has been offering assistance including primary materials, equipment, training, and marketing. In addition, Jalisco has been organizing cultural events such as “Jalisco es Artesania” (Jalisco is handicrafts) which promotes the crafts produced in the state as part of an effort to improve rural area economies where artisans live.

Tlaquepaque is a popular tourist hot spot and a great place to find unique and traditional Jalisco handicrafts. There, you can find amazing art and craft works from Jalisco and from all over Mexico. You will note there are many handicrafts made of ceramics, bronze, sculpture, wooden furniture, papier-mâché, blown glass, and embroidered cloth. Although situated near Guadalajara, Tlaquepaque retains the feel of a traditional small Mexican community with its charming central plaza, a parish church, central market, and old-style colonial neighborhoods.

In addition, the nearby artisan village of Tonalá is famous for ceramics and pottery so it is worth a stop there if you find yourself in the area.

Jalisco has a rich history and tradition of creating beautiful handicrafts that still remains today. Do you own a second home in Mexico where you hope to decorate your home with traditional handicrafts and local art? There are limited Garza Blanca private residences that are available for sale right now in Puerto Vallarta.

With access to world-class amenities and services, Garza Blanca exclusive beachfront community is nestled amongst the lush vegetation of the Sierra Madre mountains for an indoor-outdoor living experience that cannot be surpassed anywhere else. Contact Garza Blanca today to schedule a tour of the property. Soon, you too could be living the dream Puerto Vallarta luxury lifestyle.