Tlalpujahua, one of Mexico’s Magic Towns in Michoacán, is the perfect place for Christmas shopping. Known as “The Town of Eternal Christmas,” in this beautiful cobbled street town you’ll find artisans in their workshops creating decorations and the baubles for which it is best known, it becomes a festive paradise during the run-up to the Christmas holiday season. Each year, Tlalpujahua hosts the Feria de la Esfera, a unique fair where artisans showcase their beautiful, hand-blown glass ornaments.
The true magic of Tlalpujahua comes from its skilled artisans. Visitors can watch them craft delicate baubles using traditional glass-blowing techniques, turning simple glass into sparkling decorations. Each ornament is unique, hand painted and decorated with care. Shopping here means not just finding beautiful Christmas decorations but taking home a piece of Tlalpujahua’s history and art.
Baubles have not always been the main star of the show, Tlalpujahua’s gold and silver mining was among the world’s most productive extracting metal and mineral towns, in the 1930’s the town experienced a major landslide during which more than 300 people died, a third of the town was buried and the largest mine was destroyed. The town needed to find new sources of income and during the mid 60’s, Joaquin Munoz Orta started his business crafting baubles, employing 1000 people during the height of his trade and becoming the largest decoration workshop in Latinamerica. Today you will still find around 250 local families who continue to handcraft baubles and decorations in the traditional way.
Besides shopping, the town offers plenty to explore. Visit the historic Sanctuary of Our Lady of Carmen or take a tour of the Dos Estrellas mining museum to learn about the town’s past. Enjoy local treats like ponche and take in the stunning mountain views.
With its Christmassy atmosphere and holiday cheer, Tlalpujahua is a magical place to walk, trek, shop and create festive memories.
Contact me to take a trip to this Magic Town this season!
– Carlos Alanis
