Once a year, in November, the masters of Mexican crafts come to Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico, thanks to Los Amigos del Artes Popular (ladap.org). LADAP began in 1996 with weekend socials and visits to collectors home.
Membership has grown to over 350 people in the US and Mexico, with dues and guided tour fees going to support the Feria. LADAP “honors, celebrates, and promotes Mexican folk art”. Its main purpose is to support continuation of indigenous art which is slowly being lost to migration and industrialization. Artisans are not charged booth fees and are often awarded funds to help with transportation of themselves and their wares, as well as housing and social events with local residents. The Feria takes place over three days in a gorgeous spot called The Yacht Club, which of course is right beside Lake Chapala.
For a mere 80 pesos (about $4) you can walk into a maze of the best arts and crafts of Mexico and buy your heart’s desire from textiles to pottery to jewelry and more. From a beginning group of 13 artisans the Feria has now grown to over 80 participants representing a vast portion of Mexico. Some of them have never been outside their villages. Many speak no English and some are illiterate. Food, music, demonstrations, raffle prizes, and fashion shows (Mexican textiles and costumes) round out the annual event that began in 2002. The idea for the Feria originated with Marianne Carlson after she visited 17 indigenous villages around Lake Patzcuaro and knew the hard working artisans deserved a broader audience. This year’s attendance was reportedly the largest in the Feria’s history.
Walking through the crowded tents was like walking through a wonderland for me. I had visited some of the artisans in their studios or bought from them in markets. It felt good to receive their warm welcomes. I knew what I wanted to look for after reading numerous books on textiles and perusing websites, visiting and talking with collectors. But there was so much to see!
Norma & Maria de Lourdes, Teotitlan 
From Tlacalula market, Oaxaca
The handmade crafts of Mexico are amazing. Color, ingenuity, creativity, and symbolism abound. Detail is often astounding. The artisans are kind, proud, and dedicated.
I did not have deep pockets and I knew I had to be selective. Bargaining is not considered acceptable and prices are not as low as you would pay in the artisans homes and villages. But here you find the finest representative crafts from several Mexican states located in one area, and your purchases support the artisans and continuation of their amazing work. It’s a win-win!
Set back left now mine! 
Ceramists from Oaxaca 
Their work 
Oxchuc huipil 
Embroidery in process 
Woven dress & weaver 
Ben’s gift to me 
Bowls by Lupita from Lake Patzcuaro
Here in the Lake Chapala area we’re used to seeing the costumes and crafts of the Huichol tribe. They were well represented at the Feria.
Attending the Feria Maestros del Arte was a long awaited and worthwhile experience. Ben and I will definitely go back next year, most likely as volunteers and members of Los Amigos. I’m already looking forward to it!
By the way, you may notice a DONATION button at the bottom of my blog now. The cost of maintaining the WordPress website can be a bit steep if you continue to improve and expand your site. Your donations of ANY amount (through PayPal) are welcomed. Gracias!
Beautifully written, Chris, and perfectly describes the event both verbally and photographically. It is so important that artisans are supported everywhere in the world so that their rich talent and painstaking dedication to their craft can flourish. Can’t wait until next year!
Thanks, Judy. We’ll volunteer next year which should give us a completely different perspective. When my Spanish is better perhaps we’ll host an artisan. Yes! Ready for next year! And, yes! Ready to support Mexican artisans who struggle so to make a living.
omg Ben’s gift to you is incredible. I didnt read the blog yet but was drooling…..
Thanks Sarah. A prelude to our butterfly preserve trip in February.
What a beautiful and colorful blog entry! I can see where /why you and Ben feel so at home. Enjoy!
Thanks, Andree. I think becoming familiar withUS craft shows gave me a better understanding of what’s involved here. Even with extreme differences. And, yes, it does feel like home now.
Such a thorough and lovingly written review of the Feria. You covered every corner of the artisan world and so appreciate your credits to Los Amigos. They deserve so much applause for this work. So great to share the adventure with you and Ben.
Muchísimas gracias mi amiga! So special to share our first Feria with you.
It is the painted gourds I want!
Yes, I know. We’ll find one next time you come!
Amazing works of art. Love the clothes! It would so hard to not buy one of everything.
It is indeed! I’ve started my collection, it suits me well, & I’d just as soon give up my US clothes. We’ll see!