From locally made hammocks and Panama hats to ceramics, colorful wooden alebrije figures from Oaxaca, silver and embroidered textiles, Merida is an excellent place to shop for folk art from the region and elsewhere in Mexico. Not only will you find handicrafts but also the work of up and coming Mexican artists who weave ethnic symbols into contemporary designs.
Go shopping for Yucatecan crafts in the city markets and call in at the Casa de Artesanías, two blocks behind City Hall in Las Monjas, a 16th-century convent that once housed the daughters of wealthy local families. Hammocks, Panama hats, elegant guayaberas or cotton or linen shirts for men, embroidered hipiles or traditional dresses, basketry, henequen place mats, gold filigree jewelry and engaging ceramic figures and Yucatecan Nativity scenes are good buys.
You’ll also find a colorful selection of Mexican folk art in shops clustered along Calle 60, in Santa Lucia and in the 100% Mexico store at El Remate de Paseo de Montejo and along Paseo Montejo. Look for ceramics from Puebla, Guadalajara and Guanajuato, clay mermaids and saints from Oaxaca, jaguars of all sizes from Chiapas and glazed green pineapple vases from Michoacan. There are wooden alebrijes, carved saints, turtles, dolphins and swordfish and lacquered boxes. Blown glass hearts in many colors hang from branches and you’ll find a variety of colorful Christmas tree decorations made from wood, glass, straw, clay, enamel and tin.
Shop for cool embroidered dresses and blouses from Yucatan, Chiapas and Oaxaca. Brocaded sashes, wall hangings and cushion covers from the Mayan highlands of Chiapas make great gifts as do tenangos, embroidered cushions, tablecloths, place mats and more from the state of Hidalgo that celebrate nature in elaborate designs featuring birds, bees and butterflies among the flowers.
If you are looking for Mexican silver, you’ll find a good selection with amber, turquoise, malachite, amethyst and other semi-precious stones.
If you like visiting markets, Bazaar Garcia Rejón is probably the best for crafts, and bargaining is a must. Located two blocks south of the main square. Portal de Granos and Lucas de Galvez markets are also worth a look for crafts, traditional local snacks, honey, chilies, spice mixes and exotic fruit and vegetables.
Merida also has its fair share of modern air-conditioned malls too, all to the north of the city. The list includes La Isla, The Harbor and Plaza Galerias.
