La Vida Buena

2021 - A New Era: Other Places, Travel and Projects. >>>SEE https://tinyurl.com/TracyNovingerOnlineBlogs Some years ago we moved our things from our house on Av. Lázaro Cárdenas to our house on Calle Esperanza 30 aka Callejón del Sol 3 (at "Sol y Luna") in Patzcuaro's Centro Histórico. It has now been sold We loved its colonial style, the way it captures light and sun--but we especially liked the easy two-block walk to Plaza Grande. There is always something going on in Patzcuaro's  trio of central plazas that start just two blocks away. We sold this gem of a house. Now, we are traveling to many places we want to visit and see and spend more time in France. Check it out.

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Folk Art on the Plaza Grande

The tianguis were up yesterday on Plaza Vasco de Quiroga and during the night wares streamed in with the artesans and vendors. The plaza should be in full swing today presaging observance of Noche de Muertos/Night of the Dead.

The two biggest celebrations in Pátzcuaro are Semana Santa and Noche de Muertos. It is an indulgence to peruse and enjoy arts and crafts from all over Michoacán—and beyond—gathered in one place.

Typical Tianguis on Plaza Grande
See Callejón del Sol, just two blocks from Plaza Grande.

Patzcuaro’s Lacquer Folk Art

Pátzcuaro is known for its hand-loomed textiles and for its ornate and beautiful lacquerware that is hand-painted with brilliant colors highlighted with gold leaf.

From time to time, I visit Lacas Pátzcuaro, located at Dr. Coss 10-A, just south of Plaza Grande. I like to watch the owner there paint free-hand his intricate designs. He tells me that his business has been continuously in operation for over fifty years, started by his father before him. I note the rubric Maestro José Ramírez Guido & Sons on his business card.

We wanted a special gift to take to a cousin in Europe so I called on Maestro Ramírez. I chose a plate with a design that included the Monarch butterfly. The Maestro suggested personalizing the piece with the name of the recipient. Not wanting to mar the artistry of his work, I asked him to put the name and dedication on the back and was pleased with the results.

Maestro Ramírez will do custom pieces for you. Don’t miss visiting him if you have the opportunity.

You might like Folk Art & Crafts.
Sol y Luna is just 2 blocks away.

Folk Art & Wares

Plaza Vasco de Quiroga, aka Plaza Grande, is full of color, crafts and wares in the Tianguis set up for Semana Santa. People from all over Mexico as well as from other countries enjoy perusing and purchasing items from the various booths. The restaurants all over Patzcuaro are full of people talking, laughing and eating.

Noche de Muertos 2010 – #10

A Walk through the Tianguis

Here is just a sampling of the folk art and craft ware on display on the the Plaza Grande today.

		Patzcuaro Tianguis–Noche de Muertos VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Folk Art & Crafts
Live 2 blocks away

Noche de Muertos–#9

The Tianguis on Plaza Vasco de Quiroga

Plaza Vasco de Quiroga, aka Plaza Grande, was restored this year. For Semana Santa, the artesan tianguis were moved to the street next to the Basílica. The whole effect was less than charming. I am pleased to see the tianguis are back at Plaza Grande for Noche de Muertos, but with a change. Instead of being up on the raised plaza itself, the tents are being set up in the street. It looks like the only street on the square that is two-way (on the West side, going up Dr. Coss) may be open to traffic. It seems the plaza itself, with its fountains, benches will be left open for people to enjoy.

I like seeing the folk art from all over Michoacán, as well as from Oaxaca, Chiapas, and a few other places, in one place. I plan to buy some nice gifts.

P.S. - The Dr. Coss side of the Plaza now has tents, as well, with a single one-way lane going South. I would not count on getting a car through. We go on foot to and in the Centro under normal circumstances, which is fun, and for busy Semana Santa and Noche de Muertos people who live here don't even take their cars out.

Noche de Muertos in Patzcuaro
Patzcuaro homes

Noche de Muertos 2010 - #8

The confections have arrived on Plaza Grande. Here is your opportunity to purchase a skull to present to a favorite person. You can even have the person’s name inscribed on the skull’s forehead, as is the custom.

Sweets for Night of the Dead
A place for you in Patzcuaro

Noche de Muertos - #5

Exhibit and Sale of Ceramic Catrina Figures
Biblioteca Gertudris Bocanegra
Plaza “Chica”, Pátzcuaro
Formal opening of exhibit – 30 October 2010 at 5:00 PM
On display through 3 November 2010.

Catrinas are skeleton figures, dressed in outrageous clothing and costume, with which Mexico mocks death. For further explanation see  "Catrinas" and Skeletons: Mocking Death in Mexican Culture.

This exhibit will feature hand-selected Catrina pieces from Capula. There will be something “for every pocket”, as one says in Spanish. Prices will range from approximately Pesos $100 to $500.

More about Night of the Dead around Lake Pátzcuaro.
You could walk to Plaza Chica.