Puerto Vallarta's Flea Market
& The Land of the Huicholes
Explore the vibrant heart of Puerto Vallarta at its bustling Flea Market, where the rich culture and traditions of the Huichol people come to life.
This lively market offers a unique shopping experience, featuring an array of artisanal products handcrafted by the Huicholes.
They are renowned for their intricate beadwork and colorful yarn paintings.
From stunning jewelry and textiles to beautifully detailed artwork, the market is a treasure trove of authentic, one-of-a-kind items that reflect the heritage and artistry of the Huichol community.
Immerse yourself in the local culture and bring home a piece of Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant spirit with these exceptional artisanal creations.
Ancient Wisdom, Beautiful Art
Mexico is home to many fascinating cultures such as the Olmecs, Aztecs, and Mayans.
This time, we’re referring to the Huicholes, who’ve made their home in the northern parts of Jalisco, Nayarit, and the surrounding areas along the Sierra Madre.
The Huicholes are an ethnic group that has maintained its purity long after the conquest of Mexico.
Therefore, their culture one of the most interesting examples of anthropological continuity in the country.
They refer to themselves as “Wirrárrica” o “Wirraritari” (plural).
The Magic of the Wirrarica
One of the most emblematic aspects of this ethnic group is their artistic expression and cosmology. These have become known all over the world for their colorful characteristics and cosmological vision.
As described by Nierika (meaning ‘the gift of sight’), a blogger who’s studied the Hichioles’ culture and history extensively, “Huichol Art is a form of writing”.
Through their creations, the Huichol people tell us their stories and myths. In each craft, the Huichol leave a piece of their life.
Currently, there is no other ethnic group in Mexico that preserves its beliefs, cults, and traditions as deeply as the Huichols.”
Currently, it can be said that there is no other ethnic group in Mexico that preserves its beliefs, cults and traditions as deeply as the Huichols.
This artistic integrity and preservation are mesmerizing when considering how many other ethnic groups still exist in Mexico.
Many have faced dissolution due to historic repression and Christian restructuring since the 15th century.
Here, Nierika continues: “It is due to the importance of the sacred Huichol world and its intrinsic relationship with the Huichol way of life. All those Huichol crafts not oriented for commercial purposes are created to narrate various religious experiences.”
With this, every piece of Huichol art is irrevocably connected to its people and their country, a form of “cultural memory made object.”
Puerto Vallarta’s Flea Market
Don’t miss the opportunity to discover this extraordinary culture when visiting Puerto Vallarta.
Every Thursday, from 6-10 pm, a flea market (tianguis) is set up along the town’s pier (malecon).
So, enjoy the festive ambiance and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Then ake a little piece of it back home with you and help the economy of the community.
And if you’re ready to explore further, join us on a catamaran tour to beautiful spots of the coast!