Xcaret Folk Art Fair Returns in September 2025

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — Grupo Xcaret has unveiled the second edition of the Xcaret Folk Art Fair, set to take place from September 25 to 28, 2025, at Xcaret Park. The announcement was made during dual events held at the Museum of Popular Art in Mexico City, hosted by the museum’s director, Walther Boelstery, and the president of its board, Mercedes Vigil, as well as at the Hacienda Henequenera in Xcaret Park.

A Platform for Mexican Folk Art

The fair, now established as Mexico’s most significant event of its kind, will bring together leading and emerging folk artists from across the country. It aims to foster direct connections between artisans and both national and international audiences, aligning with Grupo Xcaret’s mission to celebrate Mexican heritage and promote shared prosperity.

Following the success of its inaugural edition, which benefited approximately 2,600 individuals from 21 Mexican states—with 59% of sales revenue going to workshops in indigenous communities—this year’s fair will feature over 140 artisan workshops. Many participants represent centuries-old traditions.

The event guarantees a fair-trade model, ensuring artisans receive 100% of their sales revenue to support economic autonomy in their communities.

Preserving Traditions for Future Generations

A key challenge in sustaining Mexican folk art is engaging younger generations to carry forward ancestral knowledge. The fair addresses this by providing visibility and recognition to artisans, with 70% of participants reporting apprentices in their workshops—a positive indicator of cultural continuity.

For the second consecutive year, the fair will host the national competition Xcaret, Ayer y Hoy (Xcaret, Yesterday and Today), honoring outstanding works in five categories:

1. Ceramics
2. Textiles
3. Woodwork
4. Other Techniques (including jewelry, fibers, cartonería, wixárika art, glasswork, popotillo, metalwork, painting, amate, leather, and stonework)

Prizes include:

• First place: $100,000 MXN
• Second place: $80,000 MXN
• Third place: $60,000 MXN
• Honorable mentions: $20,000 MXN

A new category this year, inspired by the Virgin of Guadalupe, will award three pieces for their symbolic, devotional, and artistic significance, regardless of technique.

Commitment to Sustainability and Cultural Legacy

Leticia Aguerrebere, General Director of the Xcaret Folk Art Fair, emphasized the event’s role in preserving Mexico’s cultural heritage:

“This fair reflects our commitment to celebrating our roots and showcasing Mexico’s artisanal talent. It’s more than an event—it’s a platform to safeguard and share our cultural legacy, recognizing society’s responsibility to honor the work, history, and identity behind each piece.”

Iliana Rodríguez, Corporate Director of Sustainability and Institutional Dialogue at Grupo Xcaret, highlighted the fair’s ethical framework:

“When a space is fair, safe, and respectful, artisans trust it as their own. The Xcaret Folk Art Fair embodies our deep respect for their craft, identity, and rights.”

Expanded Participation and Cultural Programming

This year’s fair will feature artisans from 22 Mexican states, including 60 Grand Masters of Mexican Folk Art and 35.7% new talents. The event will showcase:

• 44 textile artisans specializing in rebozos, embroidery, waist and pedal loom weaving, drawn-thread work, and natural dyes.
• 34 ceramic artisans across 11 distinct styles.
• 28 woodworkers employing at least six techniques.
• 34 artisans in diverse mediums, from jewelry to metalwork.

Beyond sales, the fair will include live demonstrations, traditional fashion showcases, expert panels, and discussions with master artisans, fostering dialogue among creators, designers, academics, collectors, and students.

Legacy and Future Impact

As part of its long-term commitment, Grupo Xcaret published the 2024 Fair Memoir, documenting participants’ profiles and contact details to further support Mexican folk art.

The Xcaret Folk Art Fair underscores Grupo Xcaret’s dedication to sustainability, cultural preservation, and human rights, ensuring Mexico’s artistic traditions thrive for generations to come.