Merida, Yucatan — The Tunich 2026 Handicraft Fair, one of the most important cultural events in southeastern Mexico, will take place from July 24 to August 2 in the Dzitya district, bringing together hundreds of artisans to showcase the talent that has defined Merida for a quarter of a century.
Merida Mayor Cecilia Patron Laviada presented the official lineup at the Olimpo Cultural Center, highlighting that the fair marks 25 years as the premier showcase for Yucatecan handicrafts. She noted that collaboration between the municipal government and the artisan community has generated economic opportunities for hundreds of families while preserving the traditions that distinguish the state capital.
The 2026 edition will feature 168 exhibitors: 124 from Merida and its surrounding districts, and 44 from states including Puebla, Veracruz, Guanajuato, Michoacan, as well as Yucatan municipalities such as Kanasin, Opichen and Xocchel.
Visitors can browse a wide variety of handmade products, including stone crafts, wood carvings, rustic furniture, hammocks, embroidered textiles, pottery, artisan jewelry, Maya crafts, and traditional items from different regions.
The fair will offer more than 55 performances for all ages. Featured artists include Musiek Grand Band, Dzereco y Nohoch, Mago Rigel, Grupo Azabache, Trovadoras del Mayab, Ramiro y su Son Tropical, Ballet Folklorico del Ayuntamiento, Gesmy “La Voz del Mayab,” Los Payadzules, Cuxum y su compania, Alex Martinez, Pierre David, Ruperta Perez Sosa, Payaso Franky, Los Mangos-Habana, Santa Cecilia, and One Life.
The event will also boost its gastronomic offerings with regional food, traditional sweets, marquesitas, shaved ice, and elotes, in recognition of Merida as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
To make the fair more accessible, the city will provide free transportation from the Plaza Grande to Dzitya. Buses will run every hour from Monday to Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and on Sundays starting at 10:00 a.m. Parking, recreational spaces, and various activities will also be available.
