It’s only appropriate for one of Mexico’s leading cultural centers to have a vast assortment of traditional handicrafts and treasured works of art. Of course there’s Talavera (hand-painted ceramic), but on near equal repute is Puebla’s carved onyx, (from Tecali de Herrera) painted papel amate (from Pahuatlan) embroidered and woven shawls, rugs, and dresses (from Hueyapan), silver jewelry (from the village of Amzoc), Christmas ornaments and glass ornaments from Chignahuapan. You’ll find fine works and more at shops and artisan’s workshops in downtown Puebla.
Plazuela de Los Sapos: Head here on weekends when a Mexican swap meet of sorts takes shape. Woodwork, jewelry, old coins, and knick-knacks abound. More modern wares and handicrafts are found across the busy Boulevard 5 de Mayo any Saturday or Sunday in the Analco neighborhood (8 Sur between 3 and 5 Oriente).
Mercado “El Parian” (2 Oriente and 6 Norte) this is the ancient town square of San Roque, which was built in 1801. Most of it is covered which brick and talavera ceramic tiles in the typical Puebla style. Nowadays it is a craft market where shoppers can find talavera ceramics, onyx, typical candies, miniatures, embroidered goods, glass, clay objects, textiles, straw crafts, etc. Open daily; it now accommodates more than 100 stalls. For high-end, certified talavera, explore the neighbouring shops run by Talavera Armando.
Barrio del Artista (Artist’s Quarter; at 6 Oriente and 6 Norte): The Plazuela del Toro was remodeled in 1941 and preserves a strong colonial style. On any given day, visitors can observe painters at work in their small studios and, of course, buy finished pieces. It is a picturesque slice of downtown Puebla with a baroque fountain decorated with sculptures where one can take a pleasant stroll while visiting the studios of artists working in view of the public. Occasionally open air concerts and plays are held here.
