
Souvenirs & What to Buy in Puebla, Mexico
1. Talavera Pottery
Traditional handcrafted ceramics known for their vibrant colors and intricate designs, perfect for home decoration or as a gift.
- Authenticity: Ensure it's marked with the seal of 'hecho en Puebla' to guarantee its authenticity.
- Quality: Look for thicker pieces as they are higher quality and less likely to chip or crack.
- Design: Choose a design that appeals to your personal taste, as these make great souvenirs.
2. Poblano Chilies
Famous local chili peppers used in traditional Pueblan dishes. Buy dried or fresh for cooking at home.
- Spiciness: Dried Poblano chilies are less spicy than fresh ones, so choose based on your preferred level of heat.
- Packaging: Look for vacuum-sealed bags to preserve freshness and prevent spoilage during travel.
- Preparation: Poblanos are usually roasted, peeled, and stuffed before eating. Ask locals for preparation tips.
3. Mole Poblano
Rich, complex sauce made from various chilies, spices, and chocolate, a staple of Pueblan cuisine. Buy pre-made or ingredients to make at home.
- Authenticity: Buy from trusted sources like local markets or reputable stores to ensure authenticity.
- Preservation: Look for vacuum-sealed containers or cans with tight lids to preserve freshness during travel.
- Flavor: Taste a sample before buying to ensure you're getting the authentic flavor of Mole Poblano.
4. Cinnebar Bars
Beautifully crafted bars made from the local stone called cinnebar, often adorned with religious symbols.
- Quality: Look for bars with consistent color and no visible cracks or chips.
- Symbolism: Understand the symbolism behind each design to appreciate the cultural significance of the bar.
- Size: Consider the size and weight for easy transportation during travel.
5. Tecuanapan Honey
Delicious honey made from the nectar of wild flowers found in nearby forests. Perfect for sweetening drinks or baking.
- Quality: Look for raw, unprocessed honey for maximum flavor and health benefits.
- Packaging: Avoid glass containers as they may break during travel. Opt for plastic or metal containers instead.
- Taste: Sample different varieties to find your favorite flavor profile.
6. Tin-glided Masks
Colorful masks made from tin-gliding, a traditional craft. These make great decorative pieces or wall art.
- Authenticity: Look for masks with intricate designs and thick metal for authenticity.
- Size: Consider the size and weight for easy transportation during travel.
- Design: Choose a design that appeals to your personal taste, as these make great souvenirs.
7. Woven Hammocks
Handwoven hammocks made from natural fibers. A perfect addition to any outdoor space or a great gift.
- Quality: Look for tight weaving and strong fibers for a durable hammock.
- Size: Consider the size to ensure it fits your intended space during travel.
- Material: Choose natural fibers for a traditional and eco-friendly hammock.
8. Cempazúchitl Flowers
Beautiful flowers used in religious ceremonies and to decorate homes during the Day of the Dead. Buy dried or fresh for a unique keepsake.
- Preservation: Look for vacuum-sealed bags or tightly closed containers to preserve freshness during travel.
- Symbolism: Understand the symbolism behind each flower to appreciate the cultural significance of the purchase.
- Quality: Look for bright, vibrant colors and fresh petals for high-quality flowers.
9. Wooden Angels
Traditional wooden figurines of angels, often used as decorative items or religious symbols.
- Quality: Look for figures with intricate details and smooth surfaces for high-quality craftsmanship.
- Size: Consider the size to ensure it fits your intended space during travel.
- Symbolism: Understand the cultural significance of angels in Pueblan tradition to appreciate the figure.
10. Rubí Conches
Handcrafted musical instruments made from a single piece of conch shell. Listen to their unique sound and take one home as a souvenir.
- Quality: Look for instruments with consistent shapes and smooth surfaces for high-quality craftsmanship.
- Sound: Test the sound quality of each instrument to ensure it's in good working condition.
- Size: Consider the size and weight for easy transportation during travel.
11. Maguey-fiber Baskets
Handwoven baskets made from maguey fiber. Perfect for storage or as a decorative piece.
- Quality: Look for tight weaving and sturdy construction for a durable basket.
- Size: Consider the size to ensure it fits your intended space during travel.
- Design: Choose a design that appeals to your personal taste, as these make great souvenirs.
12. Wooden Tiles
Handcrafted wooden tiles adorned with traditional designs. Perfect for home decoration or as a gift.
- Quality: Look for tiles with intricate details and smooth surfaces for high-quality craftsmanship.
- Size: Consider the size to ensure it fits your intended space during travel.
- Design: Choose a design that appeals to your personal taste, as these make great souvenirs.
13. Tlahuitoltepetl Volcano Figurines
Handcrafted figurines of Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes. These make great decorative pieces or as a gift.
- Quality: Look for figurines with intricate details and smooth surfaces for high-quality craftsmanship.
- Size: Consider the size to ensure it fits your intended space during travel.
- Symbolism: Understand the cultural significance of the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes in Pueblan mythology to appreciate the figurine.
14. Ajijic Pottery
Traditional handcrafted pottery from Ajijic, a small town near Puebla. These make great souvenirs for their unique designs and colors.
- Authenticity: Ensure it's marked with the seal of 'hecho en Ajijic' to guarantee its authenticity.
- Quality: Look for thicker pieces as they are higher quality and less likely to chip or crack.
- Design: Choose a design that appeals to your personal taste, as these make great souvenirs.
15. Tulepeques Tiles
Traditional handcrafted tiles from the town of Tulepéque. These make great decorative pieces or as a gift.
- Quality: Look for tiles with intricate details and smooth surfaces for high-quality craftsmanship.
- Size: Consider the size to ensure it fits your intended space during travel.
- Design: Choose a design that appeals to your personal taste, as these make great souvenirs.