Shopping in Oaxaca
The state of Oaxaca is home to many of Mexico’s indigenous groups (16 in total to be exact, that each have over 200 dialects), many of whom have strong craft traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation and are still done today. It's easy to feel that everything is made in the capital city - clothing, pottery, food, and drink - which is most likely true, each one telling a story that is hundred of years old. Luckily, you won’t have to go far to find beautiful things. The only thing you'll need to bring is your wallet and some self-control.
Pottery
Oaxaca is mostly known for its pottery that blends ancient techniques with unique clays found specifically in the region. The two most famous pottery clays are barro rojo (earthy rust-color) and barro negro (black color), both of which can be found in el centro. At nearly every market and tienda, you'll find small, dainty plates, mezcal sipping cups, large serving bowls, and whatever else you can possibly think of!
One of our favorites is Collective 1050, a small boutique located just a few blocks from the main square. This store has both types of clay and ships internationally. If you're willing to get out of town and see how it's done, head to Alfareria Doña Rosa in San Bartolo Coyotepec and meet the family that does all the work… their grandmother was actually the woman who discovered how to turn the clay jet black from its original matte gray finish by rubbing crystal quartz on the clay and heating it at a lower temperature.
Mezcal
You can't leave Oaxaca (literally, I won't let you) without a bottle of artisanal mezcal. One tiny bar that gives you an immerse experience is Union de Palenqueros. Here, you can try distillations from smaller makers throughout Oaxaca. Even the packaging is more “traditional,” meaning it comes in plastic water bottles with the label ripped off.
In Sítu is another fun bar in Oaxaca Centro that does great mezcal gift boxes. Think three different types of mezcals (you can choose which ones you want), a traditional serving cup made of glass, and small booklet giving an explanation of the history, and a beautifully decorated box.
Textiles
The Zapotec village of Teotitlan de Valle has been producing the majority of textiles for Oaxaca state for generations. One of the best parts about this is that you can simply walk down the main street, Avenida Juarez, and pop your head into various artisan workshops that sit along the road. The artists generally don’t mind and allow you to watch them mix dyes from natural ingredients, weave pieces by hand, and even make you a custom-made piece.
Jacobo Mendoza and his family are one of the six families in the valley that still use traditional methods for dyeing their wool different beautiful colors. If you want to meet the family personally, get a tour with Bugambilias and ask for René to take you there. Good luck leaving without a purchase!
Clothing
Need more white linen, colorful huipils (traditional embroidered tunic), and woven sandals in your life? Look for further! Street markets around the main square will make sure you head home with at least one of these classical Oaxaca-style looks.
Food & Spices
Although it might be hard to recreate a typical tlayuda or rich chocolate caliente at home, you can still pack some of Oaxaca’s most traditional ingredients and spices at Mercado Benito Juarez. Think balls of mole, fresh Oaxacan cheese, freshly-fried grasshoppers (chapulines) that come in all shapes and sizes and flavors, and agave worm salt (sal de gusano) to serve with your mezcal. Oaxaca has such a rich culinary heritage that it’s best to shop and bring stuff back then look for it when you get home - a lot of times, you can’t even find the spices, chiles, or ingredients in other states!
Chapulines (crickets) for lunch at Oaxaca’s zócalo.