Traditional crafts from Yucatán

When you visit a destination and want to take something as a souvenir or buy a gift for your loved ones, what you look for is authenticity. Mexico offers hundreds of artisanal techniques and handmade objects representing cultural identity, unique in every piece.

Yucatán crafts are a perfect example.

These are some of the best souvenirs you can find in the state.

Yucatecan Hammock

Although hammocks were not invented here – they came from the Antilles during the Spanish conquest – they were perfected in Yucatán. Traditionally made in Tixkokob, Chumayel, and Teabo, these crafts can be found across the state.

In Yaxunah, two hours from Mérida, you can see their creation.

During the era of the great haciendas, humble hammocks were made from henequén, while the best were from agave sansevieria. Today, “battle” hammocks of hemp with artificial fibers coexist with the more comfortable cotton or crochet thread hammocks, prized for their softness.

Hipiles Embroidery

Embroidery is among Yucatán’s most widespread crafts.

Hipiles are straight dresses with square necklines, adorned with embroidery mainly on hems and collars. A formal version called terno is worn during religious festivals like vaquerías, featuring floral motifs and intricate embroidery.

According to Las artesanías en Yucatán, 26 embroidery techniques are used statewide. Alongside hipiles, embroidered blouses are popular and commonly worn even today, showcasing the region’s rich textile heritage and continuing cultural traditions in daily life.

Guayaberas

The guayabera is a traditional men’s shirt, originally brought from Cuba by upper-class immigrants in the 19th century. Since the 19th century, Guayaberas began being made locally as demand grew. Now they are a traditional craft of Yucatán.

The finest guayaberas are linen and cotton, though polyester blends are common.

The best place to buy them is Tekit, an hour from Mérida. Tekit hosts a Guayabera Fair every summer and winter, celebrating this iconic garment and providing a market for locals and visitors to purchase finely crafted shirts that combine tradition and modern fashion.

Although the guayabera is traditionally a men’s garment, women’s versions also exist today.

Filigree jewelry

Filigree is a delicate goldsmithing technique using thin gold and silver threads forged, polished, and linked into jewelry like necklaces, earrings, rosaries, and bracelets. This craft dates back to the early colonial era, remarkable given the lack of metal deposits in the region.

Carved wood

Wood carving in Yucatán dates to pre-Hispanic times but flourished during the colonial era when artisans made religious images. Today, carved wood crafts range from practical items to decorative pieces, blending traditional and contemporary aesthetics.

Wood carving predominates in the south, west, and east of the state. You can find these crafts in communities near the Puuc archaeological route, where the artistic legacy combines pre-Hispanic and colonial influences.

Henequén crafts

Henequén was known as “green gold” during the hacienda era and remains important as a natural fiber for making utilitarian objects in Maya communities. Now artisans produce sandals, bags, baskets, lamps, and earrings, mainly in towns near Izamal and Motul.

Leatherworking

Finally, Yucatán’s leatherwork is a long-standing tradition from pre-Hispanic times. Today, leather goods include belts, shoes, and bags made from cattle leather, with Valladolid and Hunucmá (an hour from Mérida) notable places to find finely crafted leather items.