Amealco and its Muñequitas Marias.

Mexico offers an endless of experiences along of its extension. Bravery and warm at north, history and tequila at center and finally a great indigenous legacy in south.

Photographer: Mau.Barcenas.

Last summer, I took advantage of the holidays and I visited the beautiful and colonial city of Queretaro, afterwards I couldn’t put aside the chance of visit such a cozy village which is Amealco. The dolls Marias are from there.

Amealco de Bonfil

Why do you abandon your rutinary days?

The answer of last question could be: hassle, attraction to an specific place, about its culture, history or gastronomy, also could be its weather and end with the innocence of its people

Last summer I visit Amealco, it is a very comfortable village in Queretaro State.

If you are in Queretaro City, you would take federal 57 route Queretaro-Mexico then you have to pay a lot of attention and take detour Galindo-Amealco and to finish you must to incorporate in federal 120 route until you get to Amealco.

At the beginning these trip was a natural experience, route to Amealco is arrounded of tall and green trees and pine trees, also many of the details wich decorate the ground were the rock that make fences in each one of they.

Was such a cold weather in Amealco that give to it a little more of hospitality

I arrived to Amealco around 10 in the morning, it was 13 centigrade, I began my walk in Plaza constitucion where the churchs bells wake you up, the church is called Parroquia of Santa Maria and was built between XVII and XIX centuries, besides from very early in the morning artisan were in the plaza constitucion or jardin principal.They wear very traditionals clothes and it has a lot of value for them. Artisans offer many things made by themselves like Marias, key ring, bags, accessories.

A little later, we walked around Amealco between its cobblestone streets and its colorfull houses, we were looking for its more traditionals dishes, for example such a delicious barbacoa and its consome also a very famous pulque and its frutals wine, afterwards we came across a sweet smell of bread.

Next to the main square, there is Muñeca artisanal museum, this is the unic museum about muñecas artesanales in all the country.There we can find showcase full of muñequitas made by artesans of this region, different sizes, outfits very recognized in the region.

On August 15, 2018 muñequitas Marias were recognized as heritage of Queretaro State.

Around 500 families dedicate their days to make handcraft in their houses or garages in Santiago Mexquititlan and San Indelfonso. The elaboration tecniques are practiced since early ages, is like a familiar heritage which is inherited to newest generation.

Authentic Muñequitas Marias of Amealco are heritage of Queretaro State with the purpose to preserve traditions and customs at the same time of The roots of the municipality of Amealco.