Patzcuaro has a Presence This Christmas at the Vatican

The Patzcuaro Lake Region, with its cultural, culinary, and artisan treasures, has found a niche this year at the Vatican as part of the Mexican Christmas Program.



Michoacan is present at the Vatican this Christmas Season

The show includes photographs, Christmas trees decorated by Michoacan artisans, and two nativity scenes – one made of wax from Purépero, and another pre-Histanic design (pasta de caña de maíz, or corn stalk) from the Patzcuaro Lake area.  On your next trip to Patzcuaro, don’t miss the artisan workshops where you can find these art forms.  Sacred art executed by the Purépecha is unique.



The Michoacan Folk Art present at the Vatican this Christmas Season

The corn stalk nativity scene in the Vatican, by artists Martin Agustín Gaspar Rodríguez and Beatriz Ortega, was blessed by the current Pope.  Pirekua, music of the indigenous Purhépecha – and recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage – was also part of the Pope’s blessing ceremony.



The Nativity made in Patzcuaro at the Morelia Cathedral before the departure to the Vatican

The clothing of the figures is certainly worth mentioning.  It was created by our artisans from different villages including Cuanajo, Pichátaro, Tingambato, Pichataro,  and San Juan Nuevo Parangaricutiro, using the loom and hand-embroidering techniques.  This teamwork resulted in a precious nativity worthy of the Vatican’s attention.


The Photography Exposition of Michoacan at the Vatican this Christmas Season

Take a tour of the Lake Patzcuaro region on your next trip and discover these and other artisan techniques of Michoacan. It’s all at your fingertips at Hotel Mansion Iturbe.  Be sure to enjoy the many flavors of our traditional kitchens as part of your tour.  It’s important to note that on December 12, 2012, a chef of traditional indigenous food, Benedicta Alejo Vargas from San Lorenzo, was at the Vatican.  She actually had the opportunity to exchange greetings with the Pope, and blessed her and gave her rosary.  What an exciting experience for Benedicta Alejo!



Benedicta Alejo giving a TV interview at the Vatican

Share the excitement on your next visit to Pátzcuaro!

Check this post that might be interesting for you:
10 Must-Sees in Patzcuaro
The Route of Don Vasco
Ex Convent of Santa Ana in Tzintzuntzan a Jewel of Mexican Colonial Architecture


*Text property of Hotel Mansion Iturbe

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Hotel Mansion Iturbe
Portal Morelos 59
Plaza Vasco de Quiroga
61600 Patzcuaro, Mich.
Mexico

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