|
In the northern Guerrero state, located
185 km southwest of Mexico City, Mexico's
Silver Fair is celebrated from the
last Saturday of November till the
first Sunday in December. Also known
as the National Silver Day, the fair
was officially started by the President
of Mexico in the year 1953 to honor
the silver artisans. On this day,
the streets of Taxco are literally
lined with silver as the silver artisans
showcase their products there.
Mexico's Silver Fair actually originated
in the year 1937 when an American
born silver designer called William
Spratling (who lived in Taxco), to
acknowledge the efforts of the artisans
who produced his designs organized
an appreciation party. Since then,
Mexico's Silver Fair has carved a
niche for itself, where, every year
some of the best silversmiths of Mexico
along with international artisans
compete with one another.
Regarded as the world's largest silver
producer, Taxco has been declared
as a national monument by the Mexican
government. Silver, being an integral
part of the state has assumed an iconic
status amongst the masses of Mexico.
The silver mines in Taxco where the
men of Cortes worked about four centuries
ago still remain there and employs
many people linked to the silver industry
directly or indirectly.
More than 16,000 silver shops dot
the Plaza Borda and the streets leading
to it. An unending bustle throughout
the day and night is a common scene
here. With customers bargaining and
bartering, the real feel of the place
can be had of at this place.
After a hard day's touring, when you
finally get down having a sumptuous
meal at the top-floor restaurants
with attached balconies overlooking
the scene (which are again hosted
by the ground floor silver shops).
From here you can have a panoramic
view of the intricately carved pink-hued
façade of the famous Santa Prisca
Parish Church in Taxco.
One of the specialties at Mexico's
Silver Fair is that the President
of Mexico graces the occasion and
presents the first prize winner with
a 24 K Gold trophy and a purse containing
40,000 pesos. The second and third
place holders are equally honored
and are presented with prizes by the
Guerrero state governor and the mayor
of Taxco. Moreover, the crowning of
the "Queen of the Silver Fair" accompanied
by a spectacular firework presentation,
exhibits, concerts and dances account
for the added attractions at the fest.
So, if you are visiting Mexico in
sometime soon then do visit the Silver
Fair and bring home some cherished
moments of a lifetime.
For more information on other festivals
celebrated around the world, please
visit .
|
