Puebla, Mexico: The World’s Only City To Make Talavera Ceramics
This post contains affiliate links to trusted partners. If you purchase through these links, I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!
When visiting the culturally rich city of Puebla on a trip to Mexico, one unique excursion is to visit the Talavera Santa Catarina ceramics factory in the Cholula area.
Puebla is the only state in the world to have an origin of denomination dealing with ceramics.
Talavera pottery is named after the city of Talavera de Reina in central Spain, the only other place outside the state of Puebla to make Talavera, although in Mexico it is distinctly different.
The style has Chinese and Arab origins and is distinguished by the fine clays found in Puebla, fired with a tin and lead glaze at high temperatures.
To meet official Talavera standards, certain government regulations must be met regarding its contents.
For example, the mixture of the clay must be a precise way, and the paints must be all-natural.
There are nine workshops of Talavera in Puebla, and you can only get the special clay in Cholula.
The process uses natural clay, and all the colors are prepared on site except for the base blue. All clay is molded by hand, meaning no two pieces are ever identical. Likewise, a big piece can take up to six months to make.
The stages can be seen above. The first stage is the barro clay piece, which is then fired in the oven. From there, it’s glazed, stenciled and painted.
If you’d like to see Talavera ceramics in the city center, visit Uriarte, a traditional Talavera enterprise since 1824, and the oldest Talavera company in Puebla. The factory makes about 20,000 pieces a month, still using 16th century methods.
Whether you want to purchase high-quality ceramics, or are just curious and want to browse, visiting a Talavera factory in Puebla is a unique cultural experience you can’t find anywhere else in the world.
Bonus Mexico Travel Resources:
14 Best Places In Mexico To Travel Alone
6 Best Beaches In Holbox, Mexico (Stunning!)
23 Best Things To Do In Holbox Island, Mexico (+ Sample Itinerary!)
15 Best Beach Clubs In Holbox Island, Mexico
3, 4 & 7 Day Cancun Itinerary (The Best Things To Do In Cancun!)
14 Travel Tips For Puerto Vallarta For A Fun & Safe Trip (In-Depth Guide!)
Solo Travel In Puerto Vallarta: The Ultimate Guide
Tulum Solo Travel Guide: How To Have An Amazing Trip On Your Own
12 Things You Didn’t Know About Puebla, Mexico
Solo Travel In Mexico City: The Ultimate Guide
This post was made possible by a trip sponsored by the Mexico Tourism Board
