Culture, Poetry, Colors & Traditions of Nayarit MX

There’s something special about Riviera Nayarit; the people, the customs, and the history will enrich your visit since you will have the opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of the region first hand.

Explore Mexican museums and archeological sites and delve into the works of writers, sculptors, and artisans that represent the spirit of these lands. And, to round out your cultural and historic adventure, don’t forget to visit the archeological sites of Altavista, located in the municipality of Compostela, and Los Toriles, in Ixtlán del Río.

Riviera Nayarit is a multicultural, multiethnic, and multilingual state, flavored with the lifestyle and traditions of the cultures that provide its depth and identity. Its four tribes of indigenous people, the Huicholes, Coras, Tepehuanos and Mexicaneros, still exist today and visitors can take tours to their communities to learn about some of the ethnic group’s ceremonies, lifestyles, and artistic creations.

The most popular group for visitors to encounter are the Huicholes who are distinguished by their colorful dress, embroidered manta cloth clothing, and plumed hats. They are also known for their elaborate bracelets, rings and necklaces made of crystal beads that also shape their vision of the universe.

Also known as Wixaricas —Children of the Sun— the Huicholes are truly fascinating people, each one making a moral promise to visit the five sacred places of their faith in their lifetimes, one of which is the Tatei Amara —White Rock—, found in the historic port of San Blas.

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore and admire their original and colorful handicrafts. For instance, their hummingbirds crafted from string that sail the skies painted with deep yellows and feverish purples; and the felines that take form in brilliant crystal beads. The Huicholes’ art and craftworks make very popular keepsake treasures that many vacationers proudly display once back home.

The Coras, renowned for their ceramics, live mainly in the municipality of Nayar, in the western part of the state. Their dialect is related to that of the Huicholes.

The Tepehuanos inhabit small areas in the municipality of Huajicori, and among the artistic products created by this ethnic group are yarn knapsacks, hats, clay pots, and equipales (traditional barrel chairs with a woven palm base and leather seat and back).

The Mexicaneros live among the other ethnic groups and are often dedicated to weaving reed baskets, bins, and chiquihuites (small containers with lids), as well as creating wood art pieces, ixtle nets made of maguey fibers, and yarn knapsacks.

The culture and traditions of the people of the Riviera Nayarit Mexico deliver an authentic flavor and unique component to the very special experience here that will endear you to the destination.

CLICK HERE to watch a video about Riviera Nayarit Culture and Traditions.