Cuanajo is a traditional village where p’urhépechas is still spoken The traditional way of dressing includes an embroidered blouse, hand woven belts, a pleated skirt and, the most obvious part, the heavily embroidered apron (delantal). In some cases the delantal can take over three months to embroider. Pictured here is Imelda Hernandez Romero, a member of the weaving collective. When you enter the town you are immediately aware that the town is into wood work; there is furniture everywhere. The colorful designs are typical of Cuanajo and many families have workshops throughout the village. There is a handicrafts market on one side of the square where all of the crafts are on display and for sale.

The weaver’s collective has a room just filled with belts, sashes, guitar straps, bags, table runners etc... At this writing Elodea Garcia Romero was the “presidenta” of the collective. She is pictured here weaving a wool runner on a back strap loom. They are constantly looking for markets to sell their goods. The cotton belts exhibit a number of traditional designs. On the following pages there is a deeper look at the textiles, the traditional costume, and the town itself.