San Antonino Castillo Velasco

This is a pretty village next to the large town of Ocotlan, in fact it almost seems to be part of the latter.

This is one of those very traditional places were special celebrations take place on festive days for Day of the Dead, Christmas and Easter.

The village however is also were the most beautifully embroidered dresses of Oaxaca are made. Their style is widely known as San Antonino and consists of embroidery of silk over cotton in such detailed and elegant designs that some dresses take over 4 months to complete.

This is also were special flowers grow that blossom dry, similar to “straw flowers”. With these flowers, special ornaments are made that are one of the main features of the contest of the famous Radish festival every December 23rd in the city.

It’s nice to visit home studios were these beautiful crafts are made to meet the makers and see their way of life.