Our Typical Mexican Toys!

The Mexican holidays are here and that is why we want to talk to you about our culture, but particularly about traditional Mexican toys, whether made of wood, metal or cloth, they are the living example of national mischief and joy, since they represent the purest ingenuity of where our grandparents, parents and some of us grew up.

Beyond their origin and the way they entertain us, each one of these invaluable treasures are part of the history of our entire country. Despite the passage of time and the great generational changes, Mexican games and toys continue to be more alive than ever, since they are a fundamental part of our development, since they represent not only an opportunity to have fun, but also to learn and improve the mental, physical, emotional and social skills of each child or person who has contact with this beautiful Mexican craft.

We must recognize that Mexico, being a country so rich in its traditions, has among its inhabitants thousands of workers dedicated to the manufacture of handmade toys, which for many generations have been synonymous with fun and an expression of our Mexican culture.

We usually find them mainly at fair stalls and craft markets. Did you know that typical Mexican toys have been around for decades and are mainly made from wood, natural or dyed cotton textiles and palm leaves?

For the vast majority, the manual production process has not changed and continues to be done with few differences compared to the techniques used by our ancestors. In keeping with Mexican folklore, their design is more than striking, with vibrant and attractive colors that we clearly identify as our own.

Here are some interesting and brief facts about some of our typical Mexican toys:

Here are some interesting and brief facts about some of our typical Mexican toys:

The Balero

One of the most well-known and “risky” traditional toys in Mexico. Although it has diverse origins, evidence of its birth within the Mayan empire has been found. It is made up of a wooden ball with a hole in the middle and a small stick, joined by a cord. Playing with a balero means enduring scrapes and bruises from trying to insert the wooden stem into the hole on the first try and achieve a capirucho.

The Trompo

The trompo is probably the king of traditional Mexican games thanks to its artisanal manufacture and historical past. Its conical shape and pointed end make it spin endlessly wherever it is thrown. Today there are more than 13 types ranging from plastic to metal. Its importance has created groups of amateurs and professionals who are dedicated to spreading the richness of this eternal tradition.

The María doll

These rag dolls known as María, had their origin in Michoacán and the State of Mexico. They were made by the Mazahua ethnic group as a cheaper and more traditional alternative to the toys sold in the markets. Over time, these dolls began to represent the Mazahua women who used to walk the streets of Mexico City and who were called "Marías." It is even said that this is the reason why the dolls, with colorful ribbons and typical clothing from the region, earned the name “Maria dolls.”

We would like to share with you that at Kali Escandón we proudly support Mexican Artisanal Talent and on the occasion of our national holidays and to celebrate the night of September 15th we will give a typical Mexican gift to our distinguished guests thanking them for their loyalty and preference. #FeelComfortable

“Travels, like toys, always make stories”