Silver Hunters Feast on Silver Fair - Feria De La Plata

Every November the tiny town of Taxco, Mexico isover the street stalls, live entertainment, art
invaded by hunters, silver hunters, as the hilly streetsexhibitions, and literary events which accompany the
are lined with silver - jewelry, statues, boxes,main silverwork and sculpture competition. The
artwork and more in fact anything that can betown's 50,000 citizens swell almost overnight as
created out of silver. The fair began as the brainchildsilversmiths of all kinds, stall holders, silver hunters and
of William Spratling in the late 1930's as a way totourists from all over the world converge on Taxco
show appreciation to the artisans that produced hisduring the last two weeks of November. Some of
designs.the worlds finest artisans find their way to the Silver
Taxco is the silver industry's largest silver producerFair each year and vie with Mexico's finest for the
and as such is known as the 'Silver Capital.' Situatedhonour of being a winner.
some 6,000 feet above sea level, Taxco has alwaysWell worth a visit during the fair, Taxco and Mexican
played an important role in silver history, right back tosilver jewelry are some of the finest silver and
the time of Cortes, over four centuries ago. Withdesigns in the world, showing bold, ethnic and modern
over 16,000 silver shops lining the tiny Plaza Borda,designs in high grade silver, and creating bold
and all the streets leading into it during the last twostatements for any person man or woman to
weeks in November, Taxco truly lives up to its claimenhance any outfit.
as the worlds silver capital.WHEN SHOPPING FOR SILVER KEEP THESE TIPS IN
Interestingly, the winner of the Silver Fair received aMIND:
trophy made from gold, enhanced by an Aztec eagle
design and a further prize of 40,000 peso's. The1. Look for suppliers with good designs and quality.
Mexican President attends and acts as the presenter2. Look for suppliers with good prices but never
of the 24 carat trophy and second and third placesacrifice design and quality for price
winners are also honored with prizes presented by3. Look for serious suppliers and well organized. It is
the Guerrero state governor and the Mayor ofnot very useful if you find a supplier in Taxco which
Taxco.is not going to satisfy all your needs when you get
This lively fair has a queen who is crowned "Queenback home. This is a key point.
of the Silver Fair' usually a local senorita who presides4. If you cannot make it to the Silver Fair.