Original products made by Mexican craftspeople from the state of Quintana Roo will be put on sale during the next few weeks at the Vatican Museums .
The sale will be held as part of the “Hands of the World in the Vatican” exhibition, which was inaugurated on Wednesday, August 29 , at the Pope’s gallery , accompanied by food tastings and cultural events in which political, religious, and diplomatic authorities participated alongside Italy’s Mexican community.
“This is a social initiative undertaken by the Vatican Museums. It will allow visitors to access typical products from the Latin American country and the money gathered will be donated to local artisans,” explained the cardinal Giuseppe Bertello , chairman of the State Government of Vatican City .
“I think this is a beautiful initiative that we have been implementing for some years now. When we think of Quintana Roo, we think of Cancún and its beautiful beaches, but within the state, there is also a very lively and culturally rich population that makes original crafts with thread and branches,” added Bertello at the event’s opening speech.
Next to him, Carlos Joaquín González, governor of Quintana Roo , invited attendants to enjoy “ the flavors, colors, and smells ” of his state.
Several members of the Vatican’s high command were also present at the reception, including cardinal Pietro Parolin and Paul Richard Gallagher .
Some of the pieces put on sale are domestic objects carved in wood such as plates and spoons, basketworks of different sizes, and pieces made out of black coral. Some of the craftspeople were present at the reception, sewing and carving in presence of the attendants.
dm