This summer, my family and I went on an amazing vacation to Coyoacán in Mexico City. Known as the "barrio mágico," Coyoacán is full of the rich Mexican culture I love. We had a fantastic time walking around the charming streets and enjoying delicious traditional foods from various street vendors.
The neighborhood is filled with beautiful colonial houses, many of which are now elegant boutique hotels, pastry shops, and restaurants with incredible dishes. There are also plenty of cozy cafes and relaxing spots where you can sit back and unwind.
Coyoacán is one of my favorite places to visit in Mexico. In this blog, I’ll share all the highlights of our trip and explain why this magical neighborhood should be on your travel bucket list.
Did you know? Coyoacán, meaning "Place of Coyotes" in Nahuatl, has deep historical roots dating back to pre-Columbian times. It was originally an independent city-state before being incorporated into the Aztec Empire.
One of my favorite stops and an ideal place to start your trip is here at the Mercado de Coyoacán. It's one of the iconic places of this bohemian neighborhood and one of the most visited by tourists who are enchanted by its colors and flavors. When entering el mercado it makes you want everything and it's the place where you'll find a good variety of things. Visiting local mercados are a great option if you want to try something authentic and rich with flavor. Here you can enjoy exquisite dishes like carnitas, enchiladas verdes, flor de la calabaza, huitlacoche, tinga, mole, picadillo, and much more! Something that characterizes the Coyoacán Market is that in each Mexican festivity, you can find everything you need to decorate, cook and celebrate.
Did you know? Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera constantly walked through this mercado and was a source of inspiration for their paintings. How awesome!
Frida and The Casa Azul
If you have ever heard of Coyoacán it's probably because of the Frida Kahlo Museum also known as the Casa Azul (Blue House). Not only has she come an icon in the Hispanic culture but has inspired thousands thought her artwork. This does not like a traditional museum as it was once home to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Throughout the property you can view numerous paintings, photos, her wardrobe collection, and private bedrooms. When walking thought the museum, I would create scenes in my mind of what I think their lives would have been like living in this beautiful place. This museum had an astonishing garden in the courtyards where you can admire the blooming flowers, trees, and cactus where Frida spent hours. On your next trip to Coyoacán, make sure to purchase your tickets and plan ahead as this is a popular attraction to visit in Coyoacán.
Here are three intriguing facts about "La Casa Azul"
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The Secret Love Letters: Hidden within the walls of Casa Azul are numerous love letters exchanged between Frida and her lovers. These letters reveal the depth of her passionate relationships and the emotional turmoil she experienced. Some of these letters were found tucked away in books and behind paintings, offering a rare glimpse into Frida's personal life and the intensity of her romantic affairs.
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The Hidden Bathroom Studio: One of the bathrooms in Casa Azul was secretly converted into a small art studio by Frida during her later years. This hidden space, which remained undiscovered for many years, contained some of her unfinished sketches and paintings. The discovery of this bathroom studio provided new insights into Frida's creative process and the private struggles she faced towards the end of her life.
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The Mysterious Blue Paint: The distinctive blue color of Casa Azul, known as "Maya Blue," was chosen by Frida and Diego for its cultural significance. However, recent studies have revealed that the specific shade used on the house contains a unique combination of pigments that was difficult to replicate. This mysterious blue paint has intrigued art historians and scientists, as it symbolizes Frida's deep connection to indigenous Mexican traditions and her desire to create a one-of-a-kind artistic sanctuary.
Now that you're probably planning your next trip to Coyoácan, you have to prepare your outfits. Let's thank Frida and her "Casa Azul" for inspiring us with some accessories that celebrate and elevate Mexican artistry. Explore the 14K Gold plated Talavera Collection here.
Have you visited Coyoacan? Let us know about your experience in the comments.
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