Canixa: a place where the traditional method of making piñatas is preserved
Get to know Canixa, a local cooperative that supports small producers across Mexico and promotes cultural exchange. But what is a cooperative? In Mexico, a cooperativa or cooperative is a legally recognized association in which people join together with common economic, social, and cultural needs through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise. Governed by principles of mutual help, equality, and solidarity, these societies engage in activities such as the production, distribution, or consumption of goods and services, like consumer cooperatives, producer cooperatives, and savings and loan cooperatives.
Canixa supports small producers from all over Mexico to offer a unique cultural coffee tasting experience to Na'atik immersion students. Although this is not a coffee plantation visit, in this small shop formed by people from nearby communities of Carrillo Puerto, you can take part in sampling different varieties of Mexican coffee, learn about the people and regions behind the product, and take part in conversations about coffee and its consumption in Mexico and the Maya Zone. In addition to coffee, you will get to explore Canixa’s variety of artisanal products, from cacao and honey to traditional drip-style coffee makers and pottery crafted by hand.
In Canixa’s new activity available to Na'atik immersion students, you can learn how to create your own piñata from scratch in a traditional way, letting your imagination guide you throughout the entire process. You can design your piñata in any shape you like, such as a frog, a toucan, a pumpkin, a snowman, or any other idea that comes to your mind. Recycled materials are used for the creation process, such as newspaper and notebook pages that will no longer be used, along with paint and crepe paper for the final details. It is an activity where you will have fun creating a unique piece while connecting with the local community of Carrillo Puerto, and you’ll be able to take home a handmade memory crafted by you.
If you’re interested in learning more about Canixa and the experiences they offer, we invite you to enroll in Na’atik’s immersive Spanish classes and enrich your learning with these cultural activities. Not only will you improve your Spanish in a real-world environment, but you will also have the chance to engage with the local community and create unforgettable memories.
To learn more about Na’atik’s English language program for local and Indigenous students in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, visit our Impact Page. We are only able to provide this much needed program thanks to the support of generous donors and the funds raised from our award winning Maya and Spanish Immersion Program. If you would like to support our mission please consider donating today or take a look at our immersion programs and online class packages.