[Artwork: designslinger]

Today is May 5th, Cinco de Mayo. We have used the colors of the Mexican flag
as inspiration for our first panel of artwork, and my investigation into the origin of Cinco de Mayo I came across some interesting and revealing connections to decorative design and architecture.

[Images: Puebla, Mexico via flickr /Artwork: designslinger]

In 1862, a small, ill-equipped group led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, defeated the much
larger and better equipped French army in a battle that took place in Puebla, Mexico. The date was
May 5th, and it has since become a celebratory event, primarily in the United States, on par with St. Patrick's Day. Further research turned up a history and long tradition of craft art in Puebla, and an architectural heritage with one of the best collections of Spanish colonial architecture in Mexico. It is also one of the oldest colonial cities on the continent and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

[Image: Talavera de la Reina, Spain via flickr /Artwork: designslinger]

Puebla's importance in this early days as a new outpost of the Spanish
empire, attracted a group of artisan's who hailed from a town in the southern Spanish province of
Andalucia, called Talavera de la Reina. They brought with them a tradition of craftsmanship and
artistry in fired clay and glazes, that dated to the 9th century. It was here in this dusty hamlet,
that they began producing the famous Talavera tile in the new world.

[Images: Puebla, Mexico via flickr /Artwork: designslinger]

Living in southern California has made me very aware of the traditions and styles
that use Spanish colonial art, architecture and craft as inspiration. Yet, I had no idea that there
was this gem of a place in Mexico until I started the fact-finding mission about Cinco de Mayo.
It is amazing that the artistic tradition founded centuries ago still thrives in Puebla as well as in
Talavera to this day.

[Images: Tiles from mexicanconnexion /Artwork: designslinger]

I've included several websites and vendors in the posting, "Talavera Tile Sources,"
so if you want to read more about these fascinating cities and the exquisite art produced there,
check it out. Or, take a trip down Mexico way and experience the beauty of colonial architecture
and art in person. (Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any manufacturer or travel organization,
I just want to share the thrill and excitement I feel when I make such new and wonderful discoveries!)