Mexico has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in many aspects of daily life, including traditional toys and games. Some iconic Mexican toys have origins dating back hundreds of years and represent important aspects of Mexican history, folklore, and craftsmanship.
Traditional Mexican Toys
Many traditional Mexican toys are made from natural materials and handcrafted using techniques passed down through generations. Clay, wood, textiles, vegetables, and grains are all commonly used to create traditional Mexican toys.
One of the most iconic Mexican toys is the balero, a cup and ball game similar to a classic American paddle ball. The balero consists of a wooden cup, traditionally turned on a lathe, with a metal spike on which the ball sits. The player tosses the ball up and catches it in the cup. Baleros are often ornately decorated with painted designs. They originated with indigenous cultures such as the Aztecs prior to Spanish colonization.
The trompo, or spinning top, is another classic Mexican folk toy that dates back centuries. Trompos are conical wooden tops with a metal tip that are spun by wrapping string around the tip and pulling quickly. Trompos are traditionally painted with vibrant designs. Competitions and tricks involving trompos remain popular in Mexico today.
Wooden animal figures carved from copal wood are another traditional handicraft. The town of San Martin Tilcajete in Oaxaca is especially renowned for its alebrijes, fanciful carved creatures inspired by local legends. Clay animal figures from Oaxaca and Michoacan are also popular traditional toys.
Lucha Libre Wrestling Toys
Wrestling is hugely popular in Mexico, and lucha libre wrestling toys representing famous luchadores are a classic Mexican toy. These action figures often have elaborately decorated masks matching real-life luchadores. Popular brands include Tin Luchadores, Bullyland Lucha Libre, and Lucha Mini Wrestling Figures. Kids enjoy reenacting famous matches between iconic heroes like El Santo, Blue Demon, and Mil Mascaras.
The Lucha Mask is the most iconic part of the Lucha Libre wrestler uniform. These colorful masks help conceal the true identity of the wrestlers while adding flare and intrigue to the personas. Popular Lucha Libre masks for children include versions of El Santo, La Parka, Rey Mysterio, Psycho Clown and Blue Demon masks so kids can role play as their favorite luchadores.
Artesanias – Mexican Folk Art Toys
There are numerous examples of quintessentially Mexican folk art toys still produced using traditional methods. These artesanias make excellent Mexican souvenirs and gifts.
Clay whistle figurines depicting animals, people, and cultural icons are common Mexican folk toys. The whistles are molded by hand and painted beautifully. Birds and dogs are especially popular themes. Regions known for their clay whistles include Oaxaca, Michoacan, Guanajuato, Puebla, and Mexico City.
Indigenous cultures in Mexico have long produced clay pots and figurines, continuing ancient ceramic traditions. The bruñidas tradition in Michoacan makes burnished clay animals and Nahua figurines. Toys like angelitos are made as miniature versions of larger clay folk art.
Iconic toys from cartoneria, or papier-mâché folk art, include brightly painted birds, masks, spinning tops, and miniature furniture. Artisans cut cardboard into shapes before painting the toys in vivid colors.
In Puebla, piñatas are an essential Mexican folk art form. Piñatas are made by shaping bits of clay or cardboard around a central container before papier-mâché is applied in strips. After they are painted and decorated, the piñatas are filled with candy and toys for celebrations.
Mexican Board Games & Puzzles
Mexico has its own versions of classic board games that feature a cultural twist. Famous examples include:
- Loteria: A bingo-style game playing cards with images of Mexican folk culture instead of numbers.
- Oca: The Mexican version of a racing game similar to Parcheesi.
- Huateque: A game involving sticks originally played by indigenous cultures.
In addition, Mexican artisans create unique handcrafted puzzles using wood or clay. These make great gifts and mementos of Mexico.
Modern & Popular Toys
While Mexico has a rich cultural heritage of traditional toys, modern and internationally popular toys are also well-loved by Mexican children. Some examples of popular toys in Mexico today include:
- LEGO
- Playmobil
- Hot Wheels
- Barbie
- Marvels action figures
- Baby Alive
- Play-Doh
Video game consoles like PlayStation and Xbox are also very popular, as are smart toys and tablets. However, traditional Mexican toys still hold an important cultural significance and remain popular souvenirs.
Where to Find Mexican Toys
There are various places to find authentic, high-quality Mexican toys, both traditional and modern. Recommended places include:
- Craft markets and fairs in Mexican towns and cities, especially in the states most renowned for their handicrafts
- Mercados (markets) and tianguis (open-air markets) often have a section dedicated to Mexican toys and games
- Artesania stores and handicraft shops, especially state-run stores like La Casa del Artesano in Mexico City
- Large stores like La Gran Bazar in Mexico City, a department store with an extensive Mexican toy section
- Online at sites like FolkArtesaniasMexicanas.com and MexGrocer.com
When shopping for Mexican toys, look for the Hecho en Mexico label to ensure authenticity and support local artisans. Good places to start include the major handicrafts regions like Michoacan, Oaxaca, Guerrero, Chiapas, Jalisco, Puebla, and Mexico City.
Conclusion
From ancient indigenous toys to Lucha Libre action figures, Mexico’s toy traditions reveal the country’s rich cultural roots. Traditional toys showcase incredible handicrafts honed over generations while modern toys show the nation’s continuing creativity. The next time you’re in Mexico, be sure to bring home a classic piece of Mexican folk art or introduce children to games from Mexico’s past.
