| Every November the tiny town of Taxco, Mexico is | | | | and literary events which acommpany the main |
| invaded by hunters, silver hunters, as the hilly streets | | | | silverwork and sculpture competition. The town's |
| are lined with silver - jewelry, statues, boxes, artwork | | | | 50,000 citizens swell almost overnight as silversmiths |
| and more in fact anything that can be created out of | | | | of all kinds, stall holders, silver hunters and tourists from |
| silver. The fair began as the brainchild of William | | | | all over the world converge on Taxco during the last |
| Spratling in the late 1930's as a way to show | | | | two weeks of November. Some of the worlds finest |
| appreciation to the artisans that produced his designs. | | | | artisans find their way to the Silver Fair each year and |
| Taxco is the silver industry's largest silver producer | | | | vie with Mexico's finest for the honour of being a |
| and as such is known as the 'Silver Capital.' Situated | | | | winner. |
| some 6,000 feet above sea level, Taxco has always | | | | Well worth a visit during the fair, Taxco and Mexican |
| played an important role in silver history, right back to | | | | silver jewelry are some of the finest silver and designs |
| the time of Cortes, over four centuries ago. With over | | | | in the world, showing bold, ethnic and modern designs |
| 16,000 silver shops lining the tiny Plaza Borda, and all | | | | in high grade silver, and creating bold statements for |
| the streets leading into it during the last two weeks in | | | | any person man or woman to enhance any outfit. |
| November, Taxco truly lives up to its claim as the | | | | WHEN SHOPPING FOR SILVER KEEP THESE TIPS |
| worlds silver capital. | | | | IN MIND: |
| Interestingly, the winner of the Silver Fair recieved a | | | | |
| trophy made from gold, enhanced by an Aztec eagle | | | | 1. Look for suppliers with good designs and quality. |
| design and a further prize of 40,000 peso's. The | | | | 2. Look for suppliers with good prices but never |
| Mexican President attends and acts as the presenter | | | | sacrifice design and quality for price |
| of the 24 carat trophy and second and third place | | | | 3. Look for serious suppliers and well organized. It is not |
| winners are also honoured with prizes presented by | | | | very useful if you find a supplier in Taxco which is not |
| the Guerrero state governer and the Mayor of Taxco. | | | | going to satisfy all your needs when you get back |
| This lively fair has a queen who is crowned "Queen of | | | | home. This is a key point. |
| the Silver Fair' usually a local senorita who presides | | | | 4. If you cannot make it to the Silver Fair. |
| over the street stalls, live entertainment, art exhibitions, | | | | |