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Land of mountains, valleys, and water, Hidalgo carries a strong cultural identity by the Otomi (Hñähñu), Nahua, Tepehua, Toltec, and many other Indigenous communities. In the Mezquital valley, the maguey plant is deeply tied to daily life, providing fibers used to create rope, belts, bags, and sandals. One of the most celebrated traditions of Hidalgo is Otomí embroidery from Tenango de Doria. These vibrant textiles feature hand-drawn animals, plants, and scenes from everyday life, stitched in colorful thread over cotton fabric. Today, these designs live on through beautiful pieces like embroidered table runners, pillow covers, wall tapestries, and other home textiles created by skilled artisans. Across the region, cotton and wool are woven into blankets and wraps, while palm, reeds, willow, and ixtle fibers are shaped into baskets, mats, and traditional palm hats known as garambulleros. Much of this careful fiber and textile work continues to be carried forward by women artisans, preserving Hidalgo’s living craft traditions.
