The Republic of Mexico has renewed its participation in the second edition of the Saudi International Week for Handicrafts, Banan. Organized by the Heritage Commission, the event runs from November 23 to 29 at Riyadh’s Roshn Front and features 500 artisans from over 25 countries.

Mexican artisan Rohina Clasco, returning to the exhibition after a successful debut last year, expressed her excitement about participating again. Her booth, which achieved sales exceeding 70% of its inventory in 2023, specializes in summer and winter clothing crafted from high-quality Mexican fabrics.

“The Banan experience allows us to share the daily lives of Mexicans with Saudis while also gaining insight into Saudi culture, which is thousands of kilometers away from Mexico,” said Clasco. This year, Mexico’s contributions to the exhibition have expanded to include a variety of traditional crafts, such as handmade clothing, decorative items, and artisanal artwork.

Clasco’s journey as a craftsperson began under the guidance of her parents, who ran a small workshop in a village 500 kilometers from Mexico City. Relying entirely on manual labor, the family business served local markets and occasionally exported unique pieces internationally.

She expressed gratitude for being chosen to participate in Banan for a second time, praising the Heritage Commission for its support and the city of Riyadh for its welcoming atmosphere. “Riyadh is incredibly advanced, with remarkable urban development,” Clasco said, adding that she looks forward to future editions of the exhibition.

The Banan exhibition offers visitors an immersive experience with diverse pavilions and activities. Highlights include the Handicraft Arts Village, Live Handicrafts Showcase, and dedicated areas for interactive workshops.

Additional features such as the Entrepreneurs and Artisanal Institutions platform and a children’s pavilion with specialized activities make the event a vibrant celebration of global craftsmanship.

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