Oaxacan Candles: The Story Behind this Wonderful Craft

Oaxacan candles, also known as "shell candles" (velas de concha) are stunning beeswax sculptures that can reach several meters in height, adorned with vibrant flowers and fruits. Crafted meticulously over generations, these candles begin with the creation of the base, housing the wick, followed by the intricate addition of each flower, meticulously designed and added by hand.

Rooted in the ancient heritage of Teotitlán Del Valle, a village nestled 30 kilometers away from Oaxaca City, these candles initially symbolized wishes of abundance for newlyweds. They frequently graced the church as offerings from families or communities during Catholic ceremonies and rituals. Despite their cultural significance, their voluntary nature meant minimal financial returns for artisans, leading to a gradual decline in Teotitlán's candle-making tradition.

Among the luminaries of this craft stands Doña Viviana Alavez, who inherited the art from her grandmother during her childhood. Decades later, faced with her husband's illness and the need to support her family, Doña Viviana turned to her childhood craft as a means of livelihood, shaping her destiny as a candle designer.

The legacy of Casa Viviana workshop, founded by this matriarch, transcends traditional boundaries. Evolving from classic designs, Doña Viviana crafted smaller, more intricate models, drawing inspiration from nature and experimenting with vibrant color palettes sourced from natural dyes. Helped by a local carpenter, she meticulously redesigned the wooden molds used to create the shapes of the flowers in her designs, passing them through three generations to this day.

Casa Viviana's workshop breathed new life into Oaxacan candle-making in Teotitlán Del Valle, providing employment to local families and women from the community. Through hands-on training, they passed on the art of candle making, igniting a renaissance of creativity and innovation. As candle workshops proliferated, each sought unique inspirations, further enriching the craft.