Crafting Tradition: My Worry Doll Workshop in Guatemala
Antigua, Guatemala feels like something out of a dream. The cobblestone streets, vibrant colonial buildings and Volcan de Agua watching over the city like a silent guardian. But beneath all that beauty is a heartbeat of culture, tradition, and deeply rooted stories. I wanted more than just to admire it—I wanted to experience it. That’s what led me to a worry doll workshop tucked away from the usual tourist path.
My guide greeted me with a warm smile, and soon we were off, bouncing along in one of Guatemala’s iconic “chicken buses”—those lively, wildly painted school buses that serve as the country’s local transport. The ride itself was an adventure: music playing, people chatting and the breeze rushing in through the windows as we wound through the countryside.
We arrived at a modest home where the workshop would take place. The woman welcoming us had been crafting worry dolls since she was a child. She had learned from her mother and grandmother, as their mothers had before them. These little handmade dolls are more than just souvenirs; they’re woven with legend. You tell your worries to the doll, place it under your pillow, and by morning, the story goes, your fears have been carried away.
She patiently showed me the steps. She demonstrated how to wrap colorful thread around small pieces of wood to form the tiny bodies and clothes. She made it look so simple. Then it was my turn. Let’s just say my first attempt had… character. A bit crooked, maybe, and not quite symmetrical, but still full of heart. I smiled, proud in a way only someone who’s made something with their own hands can be.
As we worked, she shared stories—not just about worry dolls, but about her childhood, her family and her connection to the craft. That’s what made the experience so special. It wasn’t just about learning how to make a doll; it was about sitting with someone who lived and breathed this tradition.
Before I left, I bought a few worry dolls that she had made. Each one was so detailed and full of personality. I knew they’d make perfect gifts, carrying with them the spirit of Guatemala and the warmth of that afternoon.
Strolling back through the streets of Antigua, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. I’d stepped out of the usual sightseeing circuit and into something real—something rooted and handmade. That little workshop gave me more than just a craft lesson. This workshop was about embracing the beauty of handmade craftsmanship, sharing moments with a local artisan and carrying a piece of Guatemala’s magic with me wherever I go!
