Sayulita, Mexico is a kaleidoscope of color, culture, and coastal charm—a bohemian beach town where art, adventure, and sisterhood intertwine. Once a sleepy fishing village, Sayulita has blossomed into a vibrant haven for women travelers seeking creativity, connection, and renewal. Its cobblestone streets are lined with hand-painted murals, patio cafés, fresh markets, and wellness studios where surfboards lean beside yoga mats and shops showcase locally made jewelry, textiles, and ceramics.

 It is also home to an extraordinary movement that is changing lives—one woman at a time. Mujeres Movimiento, meaning "Women's Movement" in English, is far more than just an organization; it is a cultural bridge between local women in the Riviera Nayarit and women from around the world eager to connect and experience traditional Mexico.

Founded in 2018 by two visionary women, Cheri Hasburgh and Kathy Nicoletti, this grass-roots organization was created to uplift local women and young girls, and to help them develop their skills, gain independence, and realize their true potential. What makes this organization truly special is that it welcomes women who are visiting Sayulita, and invites them to engage in entertaining workshops, classes, and immersive experiences led by Mujeres Movimiento's member artisans, chefs, and community.

To truly understand the heart and soul of Mujeres Movimiento, I spent a week speaking with co-founder Kathy Nicoletti, meeting the remarkable women who share their talent, taking part in their cultural traditions, and seeing firsthand how female travelers can immerse themselves into this breathtaking destination and its heritage.

A Taste of Tradition: Culinary Experiences

Food is the soul of culture, and Mujeres Movimiento celebrates this by offering cooking classes, market tours, and personalized in-home dining experiences. The local women share their cherished recipes and personal stories, passed down through generations.

·Private Dinners: A Taste of Home in Sayulita

Many visitors to Sayulita, including myself, opt to stay in private rentals. This presents a unique opportunity to invite Mujeres Movimiento chefs into your home for a truly personal dining experience. Over plates of homemade enchiladas, chile rellenos, and velvety flan, I felt a deeper connection to Mexico's culinary traditions—not as a tourist, but as a welcomed guest in this beachside Mexican community.

·Tortilla Making: The Art of the Essential Mexican Staple

One morning, I stepped into the bustling tortilla factory owned by Lupita, a dynamic entrepreneur and member of Mujeres Movimiento. The factory, no larger than a garage, hums with energy as workers craft over 2,000 pounds of fresh corn tortillas daily, which are then delivered fresh and warm to restaurants and markets throughout Nayarit. Watching the rhythmic press-and-turn process, I marveled at how something as simple as a tortilla can hold centuries of tradition within its folds. 

·Rosca de Reyes: A Sweet Holiday Celebration

Mexican holidays are deeply rooted in food, and one of the most cherished traditions is the Three Kings Day celebration on January 6th. One evening, Ericka, a skilled baker and restaurateur, arrived at my residence with her daughter to guide me through the process of baking Rosca de Reyes. This beautifully decorated cake is similar to Mardi Gras King Cakes which hold a hidden figurine of the baby Jesus, symbolizing good fortune and blessings. As the scent of bread and citrus filled the air, we laughed, kneaded, and learned, all while deepening my appreciation for this delicious holiday tradition.

·Tamale Time: A Lesson in Patience and Flavor

On another evening, Maribel joined me in my kitchen, teaching me the intricate art of making tamales. The process is one of love and dedication, taking several hours. From mixing the masa by hand, soaking the corn husks, filling them with meats and/or vegetables, then carefully folding them, and steaming them until just right, the laborious process gave me a new appreciation of this classic Mexican dish. By the time we unwrapped our first steaming tamale, I understood why tamales are more than just food—they are a celebration of family, friends, and heritage.

 Sayulita Art Workshops: Crafting Mexican Traditions

Mexico is a country painted in vibrant colors and textures, with an artistic soul that beats strong in every region. Mujeres Movimiento shares these rich Mexican folkart traditions with visitors through hands-on workshops led by member artisans. The workshops can be booked at a visitor's hotel or rental location.

·Catrina Dolls

This traditional artform is a paper mache doll representing the iconic "La Catrina" figure, a skeleton woman dressed in elegant attire. They represent the idea that death is a natural part of life and should be embraced with grace and humor.

·Pinatas

Crafted by hand for special celebrations throughout the year, these colorfully decorated "boxes" are made in an array of designs, including vibrant animals and festive stars that feature 7 cones, representing the seven deadly sins. The act of breaking the piñata symbolizes the overcoming of those sins. Each piñata is stuffed with a variety of treats such as candy and toys, representing the reward for staying faithful.

·Milagros Art

Milagros are small, metal religious charms. They come in different shapes such as hearts, glasses, animals, body parts, praying hands, heads, houses, and more. They are often carried or given to friends and family when praying for a favor from a saint, such as health, safety, love, money, etc. This workshop teaches visitors about their history while they adhere a variety of Milagros to a wooden cross or heart, resulting in a stunning piece of traditional art.

 Language Exchange: Breaking Barriers, Building Bonds

One of the most impactful programs Mujeres Movimiento offers is English language classes for local women, equipping them with skills essential for success in this tourism-driven destination. In return, these same women host Spanish lessons both for travelers visiting Sayulita and online, creating a meaningful cultural exchange where learning is both given and received.

I participated in a fun "Speed Spanish" event one evening, where local women sat on one side of a long table and visitors on the opposite side. Every ten minutes, the local women would change seats, engaging in Spanish conversation and asking questions befitting of the visitor's level of language skill. It was a delightful way to meet the women and brush up on my Spanish at the same time!

Creative Travel Experiences in Sayulita, Mexico with Mujeres Movimiento

As the sun set on my week with Mujeres Movimiento was more than a cultural experience—it was a journey of connection, empowerment, and inspiration. If you're visiting Sayulita and craving a travel experience that's authentic, enriching and empowering, while helping the local community, be sure to connect with this welcoming organization. Mujeres Movimiento offers fun and memorable opportunities for women to learn, share, and experience authentic Mexican culture. When women uplift women, magic happens. I definitely took some of Sayulita's magic home with me!