The city of Puebla was established in 1531 in a green valley surrounded by three of Mexico’s tallest volcanoes. Located within the geologically active Ring of Fire, the region is periodically rocked by earthquakes; a 1999 quake damaged some of Puebla’s precious historic buildings and gorgeous churches, now being restored.

Although established as a centre of agriculture and trade, Puebla soon diversified to manufacture textiles, glass, and ceramics. To the Moorish-inspired motifs in blue and white imported from Talavera, Spain, indigenous and mestizo craftsmen added earthy reds, oranges, and greens, creating a unique ceramic tradition. It is not just the architecture of Puebla that overwhelms the senses. Poblano chefs use the huge variety of chillies grown in the region to create many distinctive recipes.