The Foreign Ministry, in collaboration with the Queretaro state government, launched the public diplomacy campaign #LelePorElMundo (Lele travels the world) during the 34th Meeting of Ambassadors and Consuls (REC2023).
The goal of the public diplomacy campaign is to raise awareness worldwide of the cultural traditions and ethnic and linguistic diversity of our communities by showcasing their most emblematic handiwork internationally with the help of Mexico's network of embassies and consulates.
Lele began her journey around the world in Baku, Azerbaijan, and is present today on five continents. #LelePorElMundo (Lele travels the world) is the first of a series of public diplomacy campaigns that will showcase emblematic local handicrafts that are well known in Mexico around the world. The goal is to promote Mexico’s artisans, as well as a revaluation of local Mexican crafts, by using the institutional ties of the Foreign Ministry with state and municipal governments to contribute to their internationalization. This has been an ongoing commitment of Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard.
The project aims to publicize and shine a light on the work of Mexico's artisans and to promote an understanding of the traditions of our communities through public diplomacy.
Lele, which means 'baby' in Otomi, is originally from the municipality of Amealco, Querétaro, and was designated as cultural heritage of the state of Queretaro on April 18, 2018. The doll has long braids, a headband of colorful bows and wears the traditional clothing of her creators, who preserve their Otomí culture and express it through their crafts, cuisine and festivals.
The handmade doll represents the efforts of thousands of Mexico's women artisans. Today it is made not only in Queretaro, but also in the State of Mexico, Hidalgo and Veracruz.
