La Sirena

Just the sight of La Sirena will make your jaw drop. The Mexican folk art shop literally overflows with surprising cultural trinkets, decorations, artwork, and clothing that is as vibrant as the country it so proudly represents. La Sirena, the mermaid, was founded by Dina Leor, an Argentinean-American native New Yorker who has been in love with Mexico ever since she visited it as a young girl.

Leor calls La Sirena, “The Mermaid,” a happy place for anybody—gift givers, party hosts, tourists, collectors, and most importantly, those of Mexican descent. Expatriates become breathless and teary-eyed upon entering the store as they feast their eyes on an abundance of vibrant recuerdos from home for the traditional celebration of Mexican festivities and rituals. You will find detailed hand-painted luchador masks, intricate Day of the Dead and religious figurines, authentic woven sombreros, music, jewelry, candles, fresh sage, hanging paper-cut decorations, and even fine museum-worthy pieces.

Handcrafted throughout Mexico, and individually handpicked by Leor during her travels, every item in the shop is produced by small multi-generational family businesses demonstrating high-quality craftsmanship. Discover beautiful hand embroidered cotton peasant shirts, wool blankets, delicate beaded flower jewelry and items with folkloric symbols. Additional decorative items include handsome Oaxacan black clay figurines and pots alongside colorful baskets hand-woven by prison inmates who make them for their families to sell at local markets.

Holding holiday events in the intimate space at La Sirena, Leor one day plans to open a cultural center to host larger gatherings and where local artisans can practice their crafts and hold classes. With that, Leor can offer a little slice of Mexico to those who wish to learn about it and those who miss being in it.