Discovery Series Ornament – Chiapas

The Starbucks Discovery Series Ornament Chiapas focuses on some of the traditions, wildlife, plants, and everyday culture associated with Mexico’s southernmost state. Chiapas is known for its Indigenous heritage, tropical forests, coffee production, colorful textiles, and extraordinary biodiversity. The state is home to large Maya and other Indigenous communities, and many traditional crafts and agricultural practices remain an important part of daily life.

One interesting detail I noticed with the Mexican ornaments is the manufacturing information. All of them seem to have a small transparent sticker saying “Made in China”, while the bottom of the ornament and the box say “Made in Malaysia”. That raises an obvious question about which one is actually correct. I guess that the printed information on the ceramic and packaging reflects the intended manufacturing origin, while the transparent sticker may have been added later during distribution or packaging, but without production records there is no way to know for sure.

Here are some of the symbols and traditions featured in the design:

– The scarlet macaw is one of the most spectacular birds found in the tropical forests of Chiapas. Its bright red, yellow, and blue plumage makes it immediately recognizable, and the species has a strong association with the rainforests of southeastern Mexico. Conservation programs have worked to protect and reintroduce scarlet macaws in areas where their numbers had declined.

– The coffee plant and coffee harvesting reflect one of Chiapas’ most important agricultural traditions. The state is one of Mexico’s leading coffee-producing regions, especially in the highlands and areas near the Guatemalan border. Coffee from Chiapas is widely known for its mild acidity and balanced flavor, and harvesting is still done largely by hand on many farms.

– The colorful flowers and tropical vegetation fit naturally with Chiapas’ warm and humid climate. The state contains rainforests, cloud forests, and mountain regions that support an enormous variety of plants, from orchids and bromeliads to flowering trees and tropical shrubs.

– The monkey refers to the primates that inhabit the tropical forests of Chiapas. Species such as howler monkeys and spider monkeys can be found in the forests of southeastern Mexico, including areas around the Lacandon Jungle. Their presence is another reminder of the exceptional biodiversity found in this part of the country.

– The group of musicians is playing the marimba, an instrument deeply associated with Chiapas. Marimba music has a long tradition in the state and is commonly heard at festivals, public celebrations, and cultural events. Chiapas is especially famous for its marimba ensembles, making the instrument one of the strongest musical symbols connected with the region.