Lifestyles Profile - Francisco & Julio Sitges

Brothers Francisco and Julio Sitges are both handicraft dealers somewhat by coincidence, as neither of them ever thought their present activity would become their profession. Francisco had a promising career as a film producer and Julio was a pilot; however, both felt terribly seduced by the lifestyle of their adventurous sister, Josefina Sitges. Josefina was a professional photographer and in love with the indigenous customs of her country. She was affectionately nicknamed “Mother Theresa of Calcutta” for her social commitment, as she started to promote and sell indigenous handicrafts to help the poor. Touched by her energetic aura, Francisco and Cesar decided to follow the trail of adventure, which would eventually lead them both to travel extensively and meet people from all over the world.

In order to finance their travels, they opened a small handicraft shop in Mexico City called Veryka, which means royal eagle in the indigenous Huichol language. Years later, they came to settle down in Vallarta, a land of Huichol Indians and mythical tales and where they also saw an opportunity to sell fine handicrafts. Francisco, almost surprised at the turn of events, comments, “I actually turned into a business man, and a business is like a steamroller, once you start there’s no turning back.” And smiling Julio says, “Well, I guess I became a small-town boy.”
At first, their travels were risky but tantalizing. With a van, they traveled throughout Central and South America at a time when being on the road was dangerous and the frontiers were a nest of intrigues and contraband, but they loved their encounters with strangers and discovering what each
artisan made.

The fruits of their constant travel can be seen at Galería San Jacinto. The variety of handicrafts is just amazing and reminds one of the last scene in Raiders of the Lost Ark, where boxes and boxes of treasures pile the shelves of a museum. Francisco points out that they have, in fact, occasionally bought a collector’s piece or found some hidden treasure. Each work has its own little story, and Francisco and Julio are at their store to tell you all about it.