The figurines — known locally as figuras de mazapán — are made from a dough of flour, salt, and white glue, shaped entirely by hand and painted in bold, bright colours before being varnished to preserve them. Traditional subjects include nativity scenes, Andean animals, musicians in regional costume, and seasonal decorations that shift depending on the time of year.
The workshops are clustered around the main square and along the streets leading off it. Most are happy to let you watch the craftspeople at work, and the shops attached to them sell figures at far more reasonable prices than you will find in Quito's tourist markets. It is easy to get here by public bus from Quito and simply wander around.