By THÉRÈSE MARGOLIS

It’s been called the “Soul of Mexico,” and for good reason.

The central state of Michoacán, with its high mountainous terrain and deep Tarascan indigenous roots, is one of the most culturally diverse and historically rich regions in the country.

Particularly famous for its folk arts — due in large part to the efforts of Vasco de Quiroga, the first Catholic bishop of the state, who in the 1530s encouraged his priests to teach the artisans of each village specific crafts and helped them find markets for their work — and its delicious, protein-heavy cuisine, based on fresh local ingredients.

Best known for its copperware, pottery and wood carvings, Michoacán also excels in its ornate, slightly Oriental lacquerware and traditional Tarascan masks, as well as its beautifully crafted shawls and textiles.

And it is in recognition of this extraordinary wealth of handicrafts and gastronomy that throughout the entire month of September, the high-end Mexican department store chain Palacio de Hierro is showcasing the state with an open-air bazaar of top-tier crafts and Michoacán food.

The bazaar, which was inaugurated on Wednesday, Aug. 31, is being held in the outside patio of the Palacio de Hierro store in Colonia Roma Norte, located at Durango 230, and includes 12 stands selling high-end crafts from across the state’s seven regions, as well as two stands with traditional Michoacán street food and sweets.

In addition, all seven of the Palacio de Hierro stores in Mexico City, as well as those in the adjoining states of Puebla and Queretaro, are offering a monthlong festival of Michoacán gastronomy in their in-store restaurants.