I am using this relatable example of authenticity as a way to introduce my topic of “authenticity” and tourism in Mexico. Among theorists, there has been an ongoing argument about who has the authority to decide what is authentic. I agree with Erve Chambers’ (2010) theory that authenticity is detennined by the hosts and believe it is applicable to all indigenous communities. I will apply Chambers’ (2010) theory of authority as the main factor in determining authenticity of handicrafts and cultural performances to the case studies of Oaxaca and Chiapas. Such communities must have the authority to decide what is authentic to their culture, as opposed to outsiders deciding what is authentic. If the government or an outside actor takes away the indigenous community’s authority in representing itself, then it loses its authenticity. The idea of authenticity in tourism raises two questions of interest: is it possible for indigenous handicrafts and cultural performances to lose their authenticity through tourism? How do the communities preserve the authenticity of the arts at the expense of touristic influences? These questions are important to think about because tourism affects indigenous communities in both positive and negative ways. My argument is that while handicrafts and performances experienced by tourists may not represent the historical traditions of an indigenous community, they are still considered authentic. This is because “authenticity” applied to tourism is intended to mean the acceptance of a community to represent their culture in a way that fits the present time and place. Traditions are always changing and items, beliefs, and practices are altered naturally over time due to people finding better or different ways of doing things. The tourism industry is a means for indigenous communities to benefit economically while preserving their culture. Maintaining authenticity, handicrafts and performances from the past may be revived by the community as a result of tourists’ interests, or may be altered to fit into the present culture.