What trade does Miguel’s family practice in Coco?

Miguel’s family practices shoe making in Coco.

The Rivera family runs a shoe-making business in Santa Cecilia. Their workshop and storefront are important parts of the family’s identity, showing how several generations turned a difficult history into a successful shared trade.

The family’s connection to shoes begins with Imelda, Miguel’s great-great-grandmother. After her husband left to pursue music, Imelda supported her daughter by making shoes and eventually built a shoe business. Her descendants continue that work, even though Miguel feels drawn toward music instead.

The film presents the trade as a source of family pride rather than merely a plot detail. Miguel’s conflict comes from wanting to honor his own musical talent while respecting the family’s expectations. A common mistake is to say the family makes guitars; guitars are central to the story, but shoe making is the Rivera family profession.