The land of the Zapotecs, Mixtecs, Huave, Mixe and many other indigenous groups, Oaxaca is a region of great diversity and contrasts, both in its people and topography. At 5,000 ft. Oaxaca City, is located in The Central Valley, and is flanked by two vast mountain ranges; Sierra Madre de Oaxaca to the North and Sierra Madre del Sur to the South. These vast ranges drop off into The Coastal Plains of the Pacific and converge into the narrow Isthmus of Tehuantepec, a lush tropical land of mangoes and strong women.
The Isthmus of Tehuantepec is unlike any other region in Mexico, and from the moment you arrive, your senses tell you that this place is different. The climate is hot and tropical, the landscape is rich and lush, the famous “traje” worn by women is vibrant and dramatic, the women call the shots, and the festivals known as “velas” are parties held in honor of saints…
A not to be missed annual Oaxaca event, the Guelaguetza is a celebration of Oaxaca’s regional costume and dance in honor of the pre-Hispanic goddess of corn, Centeotl. Villagers in full regalia arrive from their respective villages to put on a spectacle of dance and music. Join us in the small villages to celebrate this most colorful and memorable spectacle!
From the Colonial Era to present, we learn how the people and communities of African descent helped shaped Mexico’s past and continue to express traditions in art, dance, music and food that reflect their heritage. Few people know about them, as their history has been little studied and told. This, however is changing as UNESCO, community activists and academics…
February-2019
Veracruz, Chinantla, Oaxaca & Tehuacan, Puebla Visit the Port of Veracruz and the Museum of Anthropology in Xalapa! We’ll view private textile collections, and travel on an extraordinary journey to a region rarely visited in Oaxaca’s Papaloapan Basin. The natural landscape is varied…
This extraordinary journey takes us to singular and diverse regions of Mexico in Oaxaca, Puebla, Tlaxcala and Mexico City. Not only will we be able to appreciate the vast diversity of Mexico, we’ll learn about the varied textile traditions in natural dyes, weaving and embroidery. We’ll savor new flavors, meet artisans and visit ancient archeological sites! Join us on this journey to a different Mexico!.
Join us to Oaxaca and Veracruz on The WARP (Weave a Real Peace) Annual Meeting Trip: “In the Footsteps of Irmgard Weitlaner-Johnson”. The post-Tour: “The Art of the Ikat Rebozo: Traditions and Techniques”. And the Workshop: “Natural Dye One-Day” with the master dyers of the Centro de Arte Zapoteco Bii Dauu to learn of their ancient techniques and masterful use of working with natural dyes.
On December 23, Oaxaca holds the largest radish carving contest in the world: The Night of the Radishes, where radishes weigh up to seven pounds! Primarily Nativity Scenes, the carvers now use their imagination and carve everything from famous Mexican revolutionaries…
In partnership with Wild West Weaving of Silver City, New Mexico, we’ll explore, learn and experience the “magic colors” of Oaxaca! From the caracol purpura on the Coast, the indigo from the Isthmus, to the cochineal of Oaxaca’s Central Valleys, we’ll learn about the ancient and living colors of this singular region. This journey includes a 3-day natural dye workshop! Join us!
Frida Kahlo: Dress and Identity Many aspects of Frida Kahlo have been studied, pondered and admired. From her art, politics, love life, travails, and many others. A singular aspect of Frida Kahlo and her identity was her dress. Frida used dress consciously in the creation of her identity. Through dress, she crafted her image, displaying her cultural heritage from both Europe and Mexico.
We explore the multiple ethnic communities of Oaxaca (and Guerrero) to learn of their cultural and ethnic expressions in dress and textiles. From the Amuzgo in Guerrero to the Mixtec, Huave, Zapotec in Oaxaca we will see how textile traditions and dress are a cultural passport and unique expression of the women (and some men) who live in this region.
Maíz, Mole & Mezcal:
Oaxaca has become a “hot spot” for culinary travel, yet its foods are ancestral. From native corn, to the land of mole and mezcal, Oaxaca is a place to savor with all the senses. This culinary journey will take you on a veritable historic journey, beginning with the ancestral foods, the sustenance of Mexico today, and will also showcase contemporary expressions of these heritage foods.
We explore the multiple ethnic communities of Oaxaca (and Guerrero) to learn of their cultural and ethnic expressions in dress and textiles. From the Amuzgo in Guerrero to the Mixtec, Huave, Zapotec in Oaxaca we will see how textile traditions and dress are a cultural passport and unique expression of the women (and some men) who live in this region.
Famous regional cuisine: mole sauces!.
Ancient Zapotec Ruins: Monte Alban.
Arts and Craft Villages, such as Teotitlan del Valle.
Ethnobotanical Garden of Oaxaca.
Outstanding Museums, such as: Museo Textil de Oaxaca.
Craft Coops, Shops and Markets!.
Great chefs and restaurants, such as Alejandro Ruiz of Casa Oaxaca.
For foodies who love to cook and eat! We will explore local markets, take hands-on cooking classes from Oaxaca’s top chefs, eat quesadillas with squash blossoms and learn how mezcal is made. We end with a gala evening at one of Oaxaca’s finest restaurants.
Travel to the villages where the master artisans live and work. Here, in their workshops we learn about the materials and techniques used to create their works of art. Oaxaca is famous for whimsical wood carved, hand painted “alebrije”, animals and caricatures, and the austere, shiny black pottery which is made by burnishing and then firing the pots in oxygen reduced kilns. Textiles, such as the treadle loom weavings of Teotitlan del Valle and the hand embroidered blouses of San Antonino are famous worldwide!
The little known, but fascinating history of cochineal will be explored. In addition to the famous red dye extracted from a bug, we will learn where the other primary colors; yellows, blues and their multiple hues come from in nature. This is a hands-on workshop that takes place in the village of Teotitlan del Valle, with a special coop. We will USE the dyestuffs and mordants to create a full rainbow of colors!
Viva Juchitan!
The Guelaguetza is a very colorful and festive event that takes place every July, in Oaxaca. Surrounding villages put on a display of their unique dance and music traditions for all to enjoy. It is said that this was originally celebrated as an offering to the goddess of corn, Centeotl, as the corn, or “milpa” harvest is essential in Mexico, providing the annual subsistence supply for tortillas. The term, “guelaguetza”, however, has a meaning that few people know about. Come find out what it is!
Chiles at Market
Cooking classes!
Dried chiles anyone?
Stirring the mole!
Spices anyone?
Tasajo at Tlacolula Market
Teatro Alcala
Mitla
Mitla
Santo Domingo Church
Monte Alban
Mitla Oaxaca
Date pending
Jan 31 – Feb 10
Feb 15 – Feb 24
Dec 20 – Dec 27
For More info see
Full Trip Schedule
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