These trips are introductions to particular regions, such as Oaxaca, Chiapas or Yucatan. They serve as an excellent overview of the people, land, food, past civilizations, flora and fauna of the particular destination:
On this journey we will learn about the rich textile traditions as cultural expressions of the Highland Maya people of Chiapas. Based out of San Cristobal de Las Casas, we will make daily visits to surrounding communities to learn how they express their inner beliefs on cloth and identify themselves to the world through their unique community dress.
Learn of the Ancient and Present Day Maya in the Tabasco & Chiapas Lowlands and Highlands. Arriving in Villahermosa, we have the opportunity to marvel at the Olmec culture and their monumental sculpture. Also in Tabasco, Comalcalco is a rarely visited Maya site of the Classic Era, rich in stucco sculpture and made of brick! …
Join us on a journey to learn about the art of the “maque”, lacquerware of Guerrero, one of three regions of Mexico that continues this ancient tradition. Guerrero is home to the maque tradition, namely the “cajitas” little boxes of Olinala. The tradition of lacquerware or “maque” is pre-hispanic in origin, originally applied to gourds to protect them from cracking and breaking. Later, this tradition and technique became fused with other influences in aesthetics and applications, namely from Asia and Europe.
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!
