JOURNEY HOME AGAIN
A celebration of...
Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead
Oaxaca, Mexico
October 29 to November 5, 2014
Join us on an adventure to observe and celebrate rituals practiced for centuries by the indigenous people of Oaxaca—one of Mexico's most genuine Indian regions—reflecting special traditions from a mix of ancient, colonial, and contemporary heritage.
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is centered on the ancient Aztec belief that death is not the end of life but a passage to another realm where the souls of the dead exist; every October the spirits of departed loved ones are honored in their return home to visit. The elaborate preparations are woven into 3-4 days of cooking special foods, creating altars (offrendas) of images and favorite material items of the departed, making intricately decorated beeswax candles to shed light in the dark, erecting miniature altars to the saints, and preparing homemade mezcal, the famous drink made from agave plants. We will create our own communal offrenda at the villa to honor anyone we choose to celebrate and honor in this manner.
We will visit some private village homes as well as meander the streets in the city to watch spontaneous parades and candlelight processions to cemeteries where the graves are spruced up and decorated with flowers, candy, candles, and calaveras (skeletons) by families that gather for large picnics while singing and fireworks ring through the streets.
On this trip we offer a balance of cultural experience with time and space for integration, relaxation, and creative response. Daily optional morning yoga will be offered poolside, and there is space to set up your easel, a desk for writing, and a plethora of places to explore with your camera. There are also many museums and galleries to enjoy (see abbreviated list at the end of the Itinerary tab for additional offerings that Oaxaca City hosts ).
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is centered on the ancient Aztec belief that death is not the end of life but a passage to another realm where the souls of the dead exist; every October the spirits of departed loved ones are honored in their return home to visit. The elaborate preparations are woven into 3-4 days of cooking special foods, creating altars (offrendas) of images and favorite material items of the departed, making intricately decorated beeswax candles to shed light in the dark, erecting miniature altars to the saints, and preparing homemade mezcal, the famous drink made from agave plants. We will create our own communal offrenda at the villa to honor anyone we choose to celebrate and honor in this manner.
We will visit some private village homes as well as meander the streets in the city to watch spontaneous parades and candlelight processions to cemeteries where the graves are spruced up and decorated with flowers, candy, candles, and calaveras (skeletons) by families that gather for large picnics while singing and fireworks ring through the streets.
On this trip we offer a balance of cultural experience with time and space for integration, relaxation, and creative response. Daily optional morning yoga will be offered poolside, and there is space to set up your easel, a desk for writing, and a plethora of places to explore with your camera. There are also many museums and galleries to enjoy (see abbreviated list at the end of the Itinerary tab for additional offerings that Oaxaca City hosts ).
The Casa Murguia entrance, bedroom, patio, and pool.
We will be staying on a quiet street in the heart of Oaxaca City at “Casa Murguia”, a beautiful 5-bedroom bungalow villa built in the classic Mexican style of the 1950s with most rooms opening on to patios surrounded by gardens with our own swimming pool. Some meals will be prepared here for us by a talented local cook (cost included), and some meals will be taken on our own at some of the many wonderful restaurants within walking distance or a short cab drive (cost not included). Yoga mats are supplied with ample space to practice.
Sarah and a Oaxacan guide will lead us into the heart of the brilliantly colored markets and respectfully observe and photograph certain elements of the Day of the Dead celebrations. We will witness the creation of some of the tapetes in the streets (carpets made from flowers, seeds, and grain), many colorful and noisy parades, and some private and personal offrendas (altars) in the interior of village homes.
Tour cost is $1,850 per person, double occupancy with a maximum of 10 travelers. This covers all lodging, tour transportation, most meals (2 or 3 meals will be taken independently), local transport, and guides. Not included is the cost of meals taken on your own in town, tips for your housing, and alcohol. Airfares and airport transfers are also NOT included. We suggest you purchase your air tickets by June 15 for best rates.
$500 deposit received by July 15 will save you a space.
PLEASE NOTE: Full payment of remaining $1,350 is due by August 30.
Sarah and a Oaxacan guide will lead us into the heart of the brilliantly colored markets and respectfully observe and photograph certain elements of the Day of the Dead celebrations. We will witness the creation of some of the tapetes in the streets (carpets made from flowers, seeds, and grain), many colorful and noisy parades, and some private and personal offrendas (altars) in the interior of village homes.
Tour cost is $1,850 per person, double occupancy with a maximum of 10 travelers. This covers all lodging, tour transportation, most meals (2 or 3 meals will be taken independently), local transport, and guides. Not included is the cost of meals taken on your own in town, tips for your housing, and alcohol. Airfares and airport transfers are also NOT included. We suggest you purchase your air tickets by June 15 for best rates.
$500 deposit received by July 15 will save you a space.
PLEASE NOTE: Full payment of remaining $1,350 is due by August 30.