brought to you by
"The Iowa Group"
and
Vivian Harvey

 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
A Week in Oaxaca, Mexico
January 31 - February 7, 2009

Centuries ago the indigenous people of Mexico created a unique and magnificent culture, one which endures to the present day. Nowhere is this more visible than in the folk arts of Oaxaca and the incomparable color and excitement of Mexican fiestas and religious observations.

Our hotel, the Marques del Valle, is right in the center of the action. on one side of Mexico's most famous zocalo (city square). From here we will become familiar with the delicious foods and colorful ambiance of colonial Mexico.

This educational travel program is planned to coincide with the celebration of the feast day of Candarlaia, February 2, when the Christmas season officially ends with the return of the nativity figures from the churches to the homes of the mayordomo and his wife who will care for them until next Christmas season. In Oaxaca, in the small villages around the countryside, it's a time for all the Baby Jesus figures in a community to be presented and blessed in church. We'll see the market stalls full of new apparel for each Baby Jesus to wear on February 2, and we'll visit the town of Santa Maria de Tule for this special day's festivities and procession.
   


  Monte Albán Archeological Site
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We'll visit two well known Prehispanic archeological sites, the magnificent mountaintop site of Monte Albán, and Mitlá, located at the narrow end of the Valley of Oaxaca and famous for its beautiful and intricate stone work.

On our week-long visit to Oaxaca, we'll spend a great deal of time in the company of the creators of the vivid folk art in Mexico. We'll visit many of the homes of the most famous artisans in Oaxaca. There will be demonstrations and discussions about the pottery, wood, and wool arts they create. We will also discuss with them their concerns for the future - - two years of political upheaval in the area, with lower than usual tourist visits and its impact on the economy.

To learn more about all aspects of contemporary Mexico, we'll visit a social services program which offers comprehensive services for children. We'll also talk with farmers and those who serve agricultural workers to learn more about how recent actions in the United States have changed the financial outlook for the many families who are depending in part for assistance from their relatives in the U.S.


 
Pre-Hispanic History to Contemporary Concerns