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Art and culture activities in Oaxaca

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Art and culture activities led by local experts

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5 out of 5 average rating, 8 reviews

Create unique natural watercolors with Oaxacan pigments

For thousands of years, Zapotec and Mixtec artisans in Oaxaca have created brilliant colors using natural pigments. Come to my art studio, located in a mountain village just outside the city of Oaxaca, to learn how to make watercolors using several of these ingredients. • When you arrive at Casa La Paz, I’ll introduce you to the space, which is dedicated to art and permaculture. • We’ll learn about the history, chemistry, and uses of traditional pigments made from cochinilla, añil, and colored earths. • Then you’ll learn how to combine these pigments with a natural binding agent to create an array of colorful watercolors. You’ll take home a set of watercolor paints you made during this class so you can imbue your own artwork with these traditional materials

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Pour and shape a beeswax candle in Teotitlán

Try your hand at the artisanal craft of candlemaking with me, a guardian of the candlemaking tradition in Teotitlán del Valle, at my workshop, where you’ll learn the process of making beeswax candles from scratch. • I’ll welcome you to Casa Viviana and give you an overview of the history and cultural significance of beeswax candle-making in this community. • Watch as my family conducts a live demonstration of the candle production process, including the pouring technique, and observe as we create intricate wax flowers using traditional wooden molds. • Decorate your own candle with beeswax flowers, expressing your own creative flair in the process. You’ll leave with your candle as a unique memento, and a deep appreciation for artisanal craftworking in Teotitlán.

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Design and dye your own scarf with local botanicals

Art, nature, and tradition come together at Nacuanda Studio in the heart of Oaxaca, where you’ll explore the ancient craft of natural dyeing and floral printing—time-honored techniques that bring fabric to life with colors extracted from the earth—and transform two scarves into wearable works of art. • Step into my creative sanctuary, where tradition meets sustainability. I’ll share a little about the studio’s mission and how it preserves Oaxaca’s rich textile heritage. • Experiment with organic pigments and floral printing techniques to create your own naturally dyed textiles, and discover the magic of colors extracted from cochineal, flowers, and other botanicals. • Take home two beautifully hand-dyed scarves, each a reflection of your creativity and the deep-rooted traditions of Oaxaca’s textile artistry. You’ll leave this sensory journey through the past and future of sustainable textile arts with a deeper appreciation for natural artistry and a tangible piece of Oaxaca’s soul.

5 out of 5 average rating, 4 reviews

Learn indigo dyeing in a Zapotec textile workshop

Visit a seventh-generation Zapotecan weaving studio in the village of Teotitlán del Valle, where you’ll learn about the traditional dyes my family has used for generations, and work hands on with an indigo bath to create and dye your own piece. • We’ll provide transportation from central Oaxaca to our village, where I’'ll meet you at our textile studio. You’ll have a chance to see the weaving we do on pedal looms and the brightly colored rugs we make. • I’ll show you a range of dyes that we use, including pigments from botanical, mineral, and insect-derived sources. Indigo has been an integral part of Oaxacan culture and traditions for centuries. • Then I’ll guide you through the process of preparing an indigo dye bath. You'll learn a technique to print geometric patterns on cotton, and dye your own piece of art. You’ll see the full range of works made with natural dyes by my family, and leave with your own piece of art to commemorate your visit.

4 out of 5 average rating, 3 reviews

Culture walk through Oaxaca with an anthropologist

Sin duda la ciudad de Oaxaca es de las mas bellas de Mexico, caminar por sus calles y ver las bellas casonas de la época colonial nos hablan del esplendor economico que trajo la grana cochinilla. Declarda pratimonio de la humanidad por la UNESCO, la ciudad contrajo el compromiso de su conservacion, asi esta ciudad es el mejor casco conservado del SXVII. Iniciamos nuestra visita en la antigua plaza de la cruz de pidra, donde apreciaremos la maravilla hidraulica que fue el acueducto, caminaremos hacia el templo de santo Domingo para admirar su rica decoracion, el convento alberga el museo de las culturas de Oaxaca y el jardin etnobotanico. continuamos por la calle de alcala hasta llegar a la catedral y la plaza de armas donde se dan citas los pobladores en las tardes, continuamos a visitar sus mercados, el molino de chocolate, la ex-Real alhondiga de Oaxaca, la fachada del templo de san Agustin y terminamos el en centro cultural san Pablo. Es posible que te paresca mucha información, intentemos que no sea monologo ni conferencia, hagamoslo juntos, ¡pregunta e interoga todo! Así sera mas divertido.

5 out of 5 average rating, 1 reviews

Nighttime black clay workshop in a heritage studio

Create barro negro (black clay) pieces in my workshop, a historic space that has been part of my family for generations, and get hands-on experience making your own artwork. • I’ll share the history, myths, and legends of black clay, and demonstrate each step of the process, from selecting the clay to shaping it. You’ll learn about my various pieces and ongoing projects, such as my work on black adobe bricks. • Visit the ovens area, where I’ll explain how the black color is achieved through wood firing and the importance of temperature control. • Create your own clay piece under a sacred tree in the central area of the workshop, with my guidance, and I’ll help you refine your technique. At the end, I’ll explain the drying and firing process for your piece, which will be ready for pickup 42 hours after your visit at a location in central Oaxaca.

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Learn the secrets of traditional Indigenous medicine

Discover the secrets of ancestral indigenous healing and its traditional natural herbs in this 3.5-hour workshop. You’ll learn to prepare a natural remedy from herbs and plants to animate the spirit and comfort the soul. • We’ll begin with a welcome and introduction to the Indigenous worldview and the principles of balance and well-being. • Then you’ll taste, touch, smell, and learn to recognize the plants and herbs that commonly make up traditional remedies and gain an introduction to how to use them. With a playful spirit of experimentation, the group will uncover their aromas, energies, and vibrations by using the 13 senses of the Maya. • To deepen your connection to your body and the Earth, you’ll craft your own ritual drink with the guidance of a traditional medicine medic. • During a closing ceremony, you will reflect with the group and share your new insights. Together we will express gratitude to each other and honor the plants and the spirit of this shared journey. You’ll leave the workshop with an understanding of health as not just the absence of illness but a state of harmony with nature and the cosmos.

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Make abstract artwork inspired by Oaxaca at Taller Sangfer

Unleash your creativity and connect with Oaxaca’s rich artistic traditions at this all-ages workshop to create abstract art inspired by the textures, colors, and spirit of the city. No experience required. • Viviana Elizabeth, a local visual artist whose work focuses on a profound exploration of memories, senses and thoughts, will guide the session and share the history of our gallery, Taller Sangfer, committed to create a space where others can connect with their own creativity. • Under her guidance, get to know the available materials, textures, and tools for your creation, along with their possibilities, and loosen up with some fun exercises to start exploring the joy of painting. • Use sponges, spatulas, brushes, pens, and natural objects like leaves or dried flowers to create compositions full of texture. Finally, we’ll relax with a refreshing drink and discuss our results. You’ll leave with your original artwork—rolled up for easy transport, with the Taller Sangfer authenticity seal—as well as a postcard with tips for further exploration at home.

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Create Oaxacan jewelry from traditional materials

In this hands-on workshop with a master artisan who creates pieces for high-end fashion brands, you’ll use traditional Oaxacan painting techniques to make a unique piece of jewelry inspired by alebrijes (colorful figurines). • First, I’ll introduce you to the traditional Oaxacan craft of painting jicaras, or calabash gourds, and show you some of my own work. • I’ll guide you through the process of sanding a gourd, painting or etching designs onto its surface, and then applying paint and lacquer. • Then we’ll attach rings or other fittings so that you can wear your piece home. You’ll take away a deeper appreciation for the traditional crafts of Oaxaca, as well as the unique piece of jewelry that you’ve made yourself.

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4.94 out of 5 average rating, 1105 reviews

Historic Walking Tour Oaxaca

Discover Oaxaca de Juárez like never before with **Hosts Around Oaxaca**, a diverse team of local hosts who explore the city’s richness through art, literature, language, and collective knowledge. Join us on a historical and cultural walking tour spanning 492 years of Oaxaca’s history, offering a unique postcolonial perspective. This experience connects geography, economy, culture, history, and politics with the murals, engravings, and street art that fill Oaxaca’s streets. Our expert hosts will guide you on a journey where every step reveals the city’s vibrant character. We begin in the picturesque Jalatlaco neighborhood, once on the city’s outskirts, now a charming glimpse into Oaxaca’s past. From there, we head to the heart of the Historic Center, showcasing how the city has evolved and adapted to the valley’s geography. Along the way, we stop at historical landmarks and urban artworks that reflect the local community's essence. The tour concludes at a traditional Oaxacan house, where you can relax and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Oaxaca. This serene space, filled with character and authenticity, is the perfect place to reflect on your journey. Join us and experience Oaxaca de Juárez from a fresh, insightful perspective. Let our passion for art, history, and community make your visit unforgettable.

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 780 reviews

Mujeres Zapotecas

You'll live the ancestral process of the elaboration of the Zapotec handcrafts by incredible women. We'll visit 5 different places and women led families outside Oaxaca City where in each of them you will learn their story and about the origins of different oaxacan handcrafts. How they're made and even participate in the incredible process! Each of the families that we visit show you how everything began and how they have evolved. And specially how important female image has changed throughout the years. We'll visit Teotitlán del Valle where you'll learn the weaving process of a wool rug and the role of the women in the process also the elaboration of bee's wax candles and how only women still practice this tradition. Experience having lunch in the traditional Market of Tlacolula de Matamoros with Oaxacan food. Later we'll visit San Marcos Tlapazola to see the elaboration of red clay pottery with only three elements and elaborated by the incredible women of the red clay. And last we’ll visit a small female led distillery to learn the making of our popular Mezcal and taste the varieties it has. Take the opportunity to meet other people that come along to live this experience in Oaxaca as well as purchase the handmade crafts of the Oaxacan women! Book a group or private experience. IG yetiinoaxaca inoaxacaexperiences

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 353 reviews

Street Food and Markets Tour, meat and veggi options

Discover the real flavours of traditional Oaxacan street food and visit the markets with a local! We will try different foods along the way, more than 12 courses! The markets of Oaxaca offer unique experiences because of the local food and crafts. The "chefs" have master a special dish through the years and therefore those dishes taste better than in restaurants. We will visit markets and street stands that offer unique flavors of Oaxacan gastronomy. - Two famous markets - One hidden market - One food stand We can enjoy traditional meat or vegetarian dishes depending on your preference. - We will have some of the local sweets for dessert. Most of the specialties are seasonal and cooked by people coming from indigenous communities, this adds a special taste to the menu. I will give you a cultural background on the food and traditions of Oaxaca. All the food and stands have been selected. The tour includes all food, beverages, savory food and deserts. Additionally, we will do some walking between the spots, so you can enjoy also some of the landmarks of Oaxaca:)

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 675 reviews

Nocturnal Walk of Urban Legends and Dinner

This year we guide the ambassadors of Discovery Channel! book now! 8 pm ENGLISH, 8:30 pm SPANISH. We will meet at the Church of Solitude to be able to have an introduction to the myths and legends of Oaxaca and Mexico, as well as the world of the fantastic and intangible. I will tell you the urban history of the "sereno" and the alley of death, we will visit the alley where the legend happened. The description of the experience is just a formality, but please check the reviews and you will see that this is the best storytelling tour in the city. We will have dinner at the NETFLIX place of the show STREET FOOD LATINAMERICA! Then we will walk to our place of dinner where we will delight with some delicious empanadas and pot cafe I'll tell you the story of "La llorona", the big tragedy of Mexico. We will talk about our spiritual guides and the rituals that take place in the villages to obtain them, I will have a surprise and a gift. Other things to note We will walk and stop to tell the stories, it is not a representation of the legends. It's street food (The one of Netflix show of Mexico), sometimes we have chairs or standing up, an adventure to eat in this delicious place! LEMBRANZA MEXICO IG TEXT ME THERE TO HAVE A LOWER PRICE

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 416 reviews

Photo shoot in the center of Oaxaca city

Enjoy a tour and photo shoot through the historic center of the city of Oaxaca and keep the best memories of your trip to this beautiful city. What we will do: We will meet in the temple of Santo Domingo that is more than 400 years old and then walk around the tourist walkway looking for facades and colors that will serve as vibrant settings for our photos, until we reach the Macedonio Alcalá theater, which is one of the most important that exist in Mexico. We will continue to the Cruz de Piedras to conlciur with some photos full of life and exciting colors and textures. I will adapt to your tastes, in the streets we will find architecture, textures, a lot of color, interesting vanishing points and street art, the idea is to find your style. The photographs will be delivered digitally through Wetransfer

5 out of 5 average rating, 269 reviews

Making a beautiful Oaxacan embroidery

You can get to know Oaxaca through its embroidery and graffiti icons, which symbolize the entire cosmovision of a town. Guests can choose from 3 different embroidery figures and techniques. We will create a sample of the figure they chose with the appropriate technique. They'll learn about the traditional note, the iron icon, symbols, and embroidery meanings. Guests will take the embroidery in the workshop so they can continue practicing and applying the dot on different projects. We provide you with all the necessary material and if you require threads, rings or additional material, we have for sale in our space. No prior experience is necessary as the workshop is personalized and we move forward at each guest's pace. Note: The techniques we handle are: ** Jalapa de Diaz Hilván Punt, Oaxaca ** Huazolotitlan Goat Punt, Oaxaca. **Fill Punt de San Antonino Castillo Velasco, Oaxaca. Other things to note The language is not a barrier as it is a practical experience. I speak english and we'll find a way to communicate through threads and points.

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 181 reviews

Making special chocolates with your hands

The Class of Chocolate Oaxaqueños and Mexican flavors, is a workshop to learn about the processes around Cacao, its history, its processes, its flavors and how it evolved into a product that is now known worldwide. The chocolate consumed in Mesoamerican Mexico was of the qualities of Aztec kings, priests and warriors, and many of its recipes were created from local products such as flowers, spices and wild vanilla. Chocolate bars have a history of evolution in the last 300 years and although many think that the origin is Europe or Africa, the true place of discovery was in southern Mexico. Oaxaca in its southeastern part has one of the best cocoas in the world, called "Criollo" in the area of the tropical jungle next to the Pacific. Designing your chocolate depends many times on how we feel, how we want to perceive the world or how we want to make our loved ones feel. The benefit of chocolate is that anyone who tastes or eats it, the effect will be positive, they will have energy, happiness and clarity in their passionate decisions. This workshop is designed to learn about the history, the effects and how to prepare your chocolate from home, remember Oaxaca and know that there is a gastronomic diversity, in beverages, foods, pharmaceuticals or edible aphrodisiacs.

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 150 reviews

Print street graphics as an Oaxacan artist

When you walk through Oaxaca you observe the public art of the streets, but to understand each of the problems you must know that Oaxaca is a living museum because in it all its inhabitants and artists express themselves, from social movements to movements of food independence. Together with a group of artists, my friends, we have opened a painting and wood recording workshop in the heart of the city, as a social project that seek to bring art closer together as a means of expression and employment. Within this experience I will teach you about the culture of the Oaxacan graphic and its origins, as well as the five steps to make a recording with social proposal, if you are a beginner we have techniques to start and if you are an experienced person we have challenges and projects that we want to be a part. In all this experience you will be inside our foodlab gallery, a center of innovation and youth training for people who are looking to make the world more human, in the whole process we will give you all the materials, guide you in techniques and processes, then print your engraving and have an artwork for your home or give it to the people you want. Remember that art in Oaxaca is part of our life, so every piece you create will be part of our collection, because you are now an artist with us.

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 514 reviews

Learn to paint Your own Alebrije

My friend Cesar will drive you in his private vehicle, from the meeting point in the downtown area (CP 6800), to the village of Arrazola. It will take around 30 minutes to get to Armando's gallery where we will have the experience. In Arrazola, you will meet me, my wife Antonia and our son Alejandro at our workshop to show you the entire creation process of our amazing art: from carving the wood; making natural colors out of local fruits, insects and minerals to painting the figures in the traditional design with acrylic paint. Cesar will translate into English if needed. Now the fun part starts. Time to get creative. You will choose a small plain wooden animal figure to paint yourself which could take up to two hours. Brushes and colors will be provided. This will be a lovely souvenir to take home and remember this experience! Besides all this, you can check our gallery for more stunning art! After we finished in Arrazola, Cesar will take you back to the starting point. Instagram & Facebook @youralebrije Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPwyWv4LpAk Other things to note Everyone is welcome, no special talent needed. You want an additional spot? We can arrange something.

5 out of 5 average rating, 43 reviews

Oaxaca walking tour with a local photographer

I invite you to join the photography experience in one of the most beautiful and colorful cities in Mexico; Oaxaca. I will share with you some of my tips as a photographer, We will walk through the main center and local streets of this gorgeous city and create many incredible shots of Oaxaca. You´ll take the best photo of Oaxaca with your own camera. While you take photos, you´ll have the option to practice Spanish. I also speak English and we can have a conversation in the language you feel most comfortable with. We will start the tour at a local coffee shop "El Volador" located in the beautiful and famous "La cruz de Piedra". We can continue the conversation over a delicious cup of coffee or a fresh juice. Our objective will be to have fun while taking photos and at the same time you can learn about photography and practice some Spanish (this is optional). If you are a beginner I will teach you how to use your camera in manual mode or if you are intermediate or advanced I will help you to improve your skills. I will share my favorite spots with you and I guarantee that you will take the best photos of Oaxaca. To improve your skills with the camera it will be necessary to have fun and have a good time in the company of a famous and experienced photographer in the field.

Art and culture activities in Oaxaca

Art and culture activities led by local experts

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