Oaxaca Carnival 2026
A Mixed Media Art Experience with Michael deMeng
During Carnival in Oaxaca, Mexico.
February 10-19, 2026
Carnival in the Central Valley
The town of Zaachila, about 4 miles outside of Oaxaca City, was the main city-state of the valley of Oaxaca after the fall of Monte Alban around 1000 A.D. The archaeological ruins in Zaachila are still being excavated. Zaachila has a rich Zapotec cultural heritage that thrives to this day. Zaachila Zapotec is still the primary language spoken in the town of Zaachila. The Dia de la Plaza (open market) on every Thursday in Zaachila has been drawing customers from all over Oaxaca valley since pre-Hispanic times. The Zancudos (stilt dancers) of Zaachila perform for special occasions and cultural events, including Carnival, which is an especially vibrant celebration in the villages outside of the city center. We’ll be spending the day of Carnival, February 17, in Zaachila this year. Carnival celebrations include parades, bands, costumes, and a satirical wedding and there are Carnaval festivities to be enjoyed throughout the central valley villages during this time. We will not only enjoy the festivities but also allow them to influence creations in the studio.
Oaxaca, a UNESCO world heritage site, is a vibrant, welcoming, historical and culturally rich city in southern Mexico. Oaxaca has become a world class destination. Pick up any travel magazine and they will have lists of the 10 best things to do in Oaxaca…from eating unique regional cuisine and mezcal tastings to the ancient archaeological sites and lovely artisan villages. It is home to some of the finest artists in the world and abounds with ceramics, textiles, tin art, woodcarvings, jewelry, and so much more. There is also a prolific contemporary art scene with many murals, printmaking studios, photography and modern art galleries to enjoy. The vibrant atmosphere, fabulous food, and friendly people make Oaxaca an amazing place to visit. We’ll spend several days exploring this culturally rich, architecturally beautiful city, visiting traditional and contemporary artist’s studios, taking street art and mural tours, partaking in the Carnaval festivities, enjoying the out-of-this world cuisine and making our own Oaxaca inspired mixed media master pieces to take home.
The Workshop – Fandango Fantastico:
Puppet Creatures Inspired by Oaxacan Carnival
I think it’s about time for a weird little fiesta! In this wall-hanging workshop of wildness, we’ll be channeling the beautifully bizarre energy of Oaxacan Carnival—those costumed characters you see dancing through the streets—and shrinking it down just enough to fit on your wall without scaring the neighbors too much.
Each piece clocks in around 14–16 inches tall, with a flowing painted fabric body and a noggin that’s part clay, part found-object fever dream. These aren’t just decorations—they’re puppet-sized protectors, grumpy growling party guests, and maybe one or two trickster deities.
You’ll start with some humble scraps, a piece of canvas, and a few gloriously weird bits from your stash. Then we’ll coax these creatures into being with clay, paint, a dash of trickery, and a whole lot of imagination.
Just a little chaos, a lot of charm, and a creature that looks like it stumbled out of a dream and got lost in a mercado.
Let the Fandango begin!
Itinerary
Feb 10 (Tuesday) – Arrival day. Everyone’s flights arrive at different times, so we have no definitive plans. When you get in, either relax from your travels or start exploring the city. In the evening, we’ll take those that have arrived for a walk down to the Zocalo and grab a bite to eat.
Feb 11 (Wednesday) – Breakfast at the hotel. Today we’ll enjoy a walking tour of el centro (aka downtown Oaxaca). We’ll see beautiful cathedrals and colorful colonial architecture, visit fantastic galleries and the wonderful San Pablo Cultural Center, formerly a 16th century Dominican monastery. Lunch together on the Zocalo. Welcome dinner at one of Oaxaca’s delicious restaurants.
Feb 12 (Thursday) – Breakfast at the hotel. Class begins at 10:00 AM. Break for lunch at your leisure. Return to the workshop. At 4:30pm Mija will take folks to the large, indoor Benito Juarez market, near the Zocalo. From food to flowers to textiles to pottery to mezcal and so much more. It’s a feast for the senses. Rest of the evening free.
Feb 13 (Friday) – Breakfast at the hotel. Class begins at 10:00 AM. Break for lunch at your leisure. Return to the workshop. In the evening, we’ll venture out for the opening parade of Carnival, with music and traditional costumes from surrounding villages. Rest of the evening free.
Feb 14 (Saturday) – Breakfast at the hotel. Today we’ll visit the significant Zapotec archaeological site of Mitla which was still a thriving city and spiritual center when the Spaniards arrived in 1521. We’ll also visit the Oaxaca Oscura gallery and visit with artist and screen printer, Andreas Mendez. After lunch together we’ll visit the cultural center of the Zapotec village, Teotitlan del Valle as well as an artisan who creates elaborate ceremonial candles, unique to the village. After returning to the city, your evening is free.
Feb 15 (Sunday) – Breakfast at the hotel. Class begins at 10:00 AM. Break for lunch at your leisure. Return to the workshop. After class, we’ll head to the amazing Rufino Tamayo museum of pre-hispanic art. A true treasure of Oaxaca. Rest of the evening free.
Feb 16 (Monday) – Breakfast at the hotel. Class begins at 10:00 AM. Break for lunch at your leisure. Return to the workshop. After class, we’ll head to the lovely Xochimilco neighborhood to visit a wonderful creator of traditional tin art. Rest of the evening free.
Feb 17 (Tuesday) – Breakfast at the hotel. Today is Carnival! We’ll celebrate in the Zapotec village of Villa de Zaachila, where we’ll join the parade of the Los Zancudos stilt dancers. Los zancudos translates to “the mosquitos” and their traditional dance originated 100 years ago. After the festivities in Zaachila, we’ll enjoy lunch together and visit the village of Santa Ana Zegache to view their colorfully painted church, masterfully restored thanks to Oaxacan artist Rudolfo Morales. We then head to San Antonino Castillo Velasco, to visit embroidery artisans and learn about their dense floral embroidery designs, unique to their village. After returning to the city, the rest of your evening is free.
Feb 18 (Wednesday) – Breakfast at the hotel. Last full day of the tour. You’re free to further explore and do last minute shopping. Day tours to archaeological sites and artisan villages can be arranged through the travel agent at the hotel. Farewell gathering at Clos gallery.
Feb 19 (Thursday) – Breakfast at the hotel. Fly away home day. Thank you for joining us in wonderful Oaxaca!
- Itinerary is subject to change
- Airfare is not included. When searching for airfares the Oaxaca code is OAX.
- Included: Workshop, hotel for 9 nights, 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners and guided tours.
- Alcoholic beverages are not included
Price
Single $3,995
Shared Double $3,595
(price if sharing room with another person taking the workshop)
Tag along $2,395
(Someone sharing a room with a workshop taker but not taking the workshop. Price includes everything except the workshop.)
Deposit
$750 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot
Remaining balance due December 15, 2025
Cancellation Policy
$750 deposit will be forfeited for cancellation.
No refunds (unless we are able to fill your space) after January 1, 2026.
If the workshop is canceled you will receive a full refund.
Hotel Information
Holiday Inn Centro Historico
Diaz Quintas No. 115
Centro Oaxaca
www.holidayinn.com/Oaxaca
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Check out Rick Steves for recommendations and advice on types of coverage.
www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/trip-planning/travel-insurance
To Enroll
CLICK HERE to go to registration form
Complete and submit the form to reserve your spot. Mija will then contact you regarding payment options. If you have any questions email Mija at mija.matriz@gmail.com