Oaxaca Carnival 2024
A Mixed Media Art Experience with Michael deMeng
During Carnival Celebrations in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Oaxaca, Mexico
Feb 9 thru 18, 2024
Carnival in the Central Valley
The town of San Martín Tilcajete, about 20 miles outside of Oaxaca City, is well known for its vibrant alebrije art (wooden carvings of colorfully painted fantastical creatures) and Carnival festivities, also known as Dance of the Devils. In the lead up to Shrove Tues (aka Fat Tuesday) the town celebrates Carnaval, a tradition rooted in prehispanic Zapotec culture, where revelers run through town in costume, with bodies covered in oil or paint, wearing devilish and otherworldly handmade masks. These festive creatures are called Aceitados, the oiled ones, and are known to cause mischief. Some of the colors used to paint their bodies have meanings. Black represents the underworld; yellow represents the earthly world; and red represents infinity. The colors are prepared with different materials: black is made using a mixture of carbon and oil; the yellow is made with yellow corn, clay and cooking oil; the red is made with brick dust and oil. The 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.
Photos by Sue Urquhart
The Workshop – Altered Egos
The Many Faces of Oaxaca Carnival
What would you do if you woke up one morning and outside your window you see a multitude of crazy beasts and monster running up and down the street? Well, if you live in the Oaxacan village of San Martin Tilcajete the correct answer would be: get dressed and enjoy the fun. This is because it means that it’s Carnival season in Oaxaca. San Martin is a little town renowned for its otherworldly painted woodcarvings of strange creatures, called alebrijes. Every year just prior to Easter this village maintains its fantastical reputation and puts together a parade featuring a wide array costumed and body painted participants. Devils and monsters rule the street on this day…. this is definitely where the wild things are.
Costumes and masks have a strange ability of transforming a person into an alternate ego…at least temporarily. I thought it would be fun to take this idea into the sculptural realm and create characters that literally could transform form one character or personality to another. A devil one moment, and then, after a quick head swap… it’s a jaguar…or a bat…or a chupacabra. Using the process of sculpture, assemblage, and painting, let’s explore some alternative identities. This class will literally make your head spin. Badumpah!
Itinerary
Feb 9 (Friday). – Arrival day in Oaxaca. It takes all day for the various flights to arrive so we don’t have any big plans. Just get there and start enjoying the city after a long journey. You can enjoy a walk to the Zocalo (main square) to see what’s happening and partake in the delicious local cuisine.
Feb 10 (Saturday) – Breakfast. Today we’ll enjoy a walking tour of the city center where we’ll view stunning cathedrals and colonial architecture, visit the zocalo (the bustling city center park), a local printmaking collective and the renowned Rufino Tumayo cultural museum. Lunch with the group. Welcome dinner at 7pm.
Feb 11 (Sunday) – Breakfast. One of the best and largest village markets in the Central Valley takes place today in Tlacolula de Matamoros. You’ll find everything from artisan treasures to delicious food. We’ll also visit a lovely 16th century church next to the market. Lunch with the group and then we’ll head to the world famous weaving village of Teotitlan del Valle to visit a family of weavers. Evening free.
Feb 12 (Monday) – Breakfast. Class begins at 10:00 AM. Break for lunch at your leisure. Return to the workshop. After class we’ll head to the huge indoor Benito Juarez market. Rest of evening free.
Feb 13 (Tuesday) – Breakfast. Today we’re off to San Martin Tilcajete and neighboring villages to enjoy the wild rumpus of Carnaval celebrations including music, parades, dances and general merriment. Feel free to costume up for the festivities. Lunch with the group. Evening free.
Feb 14 (Wednesday) – Breakfast. Class begins at 10:00 AM. Break for lunch at your leisure. Return to the workshop. After class we’ll head down to the zocalo to enjoy live music and watch sweethearts and families dance. Everyone is welcome to join in. Rest of evening is free.
Feb 15 (Thursday) – Breakfast. Class begins at 10:00 AM. Break for lunch at your leisure. Return to the workshop. After class we’ll head to the Xochimilco barrio to view their fantastic collection of murals. Rest of evening is free.
Feb 16 (Friday) – Breakfast. Last class begins at 10:00 AM. Break for lunch at your leisure. Return to the workshop. End of workshop gathering and critique. Evening free.
Feb 17 (Saturday) – Breakfast. Free day. Tours to archeological sites, artisan villages or other outings can be arranged. Also a great time to get your final shopping in. Farewell dinner at 7pm.
Feb 18 (Sunday) – Breakfast. Fly away home.
- Itinerary is subject to change
- Airfare is not included. When searching for airfares the Oaxaca code is OAX.
- Included: Workshop, hotel, 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners and guided tours.
- Alcoholic beverages are not included
Price
Shared Double $3,295
Single $3,695
Deposit
$500 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot
Balance due December 15, 2023
Cancellation Policy
$500 deposit will be forfeited for cancellation.
No refunds (unless we are able to fill your space) after Dec. 15, 2023.
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
Complete and submit the form below to reserve your spot. Mija will then contact you regarding deposit and payment options. If you have any questions email Mija at mija.matriz@gmail.com