You are invited to join us for an exciting journey to the birthplace of the Toltecs in Oaxaca, Mexico as they prepare for its most celebrated time of the year, Día De Los Muertos. This journey is filled with adventure and once in a lifetime moment. From wandering the streets and stores spilling with art, color, passion and sounds to climbing the steps to the sacred sites and pyramids of Monte Alban and Mitla to experience initiations, ceremonies, and a vortex of transformation. We’ll rest at the roots of the Tule Tree and drink in its wisdom, wander the streets, churches & art galleries of Oaxaca City, and be inspired by the magic of weavers in Teotitlan del Valle. You’ll experience some of the most unique art forms in the world while honoring your ancestors.
We’ll be staying at Casa de Las Bugambilias – one of the highest rated and most beautiful bed and Breakfast locations in Oaxaca, and we’ll feast on the sights, sounds, tastes, and experiences of this cradle of creativity in Mexico. We’re so deeply honored to be working with a family who’ll be teaching us how to build a Día De Los Muertos altar, and we’ll build an altar of our own to guide and invite the spirits of our ancestral loved ones to dance with us. This is a rich and very meaningful ritual. Favorite culinary dishes and the most treasured items of the ancestors are placed at the altar for the souls to enjoy during their return visit. You are invited to bring a photo or a small treasure that belonged to your loved ones.
A little more about what you’ll experience:
Casa de Las Bugambilias
Voted one of the top B&Bs in the historical district of Oaxaca, you’ll relax and revive in luxurious rooms filled with the vibrant colors and fabrics reflecting the heart and soul of Mexico. Wake each morning to a decadent, delicious and healthy breakfast prepared with loving care while wandering out into the courtyard. The Cabrera’s are a family who share their home and their traditions generously, providing visitors with a unique vision of the culture of Mexico through its art and food
Temescal & Healing Massage with an Indigenous Healer
The Temescal bath purifies your mind, body, and spirit in an extraordinary garden setting. Ancient ceremonies combine a cleansing sweat bath with herbs and flowers. Music and a soothing massage will renew and energize you. Experience the traditional indigenous culture in an extraordinary manner.
The Tule Tree
Sit quietly for a guided meditation, then drink in the wisdom from one of the largest trees in the world, the Tule Tree. Dream into the heart of this Arbol del Tule, Mexico's most famous tree, and some say the world's largest single biomass. The Tule tree and its environs comprise a unique natural monument and must-see experience, where we will share ancient mystery teachings around the Tree of Life.
Teotitlan del Valle
Walk the streets of Teotitlan and step into the creative energy of an ancient weaver’s village. Teotitlan del Valle is known for its textiles, especially rugs, which are woven on hand looms, from wool obtained from local sheep and dyed mainly with local natural dyes. The name Teotitlán comes from Nahuatl and means "land of the gods.” The original Zapotec name of the village was Xaquija, which means “celestial constellation.” According to research done by Manuel Martínez Gracida, there was a large stone split in half with the name of "the Stone of the Sun." It was the first idol of the Zapotecs here. It was believed that a god came from the heavens in the form of a bird, accompanied by a constellation of stars, to find the temple here. In this colorful village, be inspired by traditional artists of life and great dream weavers.
Monte Alban
Discover the pyramids of Oaxaca in Monte Alban, located on a vast mountaintop expanse with spectacular 360-degree views of Oaxaca Valley. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the pre-Columbian archaeological site is one of Mesoamerica’s earliest cities, founded around 500 B.C., and is considered the most magnificent of the region’s ancient ruins. On this day-long adventure we’ll be exploring the sacred sites and engaging in powerful healing rituals. Much like the pyramids of Teotihuacan, Monte Alban holds a similar vibrational energy of transformation.
Mitla
Mitla is the second-most important archeological site in the state of Oaxaca. While Monte Albán was most important as the political center, Mitla was the main religious center. The name Mitla is derived from the Nahuatl name Mictlán, which was the place of the dead or underworld. Its Zapotec name is Lyobaa, which means “place of rest.” At this holy site we’ll travel into the underworld and surrender all that no longer serves our path, requesting the earth receive and transform the energies we release. We’ll plant new seeds in our hearts, recognizing the underworld as the womb of origin and rebirth, out of which we cultivate the growth and resurrection of our hearts and dreams into new life.
Dinner at Los Pacos
Oaxaca is known for its moles. The most famous is mole negro, the black mole—a thick, rich mixture of ground chiles, nuts, chocolate, and other ingredients. Enjoy the experience of sampling seven types of moles at Los Pacos and choosing a dish from your favorite. A delightful and delicious Oaxacan dining experience.
The Magic Tour
We’ll visit the Marigold Fields that have been planted with the intent to light the pathway from heaven to earth for the ancestors to travel. Then we’ll visit the Alebrije Village where we’ll witness and hear the stories of colorful hand-carved wooden creatures representing spirit guides and learn what the native culture believes about them. These creatures are carved and painted with devotion by the families who have carried these traditions for generations. We’ll wrap up the tour with a visit to the village known for its black pottery and learn about the richness of this tradition and its meaning for the people of the earth.
Cost
Reserve your spot with a $900 deposit* before February 2023.
Early Bird Pricing
$3299.00
until April 1, 2023
Full Price
$3499.00
after April 1, 2023
*$900 deposit is non-refundable
Payment options:
PAYPAL: freedomfolkandsoul@gmail.com
An additional 3% service charge will be added to this payment option ($99 for early bird, $105 for full price. Please type “Oaxaca” in the description.
ZELLE: freedomfolkandsoul@gmail.com ( there is no additional charge)
CHECK: Please send a check made out to Freedom Folk and Soul to:
Freedom Folk and Soul
1213 Fernbank
Madison, TN 37115
The cost of this journey includes:
Shared room accommodations for 7 nights at Casa de las Bugambilias
Two meals a day (breakfast and one other)
Teachings, Temescal & massage
Excursions and entry fees to Monte Alban, Mitla, Tule Tree, Teotitlan del Valle, and the Magic Tour
Ceremonies and ritual experiences
Día De Los Muertos altar experience
Ground transportation for airport and tours
Gratuities.
Not included: Airfare, additional meals, personal expenses. We recommend you purchase travel insurance www.travelguard.com. Space is very limited.
*Your $900 non-refundable deposit will hold your space. FINAL PAYMENT DUE BY JULY 15TH .
