Mexico'S Day Of The Dead In Oaxaca National Geographic Journ

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.El Día de los Muertos is a holiday in Mexico to honour and pray for loved ones who’ve departed. During this period in Oaxaca – centre-stage for Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico – cemetery vigils and street parades are not to be missed. Accommodation: - Hotel Victoria Oaxaca (or similar). Transport: - Private Vehicle Included Activities: - Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting Additional Notes: Please try to arrive before 6pm for an important group meeting. You will meet your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and the other group members. This is a very popular tour which runs over 1 specific week every year, as a result, we have multiple groups at the same time enjoying the Journeys itinerary but each with their own CEO leading them. There may be other Journeys groups in the same hotel and you will be sure to see them at the various festivities over the week. We use various different hotels in Oaxaca over this week, the one listed is just an example. Closer to time of departure you will receive a notification confirming which hotel you will be staying at for the duration of the trip.

Take an orientation walk through Oaxaca, known for its colourful crafts, unique cuisine, and vibrant Day of the Dead celebrations. During our walk, we’ll visit two bustling markets selling local foods, ornaments, and many Day of the Dead essentials. Over the course of the week, immerse yourself in the festival’s theatrical parades, watching people dressed in elaborate costumes march to the tune of brass bands; and observe local families gathering at candle-lit altars and graves on visits to the city’s cemeteries.Take an orientation walk around Oaxaca with your CEO. Visit two massive markets located just off the “zócalo” (main square), here you'll find many local foods, ornaments, and Day of the Dead essentials for local families. This tour includes visits to cemeteries in both Xoxocotlan and Atzompa to view the altars and families gathering as dusk turns to dark. The many candles placed around the altars and graves add to the ambiance. In addition, you'll view Day of the Dead parades in both Oaxaca and the Etla Valley. Participants in these parades dress in elaborate costumes and are serenaded by brass bands. Mezcal, served in small plastic cups, is frequently passed out to those watching the parades. Day of the Dead takes place between October 31 and November 2 and is a celebration and remembrance of the deceased. Families will build private altars and bring large feasts to cemeteries, to be with the souls of the departed. It is believed that the souls will come back to visit and take part in the celebrations. Some of the “ofrendas” (altars) are very elaborate and include sugar skulls and marigold flowers. In most regions, the souls of infants and children are honoured on November 1. Adults are remembered on November 2. It is generally a festive rather than somber gathering. The Oaxaca area is well known for its many artisans who make everything from pottery, to elaborate weavings, and mezcal (tequila's cousin). The group can also take an optional visit to a couple of the the nearby communities to see the artisans at work. Accommodation: - Hotel Victoria Oaxaca (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast Included Activities: - Oaxaca Day of the Dead Celebrations - Orientation Walk Additional Notes: The schedule for this tour is very flexible. It allows the CEO to make the best use of your time and is based on the events and activities of the day. The CEO will go over the schedule with you.

Set out to explore the culinary delights of Oaxaca with a local host. Learn how chocolate is produced at a grinding mill, and flip your own tortillas at a tortilla-making workshop. Continue to a local family's kitchen to taste an array of delicious Oaxacan dishes and chat with your hosts about traditional cooking methods and Oaxacan food culture. You’ll also have free time to explore the city and its surroundings. Accommodation: - Hotel Victoria Oaxaca (or similar). Meals Included: - Breakfast - Lunch Included Activities: - Oaxaca Day of the Dead Celebrations - Oaxaca Culinary Experience Additional Notes: The schedule of this tour is very flexible allowing for the CEO to make the most of your time. The CEO will go over the schedule with you.