For many years we have known that the western
Mexican state of Michoacán, the “soul of Mexico,” is
one of the richest states for the production of folk arts and crafts. The
traditions of pottery, textiles, lacquers, copper, leather, guitars,
and other items are unsurpassed anywhere in the Republic. In
June 2009, photographer Denis Defibaugh and I went into the area
of Lake Pátzcuaro and the western highlands to seek out
the celebration of “Corpus Christi Day” among the
Purépecha, or Tarascan, people, the primary indigenous group
in Michoacán. We had an incredible experience, which
we are currently documenting in book form, along with some other
festivals we have visited recently.
However,
we cannot wait to share this experience with our friends. We
think this will be one the most exciting programs we have ever
developed.
Sunday,
May 30 – Arrive in Pátzcuaro at the Mansión
Iturbe, a lovely bed-and breakfast in a 17th century
building, right on the main square. Depending on arrival
time, we may have an orientation and discussion of people
and culture of Lake Pátzcuaro and the surrounding
area. Our guide and resident expert throughout the week will
be Miguelangel Núñez, an anthropologist who
has lived in Erongarícuaro on the Lake for the last
30 years.
Monday,
May 31 – Full breakfast at the hotel every day. Travel
to Santa Clara del Cobre, which has continued the pre-Columbian
tradition of working in copper. We will visit two of the
famous artisans producing copper items, visit the copper
museum, and see a demonstration. After lunch at the
Camino Real hotel in Santa Clara we will return to Pátzcuaro. Evening
free.
Tuesday,
June 1 – Walking tour of the city of Pátzcuaro,
visiting colonial monuments, and experiencing the art and
architecture. We will visit the folk art museum and
the famed Basilica built by Vasco de Quiroga, Michoacán’s
revered 16th century bishop. We will visit the
market and the Franciscan quarter. A highlight of
the day will be a visit to the workshop of Mario Agustín
Gaspar, one of the finest artisans working in corn paste
and lacquers. Lunch or dinner at one of Pátzcuaro’s
excellent restaurants.
Wednesday,
June 2-Trip to Cherán, center of Purépecha
culture in the highlands. Travel on to Ocumicho, where
the clay modeled devils have reached international fame. Visit
the workshops of Zenaida Rafaela and Tomas González. Return
to Cherán to witness the incredible Danza de los Panaleros
as they prepare for the celebration of Corpus Christi. We
will take our lunch from the hotel with us on this day.
Thursday,
June 3 – In the morning drive to nearby Tzintzuntzan,
former Tarascan capital on the Lake, to see preparations
for Corpus Christi Day. Continue on to Capula,
a town famous for glazed, decorated pottery and the Catrina
figures of clay. Visit workshops of Velia and Juan
Torres and of Alvaro de la Cruz. Lunch at El Tigre
on the way back to Tzintsuntzan for the Corpus Christi procession
in the atrium of the 16th century Franciscan monastery.
Friday,
June 4 – We will travel to the west shore of Lake Pátzcuaro,
visiting first the town of Tócuaro with its famous
carvers of ceremonial dance masks. We will travel on
to Uricho and a magnificent 16th century church. After
a visit to a mescal factory at Oponguio, we will have lunch
in Restaurante Uekápiani, with a beautiful view of
the Lake.
Saturday,
June 5 – We travel to Uruapan, the avocado capital
of the world and Michoacán’s city of eternal
spring. First, we go on to San Juan Nuevo Parangaricutiro,
with a remarkable church featuring a 16th century
corn paste crucifix. In Uruapan, we will eat at the
beautiful Mansión Cupatitzio and follow lunch with
a walk through the national park where the Cupatitzio River
originates and which features countless water springs and
subtropical flora and fauna.
Sunday,
June 6 – Visit Santa Fé de la Laguna, where
Vasco de Quiroga established the first mission in the Americas
in 1533. Vist the pottery workshop of Nicolás Fabián
and Maria del Rosario Lucas. Lunch in Quiroga, before return
to Pátzcuaro for our despedida, with music
and refreshments.
Monday,
June 7 – Departure from Pátzcuaro for return
to the United States.
Total
cost of the program is $1675 per person, double occupancy. Single
supplement is $475. Cost includes eight nights double occupancy
accommodations in the Mansión Iturbe in Pátzcuaro;
full breakfast and one other meal daily; and all guided tours
and excursions, including entry charges. Price does not
include airfare from the United States and transportation from
the airport to Pátzcuaro, and return.
Space
in the program is limited. We will take a maximum of 12 people. To
insure your participation, we must have a non-refundable deposit
of $200 per person. Full payment is due one month before departure
and no payments are refundable after April 30, 2010.
Airfare
from and return to the United States is NOT included.
