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Tierra del Sol has been drawn more and more to the western Mexican state of Michoacán. We have even been invited to establish a Mexican branch of Tierra del Sol in Pátzcuaro. We are not quite ready to do that but we are interested in having more programs there. Michoacán is a state that offers incredible natural beauty, some of the richest folk art in Mexico, fascinating indigenous cultures, and a distinct and delicious cuisine. All of this has led to prepare three memorable trips to Michoacán for the spring and summer of 2011.
April 16-24, 2011 We start our Michoacán adventures with Holy Week, a moving celebration throughout Mexico. For us it will begin in Uruapan, Michoacán’s city of eternal spring. We will begin the elegant bed-and-breakfast, Mi Solar. Here we will be just two blocks from the main square and the Domingo de Ramos, the Palm Sunday exhibit and sale of folk art—the largest in Mexico. In Uruapan we will also have the opportunity to visit the National Park “Eduardo Ruiz”—an absolute wonderful of water, fountains, and flowers. After three nights in Uruapan, the avocdo capital of the world, we move on to nearby Pátzcuaro, where we will check into the Mansión Iturbe, one of Mexico’s finest bed-and-breakfasts, located in a lovingly restored seventeenth century building on the main square. From here we will be able to witness all the pageantry of the Holy Week celebrations and be well-situated to travel to other Semana Santa events around Lake Pátzcuaro Tentative intinerary April 16 – Arrival in Uruapan; orientation and welcome reception at Mi Solar April 17 – Visit to huge Domingo de Ramos folk art demonstration and sale all over downtown Uruapan. Dinner at Mansión Cupatitzio. April 18 – More folk art visits; tour of National Park; dinner at Mansión Cupatitzio. April 19 – Travel to Pátzcuaro and check into the Mansión Iturbe; walking tour of Pátzcuaro; dinner at Doña Paca. April 20 – Visit several sites around Lake Pázcuaro; visit famed painter-sculptor Juan Torres in Capula; lunch at El Tigre. April 21- Visit archeological sites at Ihuatzio and Tzintzuntzan; typical lunch with Doña Inéz in Santa Fe de la Laguna. April 22 – Witness the enormous procession through Pátzcuaro; dinner at Viejo Gaucho. April 23 – Sábado de Gloria events after Holy Friday; farewell dinner (despedida) at Priscilla’s. April 24 – Departure May 1-May 7, 2011 An incredible celebration in Pátzcuaro, little known to outsiders, is the annual celebration of the “true cross.” This involves a relic believed to left by Michaocán’s beloved sixteenth century bishop, Vasco de Quiroga. “Tata Vasco’s” images and influence are all over Michoacán even today. In the syncretic traditions of indigenous Mexico, this celebration is marked by colorful processions, dances, and much traditional music. We will be there for all of that and will also have time to visit many artisans in the villages around Lake Pátzcuaro. We will again be based at the Mansión Iturbe right on the Plaza Vasco de Quiroga in Pátzcuaro. Tentative intinerary: Sunday, May 1 – Arrival; orientation and reception at the Mansión Iturbe. Monday, May 2 – Walking tour of Pátzcuaro, lunch at Primer Piso Tuesday, May 3 – Day of the Santa Cruz; processions throughout the city; dinner at Doña Paca Wednesday, May 4 – visits around Lake Pátzcuaro; lunch with Doña Inéz in Santa Fe de la Laguna Thursday, May 5 – Visit Uruapan; Fábrica San Pedro; National Park; lunch at Mansión Cupatitzio. Friday, May 6 – All day in Pátzcuaro; farewell dinner (despedida) at Viejo Gaucho. Saturday, May 7 – DepartureJune 18-25, 2011 Corpus Christi Day is widely celebrated in much of the Christian world, but the celebration in Michoacán is truly unique. Tierra del Sol has visited this celebration the last two years and find it increasingly more exciting. Tied to the Christian tradition of the establishment of the Eucharist, in Michoacán it has become an indigenous welcome of the planting season. We will travel into the Purépecha highlands of Michoacán to see the authentic expression of this event. We will also visit many communities around Lake Pátzcuaro to witness, and sometimes participate in these remarkable celebrations. We will be based in the Mansión Iturbe in Pátzcuaro, one of Mexico’s most beautiful lodgings. Tentative itinerary: Saturday, June 18 – arrival; orientation and welcome reception at the Mansión Iturbe in Pátzcuaro. Sunday, June 19 – walking tour of Pátzcuaro; dinner at Primer Piso Monday, June 29 – Visit Uruapan; Fábrica San Pedro; National Park; lunch at Mansión Cupatitzio. Tuesday, June 21- More tour of Pátzcuaro, including visits with artists and artisans; dinner at Doña Paca. Wednesday, June 22 – Travel to Cheran in the Purépecha highlands for special celebration of Corpus Christi Day; Box lunch from Mansión Iturbe. Thursday, June 23 – Travel to Tzintsuntzan on Lake Pátzcuaro for unique celebration of Corpus Christi Day; visit Capula; lunch at El Tigre. Friday, June 24 – Corpus Christi Day in Santa Fe de la Laguna, unique and very special meal with Doña Inéz. Saturday, June 25 – Departure
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Program Cost (back to top) Cost of the Michoacán programs is as follows: Semana Santa, $2075 (single supplement, $400); True Cross, $1695 (single supplement, $300); Corpus Christi Day (single supplement, $350). Price based on double occupancy room at the Mi Solar or the Mansión Iturbe for the length of the program; breakfast and one major meal daily; all excursions with entry fees paid, and guide service as needed. Price does not include airfare from the United States and return and travel from the airport and return from Uruapan or Pátzcuaro. Space in all programs in Michoacán are very limited. A non-refundable deposit of $200 will hold your place in any program and full payment is due six weeks before departure. 405
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