Alebrijes Workshop (trip)
Alebrijes Workshop
- Merida, Yucatan
- Learning
| from $2,100* per person | 7 Days | January, March, July, October |
| Boutique accommodations | Exertion level: 1 | |
| Operator: MexicaChica Getaways | 12 people max | |
In the early part of the twentieth century, there was an artisan named Pedro Linares who dedicated his time to the production of popular papier mache figures. He lived in Mexico City and earned his living selling these figures in El Mercado de Sonora. People would buy his Judases, devils and skeletons to celebrate the Day of the Dead and for the festivities leading up to Easter. The figures that served as decorations on one occasion might be burned during the revelry of Carnaval later in the spring. In an effort to help out, his family too learned the craft and joined in the production.
One day, Don Pedro became seriously ill and fell into a state of unconsciousness. He languished for months and, with doctors unable to cure him, was given up for dead. Still, his family cared for him as he struggled between life and death until one day he suddenly awoke, surprising everyone with his recovery. He described his visions during his long dreamy sleep, of seeing the things around him come to life as he walked through the country where the plants, rocks and trees changed shape, little by little, to become fantastic multicolored creatures. At first these animals were terrifying but, over time, they became his friends and would shout, “Alebrijes… alebrijes…,” in the hope of getting his attention. They were a voice he never forgot. Upon wakening, he told how they had promised to help him make a speedy recovery from his terrible illness.
So that everyone could see what they looked like, Don Pedro Linares began to make papier maché creatures just like the ones that had kept him company and helped him awaken from his long sleep. Today, hundreds of ‘alebrijes de Linares’ are found in very important collections whose pieces are considered to be part of the Cultural Patrimony of Mexico.
Our workshop will make it possible to create your own alebrije, using materials that are easy to work with and giving your creativity free rein.
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Locations visited/nearby
yucatan penisula , riviera maya , chichen itza, Mexico, North America
0 testimonials about this trip.
3 testimonials about the provider, MexicaChica Getaways:
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Reviewer: Yury P.
located in
Honolulu,
Hawaii
US
Chef Brent was brilliant! I learned so much and had the most fantastic time preparing and eating amazing food during my culinary tour with MexicaChica. I am a foodie at heart and pride myself on my cooking but the recipes I learned to prepare in beautiful Merida were something else. I cant wait to share with my friends back home!
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Reviewer: Brandy
located in
Calgary ,AB
I learned a lot about different dishes from around Mexico, how the food selection varies with each state. I was given MANY little hints that only an experienced chef could know and easily share. Brent's passion and enthusiasm was passed on to all who were present, showing us all that fabulous food is attainable in every kitchen. Thank you MexicaChica for making this possible through your Cooking Class with Chef Brent.
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Reviewer: Anna,G
located in
Vancouver, BC
The culinary tour with MexicaChica was fantastic. Fun and casual but well structured. I love to cook and I can't wait to try some of the dishes on my own at home.
Itinerary
1- Welcome!
MexicaChica Getaways takes you to Merida, Yucatan, also known as The White City. From ancient Maya temples to charming haciendas full of history, we celebrate the diversity that this region has to offer. This is a state rich in natural wonders and exciting adventures.
Join MexicaChica Getaways for a 7 day, 6 night trip that embraces the exuberant tapestry of Mexico. You will be met at the airport by a private transfer and will be taken directly to a five star boutique hotel known for its impeccable service, beautiful courtyard and famous gift shop and bakery. This will serve as our home base for the week as we delve into our creative activities and explorations of the area.
Once at the hotel, we will be greeted with welcome cocktails and appetizers followed by a brief orientation with Claudette. You will have time to explore before and after our delicious dinner in a beautiful Merida restaurant. Our timely arrival could not be better orchestrated since that night we will play witness to one big authentic Mexican fiesta with live music, food and local crafts. Take the time to explore the city by night on one of the charming horse drawn carriages found only steps away from our hotel.
Meals- Welcome appetizers and Dinner
Day 2 Haciendas, Cenotes and Mayans...Oh my!
Today we will explore the sites of one of the only working haciendas left today. During the booming henequen or sisal era of the late 1800's many haciendas were built to process what came to be known as green gold. After synthetic fibers were introduced in the early 1900's, the entire industry collapsed and many haciendas were eventually abandoned. Today many of these serve as museums, tourist stops or luxury hotels.
We will learn about this fascinating time in history as we walk through the awe inspiring grounds of the main plantation home, machine house and gardens. Our visit includes a look into an authentic Maya home where you will meet Don Antonio, the resident of the Mayan house and the senior member of the local Mayan community.
No visit to an hacienda is complete without a dip in the crystal clear waters of a cenote. These are sinkhole formations unique to this part of the world. Our trip here is concluded with a tasty lunch of typical Yucatecan dishes under a palm thatched roof called palapa.
Back in the city we will have an evening introduction of our art classes with Melva Medina as well as a light dinner in the studio. There will be an informative presentation about alebrijes´ history and origins. A presentation of materials that will be used and exploration of ideas using sketches and actual work on the assemblages that will become finished pieces.
Meals- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 3-Lets Create!
Today we focus on our alebrijes class with our instructors Melva and Abel. Our full day in the studio will be centered around building the base or framework for the main body and shaping any extra pieces to our masterpiece.
You will have the balance of the day free to enjoy the area. We will provide plenty of thoughtful suggestions for the evening including great restaurants for dinner, dancing with the locals at charming parks or just a pleasant walk to see the beautiful architecture of the city.
Meals- Breakfast and Lunch
Day 4-Painting, Art and Hacienda
Our morning class will utilized for finishing our last stages of the paper mache work. At this point the real fun begins. We start painting!
The class is ended with a wonderful lunch in the studio before we head off in search of inspiration. Merida is known for its many museums, art galleries and cultural events. Today we will be visiting the museum of popular art known for its impressive collections of modern art featuring work from artists all over the world.
No Merida visit is complete without a meal in an hacienda. We will be travelling through time as we explore the beautiful grounds of Xcanatun. This hacienda has been wonderfully restored to its original splendor and now serves as a 5 star hotel and restaurant.
Meals- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5- Create, Create and Create some more
Our painting continues on our masterpieces throughout the morning before a welcomed break is taken for lunch and explorations of the city on your own. Helpful suggestions will be made for ideal eating dives and easy must-see spots.
Upon our return to the studio we will be making our last minute touches on our alebrijes. We will dine together on a delicious dinner served in the studio this evening.
Meals-Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6-Morning class, City Bus Tour and Farewell Dinner Party
This day´s morning class will be our time to commence packing preparations for our pieces. Take the afternoon off for a long lunch in any one of the city´s famous cafes and explore some more or opt for a relaxing and refreshing dip in the hotel pool.
Our group reunites to embark on a city wide tour on a charming colorful open bus known as the gua gua. The gua gua will take us on a delightful tour of the city´s most important avenues where we will be able to appreciate the finest examples of French, Spanish and Moorish architecture this colonial city is famous for.
Our evening festivities will commence upon our return to the Nahualli studio where a memorable and delicious dinner party has been planned. This will be a time to share our learned experiences and toast to our most recent accomplishements. Live acoustic music of traditional Yucatecan trova will add a magical touch on this evening of celebration.
Meals- Breakfast, Lunch and a very special Dinner
Day 7-Adios!
The time has come to say goodbye. You will be provided private transporation to the Merida airport. Adios!
Meals- Breakfast
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