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Altars and Offerings

The Day of the Dead in Tepoztlán

October 27 - November 3

Space Limited: Register now for 2011

Altar with
candles, food, crucifix and photograph Our most popular workshop by far, this weeklong culinary and cultural immersion puts you in the heart of one of Mexico's most beautiful villages for an unforgettable experience that culminates with the Day of the Dead. This year we celebrate the addition of Mexican cuisine to UNESCO's prestigious list of the world's intangible cultural heritage.

Officially observed on November 1st and 2nd, the Day of the Dead is at once an homage to the presence of the dead among the living and a colorful tribute to Mexico's dual Spanish-Indian heritage. Participants in Cocinar's Day of the Dead will experience this festival in an exclusive array of hands-on sessions and meals that showcase the talents of village women and the country's most sophisticated chefs.

Fernández altar with photographs, candy
photo: Diane Goldstein
With art historian Janet Dawson in residence throughout, this workshop includes a museum trip to the artistic jewels of nearby Cuernavaca, our classic Margaritas 101 session at the Posada del Tepozteco, and a day trip to the pottery village of Tlayacapan, justly famous for its altars. En route back to Mexico City for a final celebratory night, we will visit the famous cemetery of Ocotepec, where mariachi bands serenade the dead and the living in a blaze of flower bedecked tombs.

Accommodation for the first six nights is in a luxury hotel in Tepoztlán. Your final evening in Mexico City is spent at La Casona, a charming, elegant boutique hotel in trendy Condesa. A gala dinner at one of Mexico City's leading restaurants caps our time together.

Participants fly into Mexico City, from where they will be conveyed by private van to Tepoztlán.

Altar with candles, food, crucifix and photograph

The all-inclusive price for this workshop is $2895, excluding airfare and gratuities, based on double occupancy.