Join us for a unique cultural tradition that celebrates one of the heroes of the Christmas season: baby Jesus. Many devotees praise the importance of Jesus in his representation as an infant during this time of year. Families take dolls made in his image from their Nativity scenes or home altars, dress them in intricate, locally-made ensembles, and bring them to church on December 31 to take part in a community blessing. The day-long celebration involves a community parade of church-goers with the town´s figure and dancing with Christmas pine branches. The party is colorful and joyous - a really fun regional tradition to witness as you deepen your understanding of Oaxacan culture in mezcal country!

Only 4 spots left! Write to us here to reserve yours.

Includes:

• Personalized guide and translation (Spanish/English)

• Comfortable transportation round trip from Oaxaca City (1 hour each way)

• Tour of 2 mezcal palenques producing clay pot distilled mezcal, 1 traditional and 1 artisanal. Tour of an agave nursery and artisanal palenque, which produces small batch clay pot distilled mezcal where we learn about the mezcal production process from seed to bottle. The palenque is owned and operated by family that has been making mezcal for 4 generations and currently produces mezcal for national and international sale committing to sustainable agriculture and giving back to the community

• Break at noon to follow the town parade celebrating El Niño Jesús

• Visit to a second palenque in the home of a traditional mezcal producer working with his sons to make micro batches of Minero mezcal for personal consumption and local sale

• Tasting of mezcal made on site at each palenque

• A chance to purchase mezcal directly from the producers (price not included), our help packing it for travel

• Lunch at Ocotlán market of regional dishes

• Drinking water and light snacks

• Donation to community library