If you like to enjoy your free time, we invite you to participate in the diverse workshops that we offer. The schedules are flexible. THE FOLLOWING WORKSHOPS ARE ADDITIONAL WITH NO COST IN ALL THE PROGRAMS.

Corn tortillas included in a week of classes

For this workshop we visit a town only fifteen minutes from Oaxaca city. We go to a nineteenth-century colonial house and in the roomy central court the instructor, an indigenous woman from the mixtec region of Oaxaca , explains the preparation of the corn masa from which tortillas are made. We then visit a molino where the prepared corn is ground. Afterward, we prepare the necessary kitchen implements and... ¡manos a la obra! put our hands to work!. We create our own hot tortillas, quesadillas, and memelas, all made with the corn masa that we have prepared. There is a brief explanation of the kitchen tools needed to prepare the masa and cook the tortillas. Finally, we enjoy a savory meal in the company of other students.

Black mole

During this workshop we visit the largest market in the city so that you may learn about and purchase the ingredients used to prepare this delicious Oaxacan dish! we will visit a town about thirty minutes away from Oaxaca city.
During this workshop our instructor, an indigenous woman, will show us how to prepare mole "pasta," mixing and cooking the previously bought ingredients. Finally, we enjoy a rich meal accompanied by a traditional portion of rice, which is never missing with a serving of mole.

This workshop takes about three hours due to the length of time spent cooking the mole sauce, but it is well worth the time spent!

Learn to dance salsa, cumbia, and meringue

If you like to dance, this is a great extracurricular activity for you! In this workshop your instructor will teach you about some of the different rhythms of latin american dance music and show you some dance steps. Later, in the city, you can visit some of the many places with live music and practice what you learned. It will be a fabulous experience!

Weaving

In this workshop an indigenous woman will share her knowledge of weaving with us. Learn about the processes involved in weaving a colorful and complicated garment on a loom designed and still used by many indigenous people in the Oaxacan region.

Ceramics included in weekly classes

In this workshop we visit a nearby town where a majority of the inhabitants manufacture and sell ceramics. Here we will visit the home of an indigenous artisan.

Hoja de totomoxtle (CORN HUSKS)

In this workshop students learn how to weave corn husks and craft varied figures such as flowers, angels, and human figures. These figures form part of the artwork displayed during one of the most important Oaxacan fiestas: "The Night of the Radishes" (which takes place toward the end of December). These corn husk figurines have been internationally acclaimed. An indigenous person will also direct this workshop.

Cooking

In this workshop we will learn about many of the diverse dishes of Mexican and especially Oaxacan cuisine. First, we visit the largest market in the city so that students experience shopping in a typical Mexican market. Then, we take our purchases to a place where we will receive cooking instruction, and finally, we will enjoy one or more of the rich dishes that we will prepare.