Deep Inside the Desert an immersive trip to a remote and legendary region. Real de Catorce, a ghost mining town where the Spanish empire produced the silver REAL, the official coin that traveled from Europe to the Philippines.
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Deep Inside the Desert
WIRIKUTA, the sacred land where it all started for the Wirarika or Huichol Indians. We will learn all about the desertic environment and the challenges they are facing to protect it. We will enjoy and learn from local chefs and products. Ride early in the morning to the sacred mountan El Quemado. Days of quiet contemplation of this powerful magical land.
Check in the emblematic Mesón de la Abundancia, a welcome dinner at the Centro Cultural Real de Catorce and early rest. Early in the morning after a light breakfast we jump on the famous 4X4 Willis down to Wirikuta desert, the sacred land of the Wirarika culture aka Huichol Indians, the guardians of Hikuri or Peyote, to visit El Venado Azul, an organization led by a Marakame or Holy Man that has set to preserve the endangered magical cactus. In other words, we are going straight to the source with the man to learn about this sacred plant and spend a day and a night in the desert.
Día de Muertos
Ceremony
Real de Catorce will be gearing up for an extraordinary and culturally rich celebration of the Day of the Dead. If you choose to visit during the week of October 30th, you'll be in for a truly immersive experience that encapsulates the essence of this cherished tradition. The festivities in Real de Catorce are nothing short of spectacular, offering a unique blend of tradition and innovation.
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The town's cobbled streets come alive with vibrant altars adorned with marigolds, candles, and cherished mementos, paying homage to departed loved ones. You'll witness a mesmerizing parade of "catrinas" and "catrines," elaborately dressed skeletons that symbolize the duality of life and death. The creativity and craftsmanship put into these costumes are a testament to the town's dedication to preserving this ancestral celebration.
Real de Catorce's Day of the Dead program also boasts a rich cultural tapestry. The air is filled with the haunting melodies of ancient and baroque music, while the charming plazas resonate with the soulful tunes of Jazz bands. Local artisans showcase their talents in a captivating altar competition, adding an extra layer of artistic beauty to the town's already captivating landscape. Throughout this week, you'll find yourself immersed in a sensory experience like no other, as the aroma of traditional Mexican cuisine wafts through the streets, tempting your taste buds with delicious offerings like pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and sugar skulls.
In Real de Catorce, the Day of the Dead is not just a celebration; it's a profound and heartfelt tribute to the past, a celebration of life's impermanence, and a vibrant showcase of Mexican culture. So, if you choose to be there during the week of October 30th, prepare to be transported into a world where tradition, art, and spirituality converge in a way that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and soul. It's an opportunity to connect with the rich tapestry of Mexican heritage and to celebrate the enduring bond between the living and the departed.
