COSAS Online » Folk Art Tours & Buying Trips

Day of the Dead in Patzcuaro

admin — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:41:33 +0000

Day of the Dead, “Noche de Muertos” is a holiday where it is believed the souls of your departed loved ones rise to the earth during one night. Families sit with their dearly departed through the night; they bring offerings of their favorite food and drink; photographs of memories past and tell stories of what they missed during the past 12 months. The spirituality and beauty of the preparation are just as important as the ritual; and flowers, candles and sugar skulls fill the markets and streets. This is one of the most magical times in one of the most beautiful places in Mexico. You’ll step back in time and experience a celebration filled with all the traditions of the past. And, if that’s not enough, all the artists from the State of Michoacan gather in the Plaza to display and sell their beautiful works. And, one of the most important folk art competitions takes place and opens to the public the day of the night of the cemetery visits.

Guadalajara, Tlaquepaque & Tonala

admin — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 00:10:37 +0000

The area in and around Guadalajara is filled with Artisans in many mediums. We’ll visit some of the most important barro brunido artists; Salvador Vazquez, Angel Santos, Florentino Jimon, Luis Cortez and others. We’ll spend time with the famous Gerardo Ortega and his family and watch as they make their colorful folk art. We’ll visit the Ramirez-Mateos family and have a chance to further understand their soulful work rooted in ancient Aztec beliefs.

You’ll have a chance to stroll through Mexico’s National Ceramics Museum, walk the magnificent streets of Tlaquepaque that are filled with the finest design shops and restaurants. You’ll have an opportunity to wander the Market Day in Tonala where literally thousands of artisans set up their stands. And, you’ll experience the beauty of downtown Guadalajara, it’s gorgeous cathedral, bustling market and great restaurants.

And, we’ll stay near the birthplace of the Mariachi, so music will abound. Fly into Guadalajara.

Guatemala

admin — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 23:09:12 +0000

Come with us to this land of total enchantment. The colors and beauty of Guatemala will stay with you forever. The traditional Mayan culture will touch your soul. We’ll visit the gorgeous colonial city of Antigua, then head off to Panajachel which sits on the beautiful volcano surrounded Lake Atitlan.

We’ll spend time exploring the wonderful villages around the lake. Then go to Chichicastenango to the biggest open air market in all of Central America. Textiles are everywhere, each village with their own designs and colors. You’ll also find great wood carvings and colonial antiques. And, we’ll enjoy some of the local cuisine. Fly into Guatemala City.

Oaxaca and Surrounding Villages

admin — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 23:08:16 +0000

Join us as we experience one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Mexico. Oaxaca is located at the convergence of 2 Sierra Madre ranges and offers dazzling mountain views and spring like weather year around. It is also one of the most important centers for folk art in Mexico and is home to hundreds of textile artisans. We’ll visit many important artists, including the Blanco, Vasquez and Aguilar families. We’ll spend time in the 2 important wood carving villages of Arrazola and San Martin. We’ll watch the famous makers of the black pottery in Coyotepec and visit the rug weavers in Teotitlán del Valle. We’ll also spend some time with a group who is working with many cooperatives of women who are making incredible textiles around the region – who you’ll be able to buy from; as well as one of the most well known traditional silver jewelry artists. We’ll go to markets and enjoy the famous plaza; and of course enjoy Oaxaca’s amazing foods and restaurants.

If that’s not enough, you’ll have free time to visit the famous ruins of Monte Alban or Mitla, or wander the friendly streets of the city to take in the culture, churches or magnificent architecture.

Monarchs in Zitacuaro, Metepec, Mexico City & Cuernavaca

admin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 23:04:43 +0000

Experience the unbelievable phenomenom of nature known as the migration of the monarch butterflies. We’ll head up to 11,000 feet from picturesque Zitacuaro to a private reserve (not where the tourists go). As the sun heats the butterflies wings and evaporates the morning dew, you’ll be surrounded by millions of monarchs – you can even hear their wings flap in the silence.

We’ll visit Metepec, home of the famous Trees of Life and meet Mexican Master artists Oscar Soteno and members of the Castillo family. We’ll enjoy a world class meal at Las Mananitas in Cuernavaca. And we’ll spend some time in Mexico City and experience Bazar Sabado, other crafts markets, amazing museums, world famous restaurants and side trips that may include the pyramids at Teotihaucan, Xochimilco and more. Fly to Mexico City.

Day of the Dead in Patzcuaro

admin — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:01:57 +0000

San Miguel, Guanajuato & Dolores Hidalgo

admin — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 04:53:21 +0000

These three Colonial cities are real jewels. They have been romanticized by writers throughout history and today are filled with artists of all types. The surrounding rolling hills are reminiscent of Tuscany and the climate is perfect year round. All three cities are small and manageable. Guanajuato is known for it’s myriad of tunnels beneath the city where it’s easy to get lost if you’re driving. It is also home to two of the most important Majolica potters in Mexico, Gorky Gonzalez and Capelo; and was home to Diego Rivera when he was a boy. Dolores Hidalgo is the seat of Mexico’s independence. It is best known for its Talavera pottery which is everywhere you turn. San Miguel is famous for its huge American community of artists and its sheer beauty. It boasts great shops, galleries and restaurants and is home to some wonderful folk artists whom you’ll meet.

Guadalajara National Ceramics Competition

admin — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:52:08 +0000

Guadalajara is filled with lots to do. It is the home of the Mariachi, and in Tlaquepaque where we’ll be staying, the “Parian” is in full swing every afternoon and evening with dozens of Mariachi’s playing the night away. There is a Trolley Tour that you can ride to get an overview of this beautiful colonial city’s history and sites from Tlaquepaque to downtown. Guadalajara is home to one of Mexico’s famous soccer teams, the Chivas. If you’re interested, Bob will take you to a game. But, most of all, Guadalajara and it’s surrounding areas are known as an important center for arts and crafts. Literally hundreds of known artisans live and work here.. Products include clay of all types, wrought iron, pounded tin, blown glass and furniture. Tlaquepaque is known as Mexico’s design center and Tonala itself is populated by mostly master craftsmen. This will be a great trip – comfortable shoes are a must.