Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a popular Mexican holiday, and Oaxaca holds one of the largest Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico. The holiday centers around gathering family and friends in remembrance of loved ones who have passed away. People gather to honor the deceased, support them in their journey to the afterlife, and encourage them to visit the land of the living for a night. Join us to take part in the various traditions that make Day of the Dead in Oaxaca so special. It takes every single sense to fully comprehend the way in which the vibrant, progressive culture of Oaxaca flourishes among deep rooted traditions. Educational Adventures Travel offers a unique tour that allows you to uncover the city and surrounding areas through far more than sightseeing. Before indulging in foods that present a bounty of local ingredients, you will be welcomed into the home and kitchen of a cocinera traditional. She is one of the artisans who is preserving her land and cultural identity through the culinary arts for future generations. Following these authentic Oaxacan traditions of cooking and you will join her family in preparing a meal using recipes that have been passed down from her mother and grandmother. With natural fiber artisans, whose art has arrived at the Smithsonian Museum, you will learn about natural dyes used by the weavers of the past and how this family is bringing this tradition back into use.  Your will dye fabric from these natural fibers get to know the artisan family as they explain the elaborate process and encourage you to lose yourself in this art. Oaxacan artisans are natural teachers and the black clay potters will show you how to get your hands dirty with your own creation.  As you participate in these intimate workshops, you will hear stories about each family’s craft including how their traditions have been passed down through the ages. Each and every experience will occur alongside a bilingual, certified local guide who is there to encourage, assist, support you.