At IDEAL Spanish Mexico, we are thrilled to launch a new series of blog posts highlighting the unique group activities we organize in the heart of Oaxaca.

To kick things off, we are diving into one of our most beloved traditions: The Alebrije Workshop.

The Magic of Arrazola: Precision and Patience

Our journey often begins in Arrazola, at the workshop of our dear friend Armando Carrillo and his family. Here, the experience is intimate and hands-on. Armando provides the hand-carved wooden figures, while his wife and daughter guide our students through the foundational techniques of this art form.

From mastering fine lines and delicate dots to understanding how to blend shadows, our students quickly learn a humbling lesson: creating an Alebrije is a labor of immense time, delicacy, and artistic talent. While we do our best, the family is always there to add those professional “final touches” that bring our creations to life!

San Martín Tilcajete: Artistry with a Mission

Another cornerstone of our program, and a destination for our upcoming visit with the Lycée Français this February, is the world-renowned workshop of Jacobo and María Ángeles in San Martín Tilcajete.

Jacobo and María have elevated these figures from traditional crafts to world-class fine art, with their pieces exhibited in major cities across the globe. They refer to their creations as Tonas and Nahuales, rooted deeply in Zapotec spirituality.

What makes a visit here truly special is their commitment to the community and the environment:

• The School of Arts: They have established a school to preserve the craft and provide local residents with a sustainable trade.
• Reforestation: To combat the over-exploitation of the Copal tree (the wood used for the carvings), they lead a massive reforestation project. When our groups visit, we often participate as volunteers, planting native trees to help the region flourish.
• A Taste of Excellence: No visit is complete without a meal at Almú, their on-site restaurant, which was recently recognized with a Michelin Star. The food is as much a masterpiece as the art!

Join Us in Oaxaca

Whether we are painting with the Carrillo family in Arrazola or planting trees and admiring masterpieces in San Martín Tilcajete, the Alebrije workshop is an unforgettable experience of color, history, and heart.

If you are planning to bring a group to Oaxaca, this is an adventure you cannot miss. Stay tuned for our next post as we continue to explore the traditions that make our programs unique!