I have had many wonderful visits to the towns of the Isthmus, but nothing was quite as magical as attending the Vela Zandunga last May. We were visiting our friend Julin Contreras, who invited us to go to the celebration.
Upstairs in the bedroom, women were dressing with a flurry of anticipation. One pulled out incredible costumes and doled them out to me and my amigos to wear. Another woman did our hair and lent us heavy gold necklaces and jewels.
In the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, the whole month of May is dedicated to the ritual dance of the vela. A Vela is a ceremonial gathering where the women come together to show off their beauty and grace. Elaborate costumes inspired by the fashion of the early 1900s are created months in advance. At each vela, a young woman is chosen to be the princess.
In Tehuantepec, the final and most important event of the season is the Vela Zandunga. It is at this dance that a young woman is chosen for the highest honor of Queen. That night I felt like Cinderella at the ball, and dancing with the other zandungas, young and old, I felt the unity, sisterhood, and sense of belonging that a woman has in the Isthmus. The meaning of a true zandunga is a woman who radiates beauty, enthusiasm and pride - and these women truly bear that honor.
The Vela Zandunga tour is a chance for all of us to indulge and live the life of a zandunga, learning about the matriarchal culture of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, complete with private tours, cooking classes and participation in a memorable series of fiestas included in the adventure.
Come with me, dress as a native in elaborate costumes and enjoy the tropical sounds of live bands as we dance under the stars with my friends, the Tehuanas, in this most moving and exciting region of Oaxaca. Arrive and depart from the nearest airport in Huatulco, Oaxaca.
This is a 5 and a half day-6 night tour late May early June.
Notes:
- Deposit, Cancellations And Refunds: To secure your place in a class or course, a deposit is required. This information will be sent to you when you make your reservation.
- Courses and culinary tours: Twenty-five percent of the total price (including single supplement) will be charged if a participant cancels 60 days to 30 days prior to the course. When the cancellation occurs between the 29th day to the first day of the course, no refund will be given unless the space is sold to another participant.
If the space is filled, a refund less the non-refundable deposit will be given. A written notification must be received prior to refund. If the course is canceled by Seasons of My Heart, all fees will be refunded.
- Responsibility: We assume no liability or responsibility for any delay, loss, damage, injury or accident with regards to persons or property caused by fault or negligence of any hotel, transportation, or local operator rendering a part of our services. We shall not be responsible for any expense caused by loss or damage of personal items.
It is the participant's responsibility to be adequately insured. We strongly recommend traveler's insurance. The acceptance of our verbal or written confirmation, and a deposit or final payment for services, constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions listed in this brochure. Some reserves the right to make any changes, with or without notice, which might become necessary.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Transportation to and from class
- Three meals daily
- Hotel accommodations
- Airport transfers
Price Excludes:
- Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from Oaxaca, or to where the tour originates and ends.
- American Express, travelers checks accompanied with a copy of passport or photo ID, or cash in pesos or US dollars are accepted. No credit card accepted.
Also see tour packages in:
North America
Mexico
Food & Wine
Cultural Journey
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