Posted February 11, 2011 by Sarada Krishnan, Director of Horticulture
Patzcuaro is known for its mask making artistry. Masks are used in various festivities such as the Night of the Dead, Festivity of the Virgin of La Salud and Dance of the Little Old Men. Before we leave for Uruapan, we start the day with a visit to a local mask maker, Filipe Horta. Considered to be one of the eminent mask makers in Mexico, Filipe Horta has won numerous prizes and is commissioned by various villages to make their festive masks. To view his work, visit his website.
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Posted February 12, 2010 by Sarada Krishnan, Director of Horticulture
About 20 minutes from Patzcuaro is the Tzintzuntzan Archeological Site, which was built by the native peoples of the region, the Purépechas around 1200 AD. The name Tzintzuntzan means ‘place of the hummingbirds’. The ruins consist of five ceremonial temples with circular, terraced platforms. The Purépechas were a community of Native Americans who were the only ones who stood up to the Aztecs and were not defeated. Until the arrival of the Spanish in the 1500’s the Purépechas had not known military defeat. From here we visit the town of Tzintzuntzan, where we visit the local church and the Franciscan monastery. Ancient olive trees line the avenue to the church. Being carnival day, the church is decorated in fresh flowers.
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