Alebrijes, Art & Marigold Fields Experience

Experience highlights

Many visitors to Oaxaca encounter alebrijes in galleries, shops, and markets. Few have the opportunity to visit the community where Oaxacan woodcarvings were born and learn directly from the family whose creativity helped shape one of the state’s most recognized art forms.

This experience takes place in San Antonio Arrazola, home to the Jiménez family, widely recognized as pioneers of the woodcarving tradition that would later become known around the world.

Rather than focusing only on finished pieces, this experience explores the people, stories, and creativity behind one of Oaxaca’s most celebrated artistic traditions.

Paint your own woodcarving

Oaxaca is renowned for its artists, painters, muralists, and artisans. During this experience, you’ll become part of that tradition by painting your own woodcarving under the guidance of local artisans.

With paints, brushes, and all necessary materials provided, you’ll create a piece that reflects your own interpretation of Oaxaca’s vibrant colors and artistic spirit.

Whether you’re an experienced artist or have never held a paintbrush before, the workshop is designed to be engaging, accessible, and enjoyable.

Marigold fields & seasonal harvest

While your piece dries, the experience continues beyond the workshop and into the surrounding countryside.

Accompanied by another member of the family, you’ll visit nearby cultivation fields where you’ll harvest your own jícamas as well as cempasúchil and borla flowers, two of the most recognizable plants of the Day of the Dead season.

Freshly harvested jícama may be prepared on the spot with traditional seasonings, while the colorful flower fields provide excellent opportunities for photography and a deeper appreciation of the agricultural traditions that remain part of community life.

Why this experience is unique

Itinerary

What’s included

Important information

Available date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

Sign-up deadline: October 1, 2026.

Group size: minimum 3 guests • maximum 10 guests.

This experience is designed to finish early, leaving the rest of the day free to enjoy Oaxaca’s Day of the Dead celebrations.

Why advance registration is required

Day of the Dead is one of the busiest periods of the year for artisan workshops in San Antonio Arrazola. Advance registration allows the family to prepare materials, reserve workspace, coordinate the painting workshop, and organize access to the cultivation fields for each group.

Because group sizes are intentionally limited and workshop space is shared with the artisans’ regular production schedule, registrations close on October 1, 2026.

Early booking is strongly recommended, as availability becomes increasingly limited during the Day of the Dead season.

Map of the experience

Start: Oaxaca City

Destination: San Antonio Arrazola