We will start the day visiting the home of Zapotec Mexican painter and muralist Rodolfo Morales (1925-2001) in Ocotlán de Morelos, a rare privilege. His home is the current home of his foundation, with an amazing kitchen and his two art studios.

Then we will go to the newly reopened Morales Museum, to see some of his artwork, including wonderful covered cylinders. In his work you will see indigenous people (specifically women) doing daily chores, colorful images, dogs, and children. Morales' work remains firmly rooted in the life, landscape and mythology of his home village. The museum is located in the monestery annex to the Ocotlán Cathedral.

Then, we will pass through the Morales murals in the municipal building on our way to lunch with “Frida” within the mercado. Here she offers samples of several moles and you can choose the one(s) you want with your chicken.

After lunch we will go to the flower fields to walk among the orange marigold flowers, called cempasúchil and the red cockscombs (cresta de gallo), that have been prevalent during Day of the Dead celebrations since pre-Hispanic times. These strongly scented and brightly colored flowers are thought to attract the souls of the dead, with families making a path to their altars (offrenda) formed with scattered flower petals. The cockscombs are traditionally thought to signify Christ’s blood and resurrection from the dead. Each participant will cut a bouquet of these flowers to take home, perhaps to adorn your own altar or the one where you are visiting.

Notes: Bring sunscreen and use mosquito repellant before we depart. Wear a sunhat since we will be out in the fields in the afternoon. Perhaps bring a bag for flowers you may cut.

Additional Costs:  Additional costs: Lunch will be about $200 pesos. The museum entry fee is $15 pesos. Flowers (to cut and take home) $100 pesos. Bring cash for these purchases.

This tour will depart on time at 9:00 am  from Calle Los Libres behind the Grand Fiesta Americana Hotel. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before departure time. Unclaimed seats may be re-sold at boarding time.

Online ticket sales end at 7 pm the day before the tour. If the tour is sold out, you can take a chance that seats may be available and come to the boarding spot 15 minutes before departure. These seats must be paid for in cash.

No Refunds will be available. If you are not able to attend the event, you are welcome to sell your reservation to others. Please notify the library of change of name for reservation.