Spiritual Light & Candle Making
Luz Espiritual y Elaboración de Velas
The experience
Meet a family of traditional candle makers in Teotitlán del Valle and enter a workshop where knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation. Discover how natural beeswax is carefully transformed by hand into candles used in weddings, patron-saint festivals, community celebrations, and important life moments. During the experience you will learn the artisan process, from preparing and modeling the wax to making the flowers and figures that decorate each candle, created one by one with patience and precision. We will also talk about the meaning of light and candles within community traditions, and how these objects accompany moments of celebration, gratitude, and reciprocity. To close, you will be able to mold and decorate your own piece, taking with you not only a handmade object, but a small part of the knowledge and tradition that keep Teotitlán's identity alive.
Itinerary
9:00 am
Meet at Teotitlán del Valle Historical Center
9:15 am
Welcome at the family candle-making workshop
9:45 am
Beeswax: preparation, modelling and flower making
10:30 am
The meaning of light in Zapotec celebrations and traditions
11:00 am
Hands-on: mould and decorate your own piece
11:30 am
Tour ends at the historical center
What's included
- · Local Zapotec guide
- · Visit to a family candle-making workshop
- · Hands-on demonstration to make your own candle
Not included
- · Refreshments
- · Candle purchases
- · Transportation from Oaxaca City (included on customized tours)
Practical information
Workshop availability depends on the family's celebration calendar. Transportation from Oaxaca City is included on customized tours. Restrictions may apply in high season; please let us know in advance.
Reviews
"I cannot recommend Teotitlán Tours more highly. Luis met my family at the museum, and he was so incredibly generous with his time, taking us on an impromptu tour of the church grounds, showing us where the original Zapotec carvings are still visible in the church. He also took us to a local beeswax candle makers studio, for a full tour including allowing my daughters to make their own candles. Luis was wonderful with my girls, patient w their questions and thorough in his answers. Helped immensely that he was so fluent across Zapotec, English and Spanish as well. So cool to hear Zapotec firsthand. It was an incredible afternoon and all due to the generosity and kindness of Luis and his community. Thank you!"