Weavers of Teotitlán: A Natural Dye Workshop

Teotitlán del Valle has woven for two thousand years, and Xóchitl’s father’s family is part of that unbroken line. This day takes you to her cousins’ workshop, where wool is still carded by hand, dyed with cochineal insects, indigo and pomegranate, and woven on backstrap and pedal looms.

You’ll crush cochineal in your own palm and watch grey wool come out of the pot crimson — the moment the whole room gasps. Then you’ll weave a small piece to take home, badly at first, better by lunch. Lunch is with the family: squash blossom quesadillas and café de olla.

Part of every booking funds the village school’s weaving programme.