Hands on Dyeing and Weaving Workshop in Teotitlán (One-Day Workshop)

Spend a day immersed in one of Oaxaca's most celebrated artisan traditions with Doña Josefina from the inspiring collective Las Mujeres que Tejen, a pioneering women´s weaving collective in Teotitlán del Valle. Known throughout Mexico for its handwoven rugs ("tapetes") and vibrant natural dyes, Teotitlán is a village where ancient Zapotec weaving traditions continue to thrive.

More than a weaving workshop, this is an invitation into the lives of the women who helped reshape their community.

Las Mujeres que Tejen was the first women's collective established in Teotitlán del Valle. By working together, these artisans created new opportunities for women to sell their own textiles in what had traditionally been a male-dominated marketplace. The collective also allowed members to share responsibilities like childcare and cooking, giving them the freedom to earn an income while preserving one of Oaxaca's most treasured crafts. Today, their work continues to inspire new generations of women artisans.

Your experience begins with a conversation about the history of the collective, the role of women in Teotitlán, and how weaving has become both a source of cultural identity and economic independence.

Then it's time to get your hands into the mix.

Working alongside Doña Josefina, you'll discover how Oaxaca's famous natural dyes are created from plants, flowers, minerals, and insects. Learn how brilliant reds come from cochineal, rich blues from indigo, and vibrant yellows from marigolds and other local plants. You'll grind pigments by hand, and Josefina will demonstrate the physical work that goes into coloring every strand of wool.

After enjoying a homemade traditional brunch prepared by your hosts, you'll move to the loom to learn the basics of traditional Zapotec weaving. Guided step by step by Doña Josefina and her family, you'll weave your own small textile to take home—a meaningful reminder of your day in one of Oaxaca's most celebrated weaving communities.

Throughout the day, you'll hear personal stories about family, tradition, and the changing role of women in Teotitlán, making this experience as much about cultural exchange as it is about learning a craft. You´ll have a second meal–a homemade lunch also prepared by your host family, which will fuel you to continue your weaving to its culmination.

Whether you're passionate about textiles, interested in sustainable crafts, or simply looking for an authentic cultural experience in Oaxaca, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to connect with the women preserving one of Mexico's richest artistic traditions—one thread at a time.