Welcome cocktail and «Día de muertos» offering
(November 3rd)
- I will be very happy to introduce you to one of our Mexican traditions. After the opening and keynote lecture, we will gather to celebrate our meeting at the welcome cocktail, where a «Día de Muertos» offering, one of the most significant traditions in Mexico, will also be presented.
- The tradition of creating and setting up altars dedicated to “Día de Muertos” back to pre-Hispanic times. These altars are prepared a few days before November 1st and 2nd, dates on which it is believed that the souls of our loved ones who have passed away return to visit their friends and family.
The elements that make up the offerings are diverse and are an important part of this incredible celebration. The altars usually have levels that represent heaven, earth and purgatory. The most representative elements of the offerings include:
- Candles:
Represent the light that guides the souls of the dead to this world.
- Mexican papel picado:
It represents the joy of reuniting with those who have passed.
- Cempasuchil flowers:
Their scent guides the spirits of the deceased on their journey to this world.
- Items that remind one of the deceased:
These may include objects they liked or owned, as well as photographs of the person.
- Favorite foods or drinks of the deceased:
It is believed that upon returning to the earthly realm, they will wish to taste these flavors.
- Pan de muerto:
A sugar-coated bread with protrusions representing a skeleton, with a central sphere simulating a skull and other pieces resembling bones.
- Sugar skulls:
Symbolize friends and family; it is common for these to have the name of a person written on the forehead.
An offering is a way to be close to our ancestors to remember them and honor their lives. It is a reunion with a ritual that summons memory.
We invite you to share with us photographs of your mentor(s)—those researchers who preceded us and influenced us in becoming the researchers we are today. Please send them to:
Mexican Party
On Tuesday, November 4th, after our academic sessions,
We will invite you to a small Mexican party, where we will play lotería, the balero, and offer more surprises.
“Lotería” is an exciting Mexican game of chance (similar to Bingo) that consists of various cards and boards.
Each time a card is drawn at random from the deck, it is announced, and only those participants who have the card on their board mark it. The first person to complete their board shouts «Lotería!» and wins the game.
Social day
On Wednesday, during our social day, we will undertake an excursion to the archaeological site of Chichen Itza, one of the Seven New Wonders of the World. We will also visit the Selva Maya cenote and the magical town of Valladolid.
The following amenities will be provided:
- Luxury Private Bus
- Federal Bilingual Guide
- Continental Breakfast on the Bus
(juice, bread, coffee, and fruit (banana and apple)
- Unlimited Beverages on the Bus
(water, soft drinks, juice, and coffee)
- Entrance to Chichen Itza
2.5-hour guided tour (optional)
- Buffet Lunch
(Mexican regional and international cuisine)
- 2 non-alcoholic beverages during lunch
- Entrance to the Selva Maya Cenote
Life jackets included
- Stop in Valladolid
- Beer and Tequila on the return trip, in addition to the previously mentioned beverages