Among the most important and lively indigenous festivals of Chiapas, the fiesta of San Sebastian celebrates the momentous encounter between the Pre-Columbian and Spanish worlds. In the highland community of Zinacantan, the Plumed Serpent, dancing jaguars, bareback riders, and Spanish grandees play their parts in a spectacular three-day pageant rich in myth, mystery, and sheer entertainment-all timed to coincide with the Maya end-of-year ceremonies. In the towns of Chiapa de Corzo and Suchiapa, descendants of native Chiapaneco warriors dance in the elaborate costumes of the Spanish conquerors. Attending these spectacles is a rare opportunity to witness the exuberant traditions and artistic vitality of the ancient cultures of Chiapas.

The guides for this tour will be anthropological author Carol Karasik and Maya textile and culture expert Chip Morris. Both are eminent scholars in the fields of ancient and modern Maya cultural studies.

The Festival of San Sebastian in the Highlands of Chiapas
Price	$2100 per person (based on double occupant lodging. Add $300 for a private single room.) $300 deposit due upon registration, balance due 30 days before the trip
Date	January 20-27, 2009
MAKE A RESERVATION PAY TOUR BALANCE

Jan 20, Tuesday: Arrival Arrive in the evening to the new Tuxtla Gutierrez International Airport in Chiapa de Corzo. Private transport will meet you and drive you into Chiapa de Corzo where you will check in at the Hotel La Ceiba
	Jan 21, Wednesday: Chiapa de Corzo Morning: Fiesta in the church and plaza; visit to the lacquer museum Afternoon: Boat trip through the Sumidero Canyon Evening: Mock naval battle on the Grijalva River, commemorating war between the Spanish and Chiapanecan forces in 1554; fireworks display Overnight in Chiapa de Corzo
	Jan 22, Thursday: Suchiapa Morning: Transport to and fiesta at Suchiapa Afternoon: Visit potters and mask makers in the village Late Afternoon: Transport to San Cristobal Overnight in San Cristobal
	Jan 23, Friday: Zinacantan Morning: The fiesta in the church chapel and visits to weavers Afternoon: Visit to medicinal museum in San Cristobal Overnight in San Cristobal
	Jan 24, Saturday: Chamula All Day: Fiesta, visits to the church, shrines of religious officials, the sacred cave, and weavers' houses Late Afternoon: Tour of Na Bolom in San Cristobal Overnight in San Cristobal
	Jan 25, Sunday: Tenam Puente and Amatenango Morning: Transport to and exploring the ruins of Tenam Puente Afternoon: Visit to Amatenango pottery village Overnight in San Cristobal
	Jan 26, Monday: San Cristobal Morning: Walking tour of churches and weaving co-op Afternoon: Free time in San Cristobal to rest and do last minute shopping Evening: A farewell dinner with MEC's staff Overnight in San Cristobal
Jan 27, Tuesday: Departure Morning: Departures from the Tuxtla Gutierrez Airport in Chiapa de Corzo

Includes:
- Lodging at Hotel La Ceiba in Chiapa de Corzo
- Lodging at Hotel Rincon de Los Arcos in San Cristobal
- Private transportation
- Breakfast and lunches
- Anthropologist guides
- All entry fees
- Final Dinner

Does Not Include:
- Airfare to/from Mexico
- Dinners
- Gratuities (maids, drivers, guides, etc..)
- Travel insurance

Proceeds from MEC Tours are the center's primary source of research funding. As such, a portion of the tour costs are tax deductible. MEC will provide participants with receipts and proper documentation regarding the center's 501(c)(3) non-profit status for your records.