Colonialism and Oro Verde

In the mid-1500's Yucatan saw the beginning of some dramatic changes. Conquistadors came to knock down and re-build their own mansions and churches from the rubble of Mayan stones. Fusion of cultures and genetics began to take place at a rapid rate and the predominant form of agriculture changed from homesteading to plantations.

Fiber production put Yucatan on the world map and saw ports like Sisal explode with the growth of the export market. So what is this plant known as "green gold" that helped the rich get richer and the poor get poorer? What is it about this spiky cousin to agave that spurred the rise of the mestizo and a caste war? How can the simple production of rope and twine cause such large social and cultural changes?

Before we can start to answer these kinds of questions, we took a hands-on look back in time to see what the plantations and factories looked like.

taking a look at the machines that crush the spiky leaves to extract the strong fiber

The workers need to use heavy gloves to keep their hands safe from the spines.

we set out bundles of the soaking fiber to dry in the hot sun

We saw how the fiber was bundled to be sent off to artists or to factories that make rope and twine

taking a break in the shade

Processing a small batch of henequen

Today this fiber is used mostly in crafts

We tried our hand!

The group!

During this trip we also visited a colonial city that is known for it's downtown that is painted bright yellow. Perhaps the most notable characteristic of this city is the large catholic convent sitting on top of the base of a Mayan pyramid. And from the top of another ruin you get spectacular views!

One side of the convent

Exploring the downtown area

Chatting with the locals

About to climb the piramid

We made it to the top!

Checking out the view

Orientation 2024: A Journey along the East Coast of the Yucatan Peninsula

We began our orientation trip for the College of the Atlantic Yucatan Program on the beautiful eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, in the state of Quintana Roo. We avoided the main tourist hubs of the Riviera while visiting historical sites, influential cities, and small communities that welcomed us in to see how they are working to preserve their environment and maintain cultural practices. Along the way, we met some amazing families, ate delicious food, learned about the history of the peninsula and worked our way closer to our final destination, the city of Merida, capital of the state of Yucatan. Our journey began on the beaches of the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, where we visited one of the most important archeological sites from the Mayan Postclassic period, the ancient city of Zama, better known today as Tulu...

Our Days in Merida

This stage of the program in the capital city of Merida is the first true immersion for our students, They begin to acclimate to the way of life here with their local host families while having daily classes that push them to continue learning while also providing a comfortable space to ask questions and explore concepts. Our adventure in Merida began with a very important element of this program: meeting our host families who will walk hand-in-hand with our students for this first part of the immersion process in the city. It is thanks to our wonderful Yucatecan host families that our students will better adapt to this urban context. Another important and necessary element during our time in Merida are Spanish classes, because the language is key for interacting with, and diving into, the culture. During this class, students not only learn grammar and structure, but also develop their linguistic abilities using colloquial forms of speech. ...

Yaxunah: Our Days in the Pueblo

Before our next adventure began in the community of Yaxunah,Yaxcabá,Yucatán, we first visited the traditional pottery studio “Najil Kat” belonging to the family Espadas Xooc, in Uayma. Here, the students had the chance to explore the diverse materials and traditional techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation in this family of artists. With the help of Virgilio, we learned about the many types of local soil and clay that are mixed to make a diverse range of creations like vases, plates, mugs, toys, musical instruments, incense holders and more. As part of the workshop, each student sculpted their own little artistic creation, exploring their creativity and the skills necessary to work with the clay. Similar to the time spent in the city of Mérida, the families in Yaxunah are an invaluable aspect for the students to settle into the rhythm of everyday life. The arrival to Yaxunah marks the beginning of a beautiful new family relationship. Students can make s...

Adventures in Yucatan, Mexico

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