Indigo Workshop & Colonial Izalco

OVERVIEW

Learn to make an indigo-dyed scarf in a hands-on workshop and delve into the local culture while exploring the colonial village Izalco. As you will discover during the immersive class, the ancient Mayas extracted the natural blue pigment indigo from the xiquilite plant. Used for dye, indigo was so valuable that it was called “blue gold.” It remains an important crop. You will be provided with everything needed to dye a cotton scarf with indigo as a souvenir to take home. Local schoolchildren will perform a folkloric dance that will present another cultural perspective through graceful movements that depict an encounter between the ancient Mayas and the conquistadors. The influence of centuries of Spanish colonization is still evident throughout Izalco, a village that lies in the shadow several volcanoes. In the Nahuatl language, Izalzo means “house of obsidian,” a reference to the black volcanic glass that forms when lava rapidly cools.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover the cultural and economic significance of indigo dye to the Mayas.
• Dye a scarf with indigo in a hands-on workshop and keep your creation as a souvenir.
• Watch a folkloric dance that depicts the ancient Mayas meeting the Spanish conquistadors.
• View colonial architecture in Izalco that reflects the Spanish influence.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.