Craig and Amy at Semana Santa: Easter Week In Mexico

“Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life” ― Jack Kerouac, "On the Road"

Veracruz...

Oaxaca...

We've often been to Mexico for the big holidays...Day of the Dead, Christmas, Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe. But we've never been there for Easter Week, Semana Santa. Being a very Catholic country, that's a big deal in Mexico. Researching where there is a big Semana Santa celebration, we kept coming upon one of our very favorite places in Mexico, the city of Oaxaca. Since we've been talking about going back to Oaxaca since our last visit in 2009, we thought this would be a great opportunity.

We will start out in Veracruz, the place where Hernan Cortez first made land before marching to Tenochitlan. Then up into the mountains we go to spend some time near the 3rd highest peak in Mexico, Orizaba. We plan on going to a coffee growing and roasting town where every morning you literally wake up and smell the coffee. From there it's on to Oaxaca for a week or so for Semana Santa. We hope to find festivals along the way.

Oaxaca is well known as one of the great food capitals of the world. Famous for its seven moles, there is so much here to eat. The market is a great place in town to sample really good food at incredible prices. Lunch and a beer for $2? No problem. There are also many towns around Oaxaca specializing in many different crafts; rug making, pottery, wood carving, statuary...you name it.

Oaxaca is also famous for its festivities during Semana Santa. Lots of processions, special markets for food and crafts, etc. Also, many of the surrounding towns have things going on, so we'll just see once we get there.

As always, you're invited to come on along on our adventure as we continue our search for the exotic, colorful, tasty, exciting and just plain fun.

Veracruz...