Yucatecan Folkloric Fiesta: You Made It This Far, You Deserve a Drink!

Sunday 8 Oct 2023 14:00 – 19:00

Hacienda Carolina has been in Ricardo’s family for generations and has seen a successful transition from henequen production in the 1900’s to habanero production in the 2000’s. It was owned and run by Ricardo’s maternal grandfather, don Alfredo Espinosa. In the 19th Century, like Xtepén, Hacienda Carolina was a henequen hacienda. Henequen (Sisal) is a type of agave, the same plant which is used for producing beverages like tequila and mezcal. In a world with no synthetic fibres, henequen was a very valuable and resistant material known as “green gold", and it was mostly used for making rope and clothes. This is why the business of the haciendas was a global trade and, for many years, Yucatán was the only place where it was produced. Now, Hacienda Carolina is managed and administered by Ricardo’s fabulosa Tia (auntie) Lucila and is dedicated to the production of quality habanero peppers (chillies) for export.

We will enjoy a “vaqueria” Yucatecan folkloric dances, accompanied with delicious typical food of the region and most importantly cheladas, which will wake you up from the hangover.

Dress code: If you want the authentic hacienda experience, women can wear the Yucatecan huipil dress or blouse, while the men can wear jeans and a traditional guayabera shirt.

However, sleep deprived Sunday hangover casual, comfy cosy, come as you please is fine. Shorts and t-shirt recommended, PJs optional.

The traditional approach is the Yucatecán “huipil” dress or blouse (for women), or a traditional “guayabera” shirt (for men).

The word huipil is derived from the Náhuatl word huipilli, meaning “my covering.” Among some Mayan indigenous languages, it is known as “po´t.” In pre-colonial Central America, well into 500 C.E., huipiles were used especially in ceremonial contexts, either socially or religiously.

To find these while visiting Mérida, we will be providing you a place where you can buy these and provide you with a range of options, including the Yucatecan market.

Colour palette: the more colourful the better.

Note: Those departing from Cancun on Sunday need to remember it takes ~3 hours to drive to the airport.

Transport: will be clarified closer to the date.