Weekend Workshops Celebrate Maya Crafts at Hacienda Santa Rosa de Lima

A two-day immersive experience at Hacienda Santa Rosa de Lima invites guests to learn traditional Maya crafts directly from local artisans this February, combining hands-on workshops with cultural exchange in a restored henequén-era estate.

The “Entre Manos” (Between Hands) weekend, scheduled for February 28-March 1, offers three distinct workshops focusing on henequén fiber preparation, traditional embroidery, and filigree jewelry techniques. Organized by Taller Maya and Traspatio Maya, the event aims to connect participants with the skilled craftspeople who maintain centuries-old traditions.

“This experience invites a deep connection with handmade work, the conscious use of natural resources, and the link between artisanal craft and the cultural environment that surrounds it,” organizers explain in promotional materials.

From Fiber to Finished Piece

The centerpiece henequén workshop on Saturday afternoon guides participants through the complete process of working with the spiky agave plant that once powered Yucatán’s economy. Artisans will demonstrate traditional fiber preparation methods and natural dyeing techniques using local plants and materials.

Participants will create their own piece using the henequén costurado (sewn henequén) technique, a method that transforms the tough fibers into refined textiles. The workshop concludes with dinner prepared by resident Chef Eladio Pat.

Sunday morning begins early with a guided bird-watching walk at 6:30 a.m., led by the hacienda’s gardeners who specialize in local fauna. The experience focuses on endemic species found only in the region, connecting natural observation with Maya cultural traditions.

Embroidery and Precious Metals

The embroidery workshop at 10 a.m. Sunday offers intimate access to Maya textile traditions. Working alongside community artisans, participants learn about the colors, symbols, and forms that characterize traditional embroidery and its connection to daily life.

Each guest embroiders a postcard inspired by their hacienda stay, creating a tangible memento of the cultural experience. The workshop emphasizes the generational transmission of knowledge that has preserved these techniques.

The final session demonstrates filigree work, one of Mexico’s most demanding metalworking traditions. Master artisans show how fine silver threads transform into complex jewelry pieces through manual skill, patience, and concentration.

“This technique requires years of apprenticeship and is mastered by a very limited group of artisans,” organizers note, highlighting the specialized knowledge involved in this delicate craft.

Setting and Schedule

Hacienda Santa Rosa de Lima provides an atmospheric backdrop for the workshops, surrounded by dense vegetation including notable specimens of ceiba, pochote, and bonete trees. The restored estate reflects the architectural heritage of Yucatán’s golden age of henequén production.

The weekend concludes with a communal meal shared with participating artisans, allowing extended conversation and cultural exchange beyond the formal workshop settings.

The event represents a growing trend in cultural tourism that prioritizes authentic interaction with traditional craftspeople over passive observation. By learning directly from master artisans, participants gain appreciation for the time, technique, and specialized knowledge required to maintain these heritage practices.

Reservations are handled through The Haciendas hotel group, which manages several restored estates across Yucatán state. The properties emphasize cultural preservation alongside hospitality, offering guests access to regional traditions while supporting local artisan communities.

Event Details

• Dates: February 28-March 1, 2026
• Location: Hacienda Santa Rosa de Lima, Santa Rosa
• Price: $242 USD per person (double occupancy), $166 USD single supplement
• Includes: One-night stay, all workshops, breakfast, lunch, dinner, late checkout
• Contact: Instagram @tallermaya or www.thehaciendas.com