THE FESTIVAL OF THE SANTA CRUZ

Saturday and Sunday, July 7th, 8th

The celebration this year has a special significance as it is 21 years since the founding ceremony which took place during a solar eclipse on July 11, 1991, led by the stewards of the traditional communities of San Miguel. Ever since then, this popular festival, full of color, has become a way for the different sectors of society to come together, contributing to the rescue of popular culture and cultural interchange among the participants.

El Charco was not only rescued as a natural area, but also as a ritual space for the indigenous population of San Miguel around the image of the cross which goes back to the wars of the Conquest in the 16th century and the founding of our City.  There is the ceremony of the four winds and a walk to the four Stations of the Cross of the Botanical Garden. The walk ends up in Parque Landeta where the Cross is installed and the day-long fiesta continues with dancing, music and other popular activities. Music is provided by El Huapango Arribeno led by Guillermo Velazquez and Los Leones de la Sierra de Xichu.

In addition, this year regional products will be available for purchase, mostly derived from Nopal and Maguey:  honey, nopal in vinegar, nopal flour, crystallized nopal, sweet dehydrated nopal with chile, shampoo, soaps, pickled nopal, various liquors and marmalades and much more.

Come join this colorful fiesta with Mexican roots!

More information :  www.elcharco.org.mx, (415) 154 4715, 154 8838 or elcharcocomunicacion@gmail.com.

RESTORATION OF PLANTS AT BELLAS ARTES BY EL CHARCO

The National Institute of Bellas Artes (INBA)  has entrusted El Charco with the planting of the patio of the ex-convent Concepcion – today called the Ingacio Ramirez El Nigromante Cultural Center -  which is a notable monument in San Miguel de Allende and is currently being restored.

The project presented by the Botanical Garden and approved by INBA was inspired by the historical gardens of our City and seeks to recover the plant physiognomy of this convent of the XVIII century.  The rehabilitation work consists of pruning and bringing back to health the existing trees, the removal of some others, and the planting of new trees and shrubs, especially oranges which are characteristic of the Arab-Spanish world and the convents of the colonial era.  Joining us in this project is the landscape architect, Timoteo Wachter, and the designer Guillermo Veytia.

MEDICINAL CANDLE WORKSHOP

Saturday, July 14th | 10a.m – 4p.m. | Paulina Gomez and Gustavo Munguia | Bilingual
400 pesos general public, 350 pesos members | materials included | limited space

This workshop offers the opportunity to learn how to make medicinal candles using pure beeswax and plants such as rosemary, lavender and various flowers as well as studying their identification, ecology, properties and use.  Medicinal candles work much like Aromatherapy in promoting physical and emotional health.

For more information:  elcharcocomunicacion@gmail.com

SUMMER CAMP AT EL CHARCO

July 9 – August 3 | Mondays – Fridays from 9a.m.-2p.m. | Children from 6-12 years old | Limited Space

Information and Registration:  elcharcocomunicacion@gmail.com

Each year we prepare summer activities for boys and girls. This year the Summer Camp will integrate dynamic recreation within a framework of environmental education, cultural and artistic activities and sports.  Some of the themes are : cacti, birds, reptiles, climate change, trees, separation waste, folk art, photography, sculpture, temazcal, swimming and reappelling, among others.

We have taken into consideration the economic problems of most families at this time and put together a 4 week summer cost at a fair price. 

If you would like to sponsor a child, please call 154 4715.

See you this Summer!

LAST MONTH´S ACTIVITIES

ANNUAL MEETING OF BOTANICAL GARDENS

In June, Mario Hernandez, Director of El Charco del Ingenio, attended the annual meeting of Botanical Gardens in Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo, where he learned about the conservation experience of the Dr. Alfredo Barrera Marin Botanical Garden and helped celebrate its 25th anniversary.  The empathy between the two Gardens translates into an approach and interchange which strengthens the conservation efforts of our diverse plant world.

The Mexican Association of Botanical Gardens and the Botanical Garden of the Institute of Biology of UNAM have organized a series of programs to introduce some Mexican botanical gardens to the public.

You may access this program via this link:

http://mediacampus.cuaed.unam.mx/videos/load/recent

COMING ACTIVITIES

Tuesday, July 3rd  | 8p.m. | Plaza of 4 Winds | members free, 30pesos general public

We invite everyone to this open celebration that has been taking place for many years during the full moon cycle at the Four Winds Plaza in the Botanical Garden.

We celebrate the Full Moon Ceremony to come back into balance with nature on earth. Come and enthusiastically participate and dedicate your intention and energies at the Plaza of the Four Winds.  Bonfire, incense, chanting, drumming included.  Bring flutes, cymbals, a drum or any other instrument if you want. 

It’s worth arriving a little early to admire the setting of the sun and the appearance of the moon over the mountains. You may want to bring a coat for cool evenings. Children welcome. Any questions, call Alicia Mayo at 152 .0376.

TEMAZCAL TRADICIONAL

Saturday, July 21  |  9:30 a.m.
Sunday, July 22  | 9:30 a.m. Cost 250pesos | Limited space| Reservations required with 50% deposit

This sweat-lodge steam bath, of ritual and healing character, takes place under the direction of an experienced temazcal leader in the ruins of the hacienda located in the Botanical Garden on the far side of the reservoir.
The combination of heat, humidity and fragrant herbs provides a purifying experience for the body and spirit. Its benefits are multiple: it activates circulation, increases the body’s defenses, eliminates pains, decreases uric acid, relaxes the muscles, regulates the nervous system, stimulates respiration and is excellent for losing weight.

RESERVATION NECESSARY : elcharcocomunicacion@gmail.com | Tel:154.8838, 154.4715, or in the Botanical Garden visitor’s center.

 Reservation deposit may be paid at the Garden’s reception  or at Posada Corazon (Aldama 9).

Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 am | in English
Duration: two hours | Cost: $80 pesos, members $50

Walk the beautiful paths of El Charco and enjoy the beautiful landscape it has to offer. Discover the textures and smells of the various areas of the Garden, visit the Conservatory of Mexican Plants, the Scent Garden, the canyon, archaeological ruins, and much more.

Every first and third Wednesday of the month, 9 am – 11:30 am.       

Cost:  100 pesos general public | 60 pesos Audubon or El Charco members
Guide: Signe Hammer

The walks are for birders of all levels. They begin at 9:00 am and last about 2 1/2 hours. No reservations needed, and feel free to leave the walk at any time.  Please bring binoculars, wear comfortable walking shoes and a hat, and bring water. Your guide will meet you after you pass through the Reception area of the Botanical Garden.

VISIT THE GIFT SHOP AND CAFÉ

Starting July 5th our recently remodeled Gift Shop will be open with new and attractive products.  Your purchases help small producers  - and our conservation project! Thank you for your support.

The Café is now offering traditional chilaquiles (with or without egg) and salad. You can choose between green or red sauce and enjoy your meal in the tranquil setting of a nature reserve.