LAZO Announces LAZO EXPERIENCES To Celebrate Mexican Arts And Culture

OAXACA, Mexico, Oct. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- LAZO, a platform celebrating traditional Mexican master artisans and culture, announced today that PURO, the inaugural event in the LAZO EXPERIENCES series, will take place January 19-21, 2018. PURO will be an intimate and exclusive multi-sensory lunch experience featuring Chef Eduardo García, designer Raul Cabra, and more. Taking place at Ex-Hacienda Guadalupe, the program will bridge sensory gaps to bring the traditions and contemporary flavors of Mexico to life. The event also includes exclusive access to Oaxaca's most impressive cultural experiences. Two levels of ticket packages are available, ranging from approximately $400-520 USD (based on dollar-peso exchange rate).  In response to the devastation left by the three earthquakes that struck Mexico in September, 100% of the profits from PU­RO will be donated to help rebuild the homes of those displaced. Tickets are available at www.lazo.global.

Having worked to provide self-sustaining business structures for the country's artisans, assuring that they see quality returns on their product, the trip generates worthwhile opportunities for the local people in a time when they most need it. Through the event, LAZO assures individuals can get back to work and provide for their communities in an impactful way. "We know these people ? they are our friends, our family, our colleagues," said Paola De la Rosa, General Manager of LAZO. "The PURO EXPERIENCE will provide work during a time when it is most needed, allowing local chefs, artisans, performers, and workers the chance to rebuild their lives after this disaster. Further, we are proud to donate all proceeds from ticket sales to the community."

The LAZO PURO EXPERIENCE will begin Saturday at noon in downtown Oaxaca. The first stop will be a visit to the church at Tlacochahuaya, one of the most iconic buildings in Oaxaca,  where guests will experience a very special and rare organ concert, followed by a show of the entertaining Oaxacan tradition, Calenda dolls. Then, guests will visit the Ex-Hacienda Guadalupe, a 200-year-old farmhouse compound, for a tour of the hacienda by Raul Cabra, Principal at design firm Cabra Diseño and director of Oax-i-fornia, followed by an exquisite lunch prepared by Chef García, the restaurateur and pioneer of Mexican-meets-French cuisine. Oax-i-fornia and LAZO have collaborated to design a special collection of dishes, celebrating the legends of the nahual, which will be an exclusive gift for participants to keep (one place setting per participant) following the event.

Lunch will finish with music, cocktails, and a special performance at 7pm. Private transportation will be available from 6pm to 9pm for guests to return to their hotels.

"For us, the ultimate way to gain understanding of the complexity and depth of Oaxacan culture, gastronomy and craft is PURO Oaxaca, by immersing oneself in Oaxaca: a day in the life of a small town in the mezcal region, with doors wide open to experiences rarely available to the common visitor," shared Raul Cabra.

On Sunday, participants will have the opportunity to visit the workshops of two LAZO artisans.  The first will be the workshop of Josefina Jiménez; she has dedicated herself to making tapestries in pedal looms with natural dyes since she was thirteen. She will demonstrate how she prepares natural dyes for the crafting of her rugs. The second will be the workshop of José Hernández, a fourth generation candlemaker. He will demonstrate every step in the making of his traditional candles.

This event is the first within the larger LAZO EXPERIENCES program, which is designed to connect the rich traditions and authentic flavors of Mexico with fans around the world through immersive events and experiences. In partaking in this cultural journey, guests are not only enriching their own lives, but those most in need of support.

"LAZO celebrates Mexican culture and the unique genius of traditional Mexican artists by placing a spotlight on these select individuals, and sharing their stories and works, with a global audience," said De la Rosa. "Developing programs such as this series, with such esteemed partners, Chef García and Raul Cabra, is a wonderful way to communicate the rich traditions and inspired culture of our people. We are delighted to showcase Mexico, Oaxaca specifically, and the amazing talent of those involved through this program."

The series will be offered on January 19-21. There are two levels of tickets available for purchase:

Gold

• 80 tickets available
• Visit to church at Tlacochahuaya and organ concert
• Lunch served by Chef García and traditional cooks (Saturday)
• Open bar after lunch (Saturday)
• Visit to LAZO artisans' workshops (Sunday)
• Transportation will be provided for guests to all activities (transportation to / from airport is not included)

Platinum

• 20 tickets available
• Includes joining Chef García for a private tour of the local market, where he'll be sourcing the ingredients for the lunch and planning the menu based on what is available and fresh (Friday)
• Everything included in the Gold Ticket

Guests who purchase tickets before Saturday, November 25, will receive a complimentary gift item upon arrival at the event.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.lazo.global. For more information on Ex-Hacienda Guadalupe, visit www.exhaciendaguadalupe.com.

SOURCE LAZO