Skip to content
OaxSessions
  • Sessions
    • Day Sessions
      • Chocolate + Maize
      • The Spirits of Agave
      • Earth, Fire, Food
    • Multi-Day Sessions
      • Cacao Food Forest Field Trip
    • Student & Private Groups
  • Tastings
    • Materia Prima @ Itanoni Oaxaca
    • The Oaxacan Chocolate Club
  • Slow Travel
    • Manifesto: Beyond Tourism
    • Responsible Travel 101
  • Connect
    • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Our Partners
    • Contact Us
  • Blog

About Us

What is in a Name?

Oaxaca Profundo Sessions was founded in 2015 in Oaxaca City. The name Oaxaca Profundo is a grace-giving, a bow, and a dedication to the Mexico Profundo (literally “deep Mexico”) made famous by Guillermo Bonfil Batalla in a book of the same name in the 1980’s. In Mexico Profundo: Reclaiming a Civilization, Bonfil Batalla took to task the “imaginary Mexico,” the dominant and colonial Mexico of the history books that makes up a tiny fraction of Mexico’s local worlds. He detailed how the conquest never ended, but was transformed into an independent, self-serving, nationalist project, that continued to both exploit and absorb the culture, lands, and livelihoods of indigenous Mexico or the Mexico Profundo.

Oaxaca Profundo, then, is an attempt to honour the stories and livelihoods that have been brought under threat by the mechanisms of domination in the imaginary Oaxaca for centuries. This is a project that seeks to remember and serve the many Oaxacas, the countless cultures, the dense diversity of languages, the endless edible foodways, and how resistance often amounts to the survival and regeneration of local worlds. Focusing on the grassroots cultures in Oaxaca, this project both transcends and subverts the “imaginary Mexico” so often packaged and sold to tourists and visitors. To forge a world where many worlds fit and feed each other is, and not just fed by each other, our mandate is deep learning, humility, and hospitality.

In a time of exponentially-expanding spectacle, extraction and exploitation, how can we proceed towards and approach the depths of the places we live – both the remembered and the forgotten, and honour each? How might we cultivate the grassroots of place, instead of consuming it?

These questions are part of the foundation for Oaxaca Profundo Sessions, and with that we give our days over to peeling back the layers, lifting the veil that tourism has tightened around culture, often in the name of consumption, so that each of us might be able to proceed towards the depth, the profundity of our homes – the soil and soul of place.

Vision

The sessions we have created are designed to be uniquely of their time and place, each specifically curated by local experts, storytellers, apprentices, farmers, craftsmen and women, alongside Oaxaca Profundo animators. This is to say that each session and each group is dynamic, that although the themes of each session are fixed (chocolate, pulque, pottery, etc), how they are approached reflects the relationships between our hosts and guests on any given day. We focus on principally on deep learning and hospitality, each of which can be carried to the places our guests return to – a reciprocating cycle that feeds the grassroots of Oaxaca and the homes of those who visit it.

Group sizes and session lengths are distinct. Each have been tried and tested to ensure that there is intimacy in our learning experiences. For that reason we allow no more than 8 guests per session, with the exception of large private or school groups, which are tended to accordingly. In curating each session, the hard questions around the often dire and unseen consequences of tourism are implicated. How do we carry and honour these stories and traditions in ways that regenerate them, as opposed to fetishizing them? This is always our principal perogative.

Over the last half decade, we have dedicated ourselves to such work, both collectively and personally. Our sessions invite our guests into such deep learning, into the homes of hosts so that we may remember hospitality and proceed as worthy guests, into relationship with those who honour their traditions by quietly and fiercely resisting the machinations of spectacle and consumption that tourism often brings with it. We are dreaming such worlds, and we invite you to dream with us. To peer in, a little deeper, read about our sessions, here.

Latest from Instagram

A little Christmas gift/research for things to com A little Christmas gift/research for things to come. Thanks to @dichosocacao for continuing the good work.

Un pequeño regalo de navidad / investigación para lo que vendrá. Gracias a @dichosocacao por continuar con el buen trabajo.
Vol II of 'Materia Prima' - Saturday, Dec 19th Exp Vol II of 'Materia Prima' - Saturday, Dec 19th Exploring the winter posada through corn, chocolate, and mezcal. 

Tickets available at https://www.oaxsessions.com/session/materia-prima-itanoni/

Vol II de 'Materia Prima' - Sábado 19 de diciembre Explorando la posada a través del maíz, el chocolate y el mezcal.

Boletos: https://www.oaxsessions.com/session/materia-prima-itanoni/

#corn #maize #cacao #chocolate #agave #mezcal #itanoni #expresionesdelmezcal #oaxsessions #oaxacaprofundo #foodofthegods #deeplearning #sensoryexperience #materiaprima
Join the founders of @itanonioficial, @expresiones Join the founders of @itanonioficial, @expresionesdelmezcal and Oaxaca Profundo on a sensorial journey into the flavours and philosophies of corn, chocolate, and mezcal. Dec 19th @ Itanoni

Tickets available at https://www.oaxsessions.com/session/materia-prima-itanoni/

Únase a los fundadores de @itanonioficial, @expresionesdelmezcal y Oaxaca Profundo en un viaje sensorial hacia los sabores y filosofías del maíz, el chocolate y el mezcal. 19 de diciembre @ Itanoni

Boletos: https://www.oaxsessions.com/session/materia-prima-itanoni/

#materiaprima #foodofthegods #itanoni #expresionesdemezcal #oaxacaprofundo #oaxsessions #oaxaca #corn #maiz #cacao #chocolate #maguey #agave #mezcal #posada #deeplearning #sensoryexperience
Volume II of "Materia Prima," featuring maiz and h Volume II of "Materia Prima," featuring maiz and her tortillas, agave and her mezcal, and cacao and her chocolate! Join us on Dec 19th @ Itanoni Flor del Maiz 

Tickets available at https://www.oaxsessions.com/session/materia-prima-itanoni/

El edicion II de "Materia Prima,", con maiz y su tortilla, agave y su mezcal, y cacao y su chocolate! Ven a saborear, aprender, y disfrutar con nosotrxs!

Boletos @ https://www.oaxsessions.com/session/materia-prima-itanoni/

#materiaprima #foodofthegods #itanoni #expresionesdemezcal #oaxacaprofundo #oaxsessions #oaxaca #corn #maiz #cacao #chocolate #maguey #agave #mezcal #posada #deeplearning #sensoryexperience
Volume 2 of "Materia Prima," featuring the pillars Volume 2 of "Materia Prima," featuring the pillars of Oaxacan cuisine (miaz, mezcal, and chocolate) in the comfort and safety of Itanoni Oaxaca!

Tickets available at https://www.oaxsessions.com/session/materia-prima-itanoni/

El edicion II de "Materia Prima,", con las pilares de la gastonomia Oaxaquena (maiz, mezcal, y chocolate) en la comodidad y seguridad de Itanoni Oaxaca!

Boletos @ https://www.oaxsessions.com/session/materia-prima-itanoni/

#materiaprima #foodofthegods #itanoni #expresionesdemezcal #oaxacaprofundo #oaxsessions #oaxaca #corn #maiz #cacao #chocolate #maguey #agave #mezcal #posada #deeplearning #sensoryexperience
We're almost into posada season! Join us for Volum We're almost into posada season! Join us for Volume 2 of "Materia Prima," with all the delicious delicacies of a posada in the comfort and safety of Itanoni Oaxaca!

Tickets available at www.oaxsessions.com

Casi estamos en la temporada de posadas! Unese a nosotros para el edicion II de "Materia Prima,", con todas las delicias de una posada en la comodidad y seguridad de Itanoni Oaxaca!

Boletos @ www.oaxsessions.com

#materiaprima #foodofthegods #itanoni #expresionesdemezcal #oaxacaprofundo #oaxsessions #oaxaca #corn #maiz #cacao #chocolate #maguey #agave #mezcal #posada #deeplearning #sensoryexperience
The Oaxacan Chocolate Club: Volume II - Jaguar Cho The Oaxacan Chocolate Club: Volume II - Jaguar Chocolate

Join us at Convivio. Oaxaca. for a special night of tasting, learning, and immersion in the world of "cacao blanco," sometimes known as "pataxte."

Thursday, November 26, 2020 at 7pm

Limited to 12 people. $500 pesos 
Tickets available at: http://ow.ly/HwAd50Cnye2

#oaxacanchocolateclub #oaxacanchocolate #oaxaca chocolate #jaguarchocolate #pataxte #cacaoblanco #convivio #oaxsessions #oaxacaprofundo #foodofthegods #theobroma #chocolatetastings #deeplearning
Maize. Mezcal. Chocolate. Join us TONIGHT @Itanoni Maize. Mezcal. Chocolate.
Join us TONIGHT @Itanoni Flor del Maiz for Materia Prima, our monthly 5-course dinner and exploration of Oaxaca's culinary glory. 

Details and tickets via website or link in profile.

#maize #maizcriollo #maiz #cacao #chocolate #maguey #mezcal #diademuertos #oaxaca #itanoni #oaxsessions #oaxacaprofundo #expresionesdelmezcal #deeplearning #hospitality #materiaprima #tortillas #foodofthegods

Maize. Mezcal. Chocolate.
Únase a nosotros ESTA NOCHE @Itanoni Flor del Maiz para Materia Prima, nuestra cena mensual de 5 platos y exploración de la gloria culinaria de Oaxaca.

Detalles y entradas a través del sitio web o enlace en el perfil.
Ever wondered why chocolate and cacao are always r Ever wondered why chocolate and cacao are always ritual offerings at the altars for the dead in Oaxaca? Come find out while tasting delicious and rare chocolate, tomorrow night @conviviooaxaca

Details and tickets via our website or link in profile. 💀🍫💀🍫💀

#cacao #chocolate #oaxacanchocolate #CacaoParaTodos #deathbychocolate #muerteporchocolate #conviviooaxaca #oaxsessions #oaxacaprofundo #oaxaca #diademuertos #deeplearning #hospitality

¿Alguna vez se preguntó por qué el chocolate y el cacao son siempre ofrendas rituales en los altares de los muertos en Oaxaca? Ven a descubrirlo mientras degusta un delicioso y raro chocolate, mañana por la noche @Convivio. Oaxaca.

Detalles y entradas a través de nuestro sitio web o enlace en perfil.
Follow on Instagram

Notice

© 2018 Oaxaca Profundo Sessions I All Rights Reserved I No Part of the Website May be Reproduced in Any Way

Instagram

A little Christmas gift/research for things to com A little Christmas gift/research for things to come. Thanks to @dichosocacao for continuing the good work.

Un pequeño regalo de navidad / investigación para lo que vendrá. Gracias a @dichosocacao por continuar con el buen trabajo.
Vol II of 'Materia Prima' - Saturday, Dec 19th Exp Vol II of 'Materia Prima' - Saturday, Dec 19th Exploring the winter posada through corn, chocolate, and mezcal. 

Tickets available at https://www.oaxsessions.com/session/materia-prima-itanoni/

Vol II de 'Materia Prima' - Sábado 19 de diciembre Explorando la posada a través del maíz, el chocolate y el mezcal.

Boletos: https://www.oaxsessions.com/session/materia-prima-itanoni/

#corn #maize #cacao #chocolate #agave #mezcal #itanoni #expresionesdelmezcal #oaxsessions #oaxacaprofundo #foodofthegods #deeplearning #sensoryexperience #materiaprima
Join the founders of @itanonioficial, @expresiones Join the founders of @itanonioficial, @expresionesdelmezcal and Oaxaca Profundo on a sensorial journey into the flavours and philosophies of corn, chocolate, and mezcal. Dec 19th @ Itanoni

Tickets available at https://www.oaxsessions.com/session/materia-prima-itanoni/

Únase a los fundadores de @itanonioficial, @expresionesdelmezcal y Oaxaca Profundo en un viaje sensorial hacia los sabores y filosofías del maíz, el chocolate y el mezcal. 19 de diciembre @ Itanoni

Boletos: https://www.oaxsessions.com/session/materia-prima-itanoni/

#materiaprima #foodofthegods #itanoni #expresionesdemezcal #oaxacaprofundo #oaxsessions #oaxaca #corn #maiz #cacao #chocolate #maguey #agave #mezcal #posada #deeplearning #sensoryexperience
Volume II of "Materia Prima," featuring maiz and h Volume II of "Materia Prima," featuring maiz and her tortillas, agave and her mezcal, and cacao and her chocolate! Join us on Dec 19th @ Itanoni Flor del Maiz 

Tickets available at https://www.oaxsessions.com/session/materia-prima-itanoni/

El edicion II de "Materia Prima,", con maiz y su tortilla, agave y su mezcal, y cacao y su chocolate! Ven a saborear, aprender, y disfrutar con nosotrxs!

Boletos @ https://www.oaxsessions.com/session/materia-prima-itanoni/

#materiaprima #foodofthegods #itanoni #expresionesdemezcal #oaxacaprofundo #oaxsessions #oaxaca #corn #maiz #cacao #chocolate #maguey #agave #mezcal #posada #deeplearning #sensoryexperience
Volume 2 of "Materia Prima," featuring the pillars Volume 2 of "Materia Prima," featuring the pillars of Oaxacan cuisine (miaz, mezcal, and chocolate) in the comfort and safety of Itanoni Oaxaca!

Tickets available at https://www.oaxsessions.com/session/materia-prima-itanoni/

El edicion II de "Materia Prima,", con las pilares de la gastonomia Oaxaquena (maiz, mezcal, y chocolate) en la comodidad y seguridad de Itanoni Oaxaca!

Boletos @ https://www.oaxsessions.com/session/materia-prima-itanoni/

#materiaprima #foodofthegods #itanoni #expresionesdemezcal #oaxacaprofundo #oaxsessions #oaxaca #corn #maiz #cacao #chocolate #maguey #agave #mezcal #posada #deeplearning #sensoryexperience
We're almost into posada season! Join us for Volum We're almost into posada season! Join us for Volume 2 of "Materia Prima," with all the delicious delicacies of a posada in the comfort and safety of Itanoni Oaxaca!

Tickets available at www.oaxsessions.com

Casi estamos en la temporada de posadas! Unese a nosotros para el edicion II de "Materia Prima,", con todas las delicias de una posada en la comodidad y seguridad de Itanoni Oaxaca!

Boletos @ www.oaxsessions.com

#materiaprima #foodofthegods #itanoni #expresionesdemezcal #oaxacaprofundo #oaxsessions #oaxaca #corn #maiz #cacao #chocolate #maguey #agave #mezcal #posada #deeplearning #sensoryexperience
The Oaxacan Chocolate Club: Volume II - Jaguar Cho The Oaxacan Chocolate Club: Volume II - Jaguar Chocolate

Join us at Convivio. Oaxaca. for a special night of tasting, learning, and immersion in the world of "cacao blanco," sometimes known as "pataxte."

Thursday, November 26, 2020 at 7pm

Limited to 12 people. $500 pesos 
Tickets available at: http://ow.ly/HwAd50Cnye2

#oaxacanchocolateclub #oaxacanchocolate #oaxaca chocolate #jaguarchocolate #pataxte #cacaoblanco #convivio #oaxsessions #oaxacaprofundo #foodofthegods #theobroma #chocolatetastings #deeplearning
Maize. Mezcal. Chocolate. Join us TONIGHT @Itanoni Maize. Mezcal. Chocolate.
Join us TONIGHT @Itanoni Flor del Maiz for Materia Prima, our monthly 5-course dinner and exploration of Oaxaca's culinary glory. 

Details and tickets via website or link in profile.

#maize #maizcriollo #maiz #cacao #chocolate #maguey #mezcal #diademuertos #oaxaca #itanoni #oaxsessions #oaxacaprofundo #expresionesdelmezcal #deeplearning #hospitality #materiaprima #tortillas #foodofthegods

Maize. Mezcal. Chocolate.
Únase a nosotros ESTA NOCHE @Itanoni Flor del Maiz para Materia Prima, nuestra cena mensual de 5 platos y exploración de la gloria culinaria de Oaxaca.

Detalles y entradas a través del sitio web o enlace en el perfil.
Ever wondered why chocolate and cacao are always r Ever wondered why chocolate and cacao are always ritual offerings at the altars for the dead in Oaxaca? Come find out while tasting delicious and rare chocolate, tomorrow night @conviviooaxaca

Details and tickets via our website or link in profile. 💀🍫💀🍫💀

#cacao #chocolate #oaxacanchocolate #CacaoParaTodos #deathbychocolate #muerteporchocolate #conviviooaxaca #oaxsessions #oaxacaprofundo #oaxaca #diademuertos #deeplearning #hospitality

¿Alguna vez se preguntó por qué el chocolate y el cacao son siempre ofrendas rituales en los altares de los muertos en Oaxaca? Ven a descubrirlo mientras degusta un delicioso y raro chocolate, mañana por la noche @Convivio. Oaxaca.

Detalles y entradas a través de nuestro sitio web o enlace en perfil.
Follow on Instagram

Connect

E-mail Us

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Our Sessions

Chocolate & Maize

The Spirits of Agave

Materia Prima @ Itanoni Oaxaca

The Oaxacan Chocolate Club

Cacao Food Forest Field Trip

Student/Private Groups

 

Reviews

  • star rating  We started our 5 day adventure in Oaxaca with the chocolate and Maize tour by Chris. We had 2 teens... read more

    tripadvisor logo
    Kirsten D
    3/18/2020

    star rating  we really appreciated our experience with Chris today during our chocolate and maize session. we... read more

    tripadvisor logo
    lorih567
    2/28/2020
  • star rating  It was a pleasure to be guided by Chris around Oaxaca, learning about the significance of cocoa and maize to Oaxacans and how it is consumed and grown. I have... read more certainly developed a new found appreciation for the two and will take what I've learned with me moving forward. I highly recommend this experience during your trip to Oaxaca :)

    tripadvisor logo
    jenspassport
    11/14/2019

    star rating  Our day trip to Benito Juarez to meet Jose, May and their family was wonderful. We learnt about the importance of their maize and cocoa ceremonial drink and how it... read more is made. They were welcoming and kind. Chris was a great host also, spiritual and knowledgable. I would recommend this trip to all.

    tripadvisor logo
    rosieclayden
    11/13/2019
  • star rating  I’ve gone on many walking and tasting tours but no one has taken me for such a deep dive into the anthropology of the subject matter like Chris. ... read more If you only want to taste a lot of chocolate this is not the tour for you. Big you want insight into the legend and lore of maiz and cacao you will find this a fascinating experience

    tripadvisor logo
    Relax00902104700
    11/12/2019

    star rating  Highly recommend the Food of the Gods Tour! Chris has curated a journey through the story of chocolate and maíz. We very much enjoyed listening to the local perspective and... read more international expertise he has acquired on these foods. All while enjoying many delicious dishes, samples, lunch, and strolling through beautiful tour.

    tripadvisor logo
    tegglita
    11/12/2019
  • star rating  Loved it. I learned a lot about chocolate and maiz and how sacred they are to the people of Oaxaca. Thank you Chris for a great session!

    tripadvisor logo
    Trindiful
    11/12/2019

    star rating  An excellent guide to the use of chocolate and its cultural significance from someone who obviously has a deep felt commitment to the history, culture and people of Oaxaca. ... read more It's worth the engaging walk through Oaxaca Centro alone.

    tripadvisor logo
    travelerBilltraveler
    7/09/2019
© 2018 Oaxaca Profundo Sessions I All Rights Reserved I No Part of the Website May be Reproduced in Any Way
Theme by Colorlib Powered by WordPress
English ENG Spanish ESP