8 days riding tour in the Copper Canyon, from Rancho del Oso, Chihuahua, April 2008
Semana Santa, or Holy Week is the most exciting fiesta in the Copper Canyon region. Thousands of Tarahumara Indians leave remote ranchitos to reach isolated religious centers where they participate in ceremonies that originated with Jesuit priests over three centuries ago.

The trip begins with three days of 3-6 hour familiarization rides around Rancho del Oso, featuring visits to archaelogical sites and Tarahumara ranchitos. After-dinner talks acquaint riders with Tarahumara culture and customs. On Thursday riders descend to Naranjo, continuing to Urique on Friday for lunch and a swim with the horses under a spectacular 400-ft-long suspension bridge. (Note: Depending on how everyone is doing, we may substitute an extra overnight in place of a day ride).

Distant drumbeats will signal your horseback approach to the Indian village of Guadalupe Coronado. Entering town, riders encounter warriors painted black and white, they represent devils who personify the evil associated with the crucifixion. Armed with wooden mock weapons, they attack the church, cackle, dance and carry on as if possessed. Meanwhile, officials with wooden lances protect the church. Darkness and the lighting of campfires signal the start of processions lasting the entire night.

Riders participate in the fiesta, join the candle-lit processions, enter the incense-filled 17th century church to participate in activities and observe the humble offerings and centuries old statues of saints. Pandemonium breaks out in the form of ceremonial wrestling between good and evil. Eventually the devils lose and their "king", a colorful effigy of Judas, is burnt along with other symbols of the evil side of Easter. Devils are then rounded up and ceremonially whipped (no blood drawn nor harm done) as they are herded into the church to be cleansed, washed and returned to society as normal people.

Leaving Guadalupe, riders pass through Urique then climb out of the canyon to spend the night at Cerro Gallegos, the most beautiful of all canyon-rim viewpoints. Sunday riders return to the Ranch for a farewell party.

This package also includes provisions for non-riding accompaniers, who will spend the week at the ranch participating in activities and hikes then descend to the canyon for Semana Santa activities, camping with the riders Friday night in Guadalupe and Saturday night on the rim. Accompaniers may rent horses for day rides subject on availability.

Tour dates: 16-24 April 2008

Participants are required to bring their own sleeping bag and pad unless other arrangements have been made.