We're honored to have you participate in the Tuki Fiesta. This 3-day ritual in the Wixárika (Huichol) tradition offers blessings for all who attend. This is a unique opportunity for those yearning for a deeper experience of connection through traditional ceremony and perspectives that have stood the test of time.
The Tuki is a special place for the Gods to be engaged to provide healing and guidance. This modest-looking thatched adobe shelter provides a place for people to orient to all creation in a balanced way. And like all of creation the tuki is recognized as a living presence that must be fed with ritual so that it can in turn feed the people (from all cultures) and nourish their connection to the Gods and the world.
We are currently in the 4th year of a 5-year cycle of feeding and honoring this living treasure. Participating this year is especially auspicious as it includes an important initiation of three Mara'akate to the holiest of sacred sites of the Wixárika (Huichol) tradition. With great devotion and sacrifice, Lawrence Messerman, Brian Collins, and Barry Williams have made pilgrimage and placed offerings in the sacred desert for five years with petitions to the Gods to help them further their lives and their work of service and healing. They are now preparing to deepen their abilities as Mara’akate to access healing capacity and divine blessings for those they serve.
Schedule & Travel Information
Arrival: Fiesta begins with dinner on September 7—please arrive at Tuki grounds by 5 PM
Departure: Ceremony concludes September 10 at ~ 5 PM, with optional celebration 7-10 PM
If flying: Arrive at Mexico City International Airport before 3 PM on 9/7 and schedule departure after 12 PM on 9/11.
Registration Process
Important: Attendance is by invitation or by request. Seats are limited—first come, first served. Registration deadline: August 15, 2025
Steps to Register:
1. Select the appropriate ticket for each person attending
2. Answer the questions that appear after ticket selection
3. Have flight information ready if requesting ground transportation (this can be added later by contacting [email protected])
4. Complete payment with credit card.
5. Read your confirmation letter (check junk mail if not received)
Pricing & Options
Adult Guest | 9/7-9/11 (4 nights lodging + breakfast): $850
Adult Local Mexican Guest | 9/7-9/10 (no lodging or breakfast): $390 US paid online
Adult Local Mexican Guest | 9/7-9/10 (no lodging or breakfast): 7000 pesos paid at the door to save 3% credit card fees (requires pre-registration here)
Child Guest (ages 10 -15) | 9/7-9/10: $125
Children (under 10 years): Free
Casero/Pilgrim/Spouse/Helper | 9/5-9/12 (7 nights lodging + breakfast): $975
Mara'akate | 9/7-9/12 (7 nights lodging + breakfast): $1025
All-inclusive fees cover lodging (for non-locals), meals, tips, and all ritual fees including Grandfather Fire audience.
Ground transportation (to and from the airport) paid separately to driver.
If your child needs a separate bed there may be an additional fee. Please contact our Lodging Casero Peter Brown at [email protected].
Accommodations & Meals
Lodging: Out-of-town guests stay at local posadas (hotels) within 5-10 minutes walking distance of ceremonial grounds. Rooms are generally double occupancy with separate beds. You may request a specific roommate during registration.
Meals: All meals are catered, delicious, and gluten-free. Dairy-free and vegetarian options available—select during registration. Note: This will be your diet for the entire Fiesta, though you're welcome (not required) to taste sacred meat served during ritual meals. For food allergies beyond gluten/dairy, contact our Registration Casera after registering and before August 15.
Ground Transportation
We arrange ~2-hour shuttle service between Mexico City Airport and Tepoztlán lodging for an additional fee paid directly to your driver in US dollars:
Standard times (arriving before 3 PM on 9/7, departing after 12 PM on 9/11): $30-$50 per person each way (depending on shuttle occupancy)
Outside standard times: Up to $110 each way (depending on rideshare availability)
Shuttle arrangements will be made for the mara'akate, caseros, spouses, and helpers arriving 9/5 and departing 9/12 also for an additional fee.
What to Expect
The Tuki Fiesta is a sacred three-day ritual that will immerse you in the profound tradition of the Wixárika people. Plan to arrive on the Tuki grounds each morning after breakfast and stay throughout the day and evening. Lunch and dinner will be served on-site. This is a time to slow down and connect deeply with each other and the natural world as ritual activities unfold throughout the days.
The ritual includes several key moments:
- Honoring the sacred deer who sacrifices and guides us as we walk through life.
- Special offerings to the sacred sites that the Jicareros will prepare during Tuki Fiesta and then travel to and place in November as part of their spiritual duty.
- A Grandfather Fire audienceMonday night from 8 PM to ~ midnight.
- Participation in a sacred theater.All night singing and ceremony Tuesday night guided by our Tsauxixka elder shaman Don Efrén Gonzáles Carrillo. Families with small children may want to arrange for their children to return home or to the posada after dinner rather than staying for the all-night singing ceremony.
- The experience concludes with a celebratory party with dancing Wednesday 7-10 PM.
You'll also witness the advancement of three Mara'akate as they deepen their connection to the holiest sites of this tradition. Expect moments of deep reflection, community connection, and spiritual transformation in the beautiful setting of Tepoztlán, surrounded by people from diverse backgrounds united in reverence for these time-honored practices that will transform your view of life.
Important note: Due to the delicate nature of the ceremonial container, once you leave the Tuki grounds each day, you cannot return until the next morning.
Cancellation Policy
- Before August 15: 50% refund
- After August 15: No refund unless illness-related
Support & Contact
For assistance, questions, or if you don't fit standard ticket options, contact our Registration Casera:
Heidi Griswold
[email protected] | (801) 363-7500
We're grateful for our volunteer Caseros (team leaders) who serve as sacred promise keepers, ensuring all logistics and your needs are carefully tended to.
Support the Wixárika People
If you're unable to join us this year, please consider a contribution to the Grupo Tatewari Fund—this is the best way to give directly to the Wixárika tradition and people as the requests for ceremonial support continue.
Donate through Temple of Sacred Fire Healing (501c3 non-profit):
We look forward to seeing you there!
With Love,
The Jicareros - Grupo Tatewarí
Linda Felch, Patrick Hanaway, Anna-Lena Hilton, Lawrence Messerman, Susan Skinner
& Ritual Manager - Don David Wiley
& Ritual Coordinator - Lisa Lichtig
We extend special thanks to the Temple of Sacred Fire Healing (501c3 non-profit) for their support, services, and cooperation in making this event available
