Casa de la Palestina is a unique property in the state of Puebla. Built in the 18th century, it stands right next to the famous convent of San Martín de Tours, in the heart of Huaquechula, a typical Mexican town. It is distinguished by its composite arches and interior mouldings. The restoration of this building will enable the installation of an archaeological and cultural museum. The project will contribute to the preservation of local heritage and the development of Huaquechula's cultural life.

Huaquechula is a municipality of Puebla in the Atlixco Valley, south-east of Mexico City. Huaquechula is a small town of 4,000 inhabitants. One of its main attractions is the altars during the Fiesta of the Dead season in October, and the magnificent landscapes that surround it. One of the municipality's main economic activities is agriculture: beans, corn, peanuts and sorghum are grown here. The main dishes typical of this region are mole, green pipián with zompantle flowers, molotes, black marinade and ash tamales with ayocote beans.

The restoration work was planned following the 2017 earthquake. Volunteers will take part in inventory, conservation and restoration work on the front wing of the Casa de la Palestina, as part of the proposed valorization plan following the earthquake.

The work will include architectural surveying, inventorying the terracotta tiles and cobblestones on the gallery floors, to enable them to be restored using ancestral methods.

Volunteers will be using local techniques such as quicklime slaking, nopal cactus mucilage (vegetable gelatine) and limewash paint. They will also take part in other missions, such as the conservation and restoration of adobe walls, thus preserving the community's traditional uses and customs. The work also includes the construction of wooden doors and windows, including their frames and mouldings, guided by craftsmen and restoration professionals.

Volunteers are at the heart of all this work, where they will learn and develop their personal and professional skills.

Volunteers will be accommodated in a fully-equipped house close to the site.

Meals will be prepared by the volunteers, sometimes with some members of the community.

The final, more detailed program will be sent to you a little in advance of the workcamp. Schedules may be modified to suit the pace of the work and the group of volunteers.

During their free time, volunteers will visit emblematic sites in the commune and discover the gastronomic heritage of this magical place.

Activities will be coordinated by AMVIAC and the Huaquechula town council. A more detailed program will be sent to you in advance of the workcamp. There will be a variety of cultural activities, particularly in connection with the Day of the Dead festivities.

Please note: a passport valid for the entire duration of your stay is required!

No specific skills are required to take part in the workcamp.

In the days following your pre-registration, the International Relations Department will contact you by e-mail to arrange a telephone conversation.

This will enable us to get to know you better and give you more details about the workcamp (organization, arrival arrangements, etc.).

You'll be able to ask us any questions you may have, and let us know what you need to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

You will then receive a roadmap summarizing all useful information about the site.

A pre-departure meeting will also be organized a few weeks before the worksite.

How to get there :

REMPART will help you organize your trip and provide you with all the information you need to book your tickets and get to the site.