Río de Parras is a small town of around 800 people. The town doesn't suffer from acute or extreme poverty. It has a well-supplied clinic, food is plentiful, and most houses have all the basic services. The challenges that this community faces are more subtle.

SACRED was invited to meet with the local authority, mostly composed of elders and people who have been in the town for multiple generations. In that meeting they detailed their two biggest needs:

First, they expressed that the young people had no place to spend their time after school or work. Young people usually spend their afternoons drinking. Towns like Río de Parras, whose main activity is mezcal production, tend to be conscious that abusing alcohol has unfortunate consequences — they endeavor to give options to their youth, so they can focus on mezcal as a craft without abusing this product.

Second, Río de Parras had no space large enough for the entire community to participate in religious fiestas or family celebrations.

With the financial support of 818 Tequila, SACRED has been able to fund the construction of a community plaza, which solves both problems. That project — which was designed and built by the community — is now complete! And the community wants to thank us for the support. So we’re inviting you to join us in Río de Parras for the first celebration in their new home for celebrations!

The Party!

What: A community celebration in Río de Parras, Michoacan

When: Saturday, January 14, 2023, starting at 2:00pm and concluding when either the last person leaves or the last tortilla is consumed

Where: In the new plaza de comunidad in Río de Parras, Michoacan

How to get there: Easiest is to fly to General Francisco Mujica International Airport [MLM] outside Morelia. Río de Parras is about a 40-minute drive from the airport. The town is about an hour and 15 minutes from Morelia, Michoacan, if you want to make a weekend of it. (You can stay near the airport, but it would be a shame to miss Morelia.) To get from either Morelia or the airport to the town, you can rent a car and drive, or you can hire a driver. There are also forms of public transportation, but that can be a full-day commitment.

What to expect: It’s a community of literally dozens of families who make mezcal, so expect the spirits to flow. They’ve told us they’ll be cooking goat underground (birria), and there will no doubt be tons and tons of food, including vegan options. Live music … probably a basketball game or three … no doubt someone will be lighting fireworks. Expect fun, expect hospitality, expect a heart-warming, beautiful time.

To confirm: They’ve told us to invite as many people as we would like, so … feel free to bring friends. But let me know that you are coming. You can tell me as late as the day before, but please let me know. And if you want my help coordinating transport from airport or Morelia (or somewhere else) to the town, give me advance notice. I’ll be driving, as I’m sure others will, too. If I can’t fit you in my car, I’m sure I’ll be able to find someone to host you in theirs.

Contact: Lou Bank - lou@sacredagave.org - +1 312 545 4430