Bringing Mexico, the Aztecs and the Maya to life in schools and the community since 1980.

‘Massively informative, all children took away something from the morning, they were all very excited by it. Very successful and inspiring.
[Strengths:] ‘Getting to play instruments, chanting, parade, dressing up in costume, learning about the music, task in teams, the display Ian put up (so much excitement walking in), fantastic opening - no words - so engaging...
’Everyone remembered different things that they found more interesting. A good mix.’
Year 5 teachers, Bridgewater Primary School, Berkhamsted, Maya workshop, May 2022.

‘Thank you so munch your made me a genius about the Aztecs I couldn’t Thank you more.’ Year 3 boy, Thomas’s Prep School, London

‘When I heard we had an Aztec workshop I didn’t have high expectations, but as I entered the room the atmosphere completely changed into a wonderful, unique city called Tenochtitlan... You made an outstanding workshop all by yourself... I appreciate how much effort you put in to get smiles on our faces! I learnt so much from you. Thank you for teaching us about Aztecs in the funnest way possible!’
’It was a very fun experience for me, I have never seen anything like it.’
’I really appreciate everything you did just for our education.’
’You have inspired so much that I have already bought an Aztec encyclopaedia. I am already on the third chapter: Aztec homes.’
’I hope you have a nice life until you come to Redriff for the 21st. time!’
’This amazing workshop that I will never ever forget... I hope this memory will still with me forever. Thank you so much.’
’All the energy & enthusiasm you put into it was astounding.’
’This performance was like none other, and has educated me in one of the best ways..’
Year 6 pupil letters, Redriff Primary Academy, Rotherhithe, Aztecs workshop November 2022.

‘You are brilliant. You, of course, have an enormous knowledge base; you totally engage the children’s attention; you present everything in a variety of ways - the dressing up, drama, music, slide projection (very clever idea), your lives, etc...’ Fátima Duerden, MFL Coordinator/Spanish Teacher, Dog Kennel Hill Primary School, London

‘Absolutely fantastic’ [Main strengths] your knowledge and interaction with the children. It was wonderful to watch. I learnt lots from it too!’ Year 6 teacher, Hampton Primary School, Herne Bay, Kent, Maya workshop, November 2022.

‘The quizzes were extremely fun and made me learn so much more about the Aztecs’
’It was amazing how the Aztecs made all these unusual instruments. It was the best way of teaching, it brought the Aztecs to life’
’I really want to go to Mexico and see the [Sun]stone... Thank you for the best day ever’
What a fantastic, amazing and wonderful start to year 5 I will never forget our Aztec morning!!’
’My mum has an Aztec calendar pendant which she never understood. I have now been able to explain some of it to her so she knows that the Earth God with a flint tongue is in the middle with the twenty day cycle around it and the symbols for the four worlds’
’I can now tell my mum about the Aztecs instead of her telling me’
- Children’s letters from Stroud School

‘Absolutely fantastic. The ideal way to start a new topic - catered for all the learning styles and the children and adults were engrossed... Perfectly balanced, well timed... and a good overview of the topic.’ Teacher feedback, Wood End Primary School, Harpenden, Herts., January 2015.

‘10/10, the children were so enthusiastic during and after and you made lots of links to our subjects in the classroom’. Main strength: ‘getting so many of the children involved. Starting with the music/chanting without even talking this engaged the children straight away.’
’You cover so much. I could listen all day... A very enjoyable morning - thank you.’
Katie Townhill, Yr. 5 leader, Freegounds Junior School, Hedge End, Southampton, Maya workshop, January 2025.

“The paper I gave went down well in Stockholm. There was a lot of interest in the educational programme for the Day of the Dead [exhibition at the Museum of Mankind]. Several people in the symposium had seen some of the children’s sessions and were very favourably impressed. A lady from the Ethnographical Museum in Stockholm was so impressed by what your education people were doing that she took notes and the Stockholm Museum set up a similar programme in their museum...”
George Bankes, Keeper of Ethnology, The Manchester Museum, 28/7/94.

‘Absolutely wonderful! A fully immersive experience that really engaged the children and instilled a passion to learn more. [Main strengths:] Child participation and a magical atmosphere - children didn’t recognise their own school hall.’ Claire Hilton, Yr. 6 teacher, Royal Park Academy, Sidcup, Aztecs workshop January 2018.

‘Exciting, engaging and so educational for all of our children! It was so wonderful... SUPERB [interaction with the children]... I can’t wait to have you back next year!’
Sam Fletcher, Year 6 leader, Royal Park Primary Academy, Sidcup, Aztecs workshop, January 2022.

‘The best morning I’ve had in the school since I began here’ (to the children after our presentation). ‘The best presentation I’ve ever seen...’ Rich Beavington, Year 5 Leader, Ferndown Middle School, Dorset, Maya workshop, March 2019.

‘Thank you so much for presenting such an interesting workshop about the Aztecs. Thank you for sharing all your interesting Aztec artefacts with us. It was a highlight of our year as we have been unable to do anything like that for a long time.
We really enjoyed chanting together with the music.
You answered so many of our questions and we are now really keen to learn more about the civilisation.
Love from Year 3, Lambrook School’
Aztecs workshop, April 2021.

‘A huge thanks for another outstanding workshop; it’s always a special highlight for the girls and a truly memorable experience. The finale was worthy of anything Steven Spielberg could conjure up!
’Once again, many thanks for a marvellous afternoon and very much looking forward to welcoming you back in 2018...’ Email from Matthew Breslin, Head of History of Art, City of London School for Girls, January 2016.

‘You made me inspired about Maya chants’
’I learnt about the Underworld, the Quetzal and Obsidian. The best bit was learning about the Jaguar Warriors and the ancient books’
’The best bit was the procession. I felt really powerful’
’The best bit was when I got to dress up in Maya clothes and walk around. I felt very important’
’I thought I was in their lives’.
Year 4 pupil letters, Witham Hall Prep School, Lincs., Maya workshop, November 2021.

"Dear Graciela and Ian,
"... I think the Aztecs instruments were Exellant because we don't nomally play them but now I've heard them I want to go back in time and hear them for real I especially liked the rainsnake and the ocarina."

"Thank you yet again for another wonderful presentation. The children learnt so much this morning. I still can not believe how much information you are able to cover in such a short amount of time! It is quite incredible. The children were so excited by the whole experience that they spent most of the afternoon reminding me of all the extra things they had found out about the Aztecs. The presentation definitely had the 'wow' factor for them and I was really pleased at how much they had taken in. Our two new teachers, Anna and Laura, said how much they had enjoyed it too......................and they were so impressed at the depth of your knowledge on the subject. You had answers for every single question thrown at you! Amazing! Let me say how delighted we were to have you back at Glebe again and how much I appreciate the hard work and effort that you put into making the presentation so enjoyable for the children. Thank you both." (via email)

‘It was wonderful. 10/10. So much to see, hear and learn. A brilliant experience for everyone and they loved the challenges.
’Wonderful display of artefacts. Brilliant audience participation. The children loved it.
’Children loved the challenge and [it] gave them the chance to research in a group.
’Thank you so much. We loved it.’
Year 5 teachers, Bromsgrove Prep School, Aztecs workshop, May 2022.

Mexicolore ran a series of 20 interactive workshops for schools on Aztec culture in support of the major 'Aztecs' exhibition (2002-3). Annie Harris, Head of Education at the RA, described our work in these terms: '[Mexicolore] conducted a series of 20 remarkable, interactive workshops for primary school children. These focused on the history of the Aztecs, their customs, beliefs and everyday lives. Using slides, artefacts, music, costumes and demonstrations, Ian and Graciela brought to life the Aztec world. The fast paced workshops gave children and adults a memorable, entertaining and educational insight into this ancient culture. The workshop space was full of colour and fascinating textiles, facsimile codices and artefacts collected over many years. I recommend Mexicolore very highly indeed.' To the team itself Annie wrote afterwards: 'We considered ourselves incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity of working with you both at the Royal Academy. You were an inspirational addition to our Aztec programme and I hope you have success wherever you go to promote Aztec culture...'

‘Thank you so much for coming into Highgate Junior School yesterday. The children - as always - absolutely loved your workshop. They came out totally buzzing about everything they had learnt. We are very grateful for your energy and commitment and hope that you will be back again next year.’
Naomi Stungo, Year 5 Form Tutor and Humanities Co-ordinator, Highgate Junior School, London, Aztecs workshop, December 2022.

‘Massively informative, all children took away something from the morning, they were all very excited by it. Very successful and inspiring.
[Strengths:] ‘Getting to play instruments, chanting, parade, dressing up in costume, learning about the music, task in teams, the display Ian put up (so much excitement walking in), fantastic opening - no words - so engaging...
’Everyone remembered different things that they found more interesting. A good mix.’
Year 5 teachers, Bridgewater Primary School, Berkhamsted, Maya workshop, May 2022.

‘Thank you so munch your made me a genius about the Aztecs I couldn’t Thank you more.’ Year 3 boy, Thomas’s Prep School, London

‘When I heard we had an Aztec workshop I didn’t have high expectations, but as I entered the room the atmosphere completely changed into a wonderful, unique city called Tenochtitlan... You made an outstanding workshop all by yourself... I appreciate how much effort you put in to get smiles on our faces! I learnt so much from you. Thank you for teaching us about Aztecs in the funnest way possible!’
’It was a very fun experience for me, I have never seen anything like it.’
’I really appreciate everything you did just for our education.’
’You have inspired so much that I have already bought an Aztec encyclopaedia. I am already on the third chapter: Aztec homes.’
’I hope you have a nice life until you come to Redriff for the 21st. time!’
’This amazing workshop that I will never ever forget... I hope this memory will still with me forever. Thank you so much.’
’All the energy & enthusiasm you put into it was astounding.’
’This performance was like none other, and has educated me in one of the best ways..’
Year 6 pupil letters, Redriff Primary Academy, Rotherhithe, Aztecs workshop November 2022.

‘You are brilliant. You, of course, have an enormous knowledge base; you totally engage the children’s attention; you present everything in a variety of ways - the dressing up, drama, music, slide projection (very clever idea), your lives, etc...’ Fátima Duerden, MFL Coordinator/Spanish Teacher, Dog Kennel Hill Primary School, London

‘Absolutely fantastic’ [Main strengths] your knowledge and interaction with the children. It was wonderful to watch. I learnt lots from it too!’ Year 6 teacher, Hampton Primary School, Herne Bay, Kent, Maya workshop, November 2022.

‘The quizzes were extremely fun and made me learn so much more about the Aztecs’
’It was amazing how the Aztecs made all these unusual instruments. It was the best way of teaching, it brought the Aztecs to life’
’I really want to go to Mexico and see the [Sun]stone... Thank you for the best day ever’
What a fantastic, amazing and wonderful start to year 5 I will never forget our Aztec morning!!’
’My mum has an Aztec calendar pendant which she never understood. I have now been able to explain some of it to her so she knows that the Earth God with a flint tongue is in the middle with the twenty day cycle around it and the symbols for the four worlds’
’I can now tell my mum about the Aztecs instead of her telling me’
- Children’s letters from Stroud School

‘Absolutely fantastic. The ideal way to start a new topic - catered for all the learning styles and the children and adults were engrossed... Perfectly balanced, well timed... and a good overview of the topic.’ Teacher feedback, Wood End Primary School, Harpenden, Herts., January 2015.

‘10/10, the children were so enthusiastic during and after and you made lots of links to our subjects in the classroom’. Main strength: ‘getting so many of the children involved. Starting with the music/chanting without even talking this engaged the children straight away.’
’You cover so much. I could listen all day... A very enjoyable morning - thank you.’
Katie Townhill, Yr. 5 leader, Freegounds Junior School, Hedge End, Southampton, Maya workshop, January 2025.

“The paper I gave went down well in Stockholm. There was a lot of interest in the educational programme for the Day of the Dead [exhibition at the Museum of Mankind]. Several people in the symposium had seen some of the children’s sessions and were very favourably impressed. A lady from the Ethnographical Museum in Stockholm was so impressed by what your education people were doing that she took notes and the Stockholm Museum set up a similar programme in their museum...”
George Bankes, Keeper of Ethnology, The Manchester Museum, 28/7/94.

‘Absolutely wonderful! A fully immersive experience that really engaged the children and instilled a passion to learn more. [Main strengths:] Child participation and a magical atmosphere - children didn’t recognise their own school hall.’ Claire Hilton, Yr. 6 teacher, Royal Park Academy, Sidcup, Aztecs workshop January 2018.

‘Exciting, engaging and so educational for all of our children! It was so wonderful... SUPERB [interaction with the children]... I can’t wait to have you back next year!’
Sam Fletcher, Year 6 leader, Royal Park Primary Academy, Sidcup, Aztecs workshop, January 2022.

‘The best morning I’ve had in the school since I began here’ (to the children after our presentation). ‘The best presentation I’ve ever seen...’ Rich Beavington, Year 5 Leader, Ferndown Middle School, Dorset, Maya workshop, March 2019.

‘Thank you so much for presenting such an interesting workshop about the Aztecs. Thank you for sharing all your interesting Aztec artefacts with us. It was a highlight of our year as we have been unable to do anything like that for a long time.
We really enjoyed chanting together with the music.
You answered so many of our questions and we are now really keen to learn more about the civilisation.
Love from Year 3, Lambrook School’
Aztecs workshop, April 2021.

‘A huge thanks for another outstanding workshop; it’s always a special highlight for the girls and a truly memorable experience. The finale was worthy of anything Steven Spielberg could conjure up!
’Once again, many thanks for a marvellous afternoon and very much looking forward to welcoming you back in 2018...’ Email from Matthew Breslin, Head of History of Art, City of London School for Girls, January 2016.

‘You made me inspired about Maya chants’
’I learnt about the Underworld, the Quetzal and Obsidian. The best bit was learning about the Jaguar Warriors and the ancient books’
’The best bit was the procession. I felt really powerful’
’The best bit was when I got to dress up in Maya clothes and walk around. I felt very important’
’I thought I was in their lives’.
Year 4 pupil letters, Witham Hall Prep School, Lincs., Maya workshop, November 2021.

"Dear Graciela and Ian,
"... I think the Aztecs instruments were Exellant because we don't nomally play them but now I've heard them I want to go back in time and hear them for real I especially liked the rainsnake and the ocarina."

"Thank you yet again for another wonderful presentation. The children learnt so much this morning. I still can not believe how much information you are able to cover in such a short amount of time! It is quite incredible. The children were so excited by the whole experience that they spent most of the afternoon reminding me of all the extra things they had found out about the Aztecs. The presentation definitely had the 'wow' factor for them and I was really pleased at how much they had taken in. Our two new teachers, Anna and Laura, said how much they had enjoyed it too......................and they were so impressed at the depth of your knowledge on the subject. You had answers for every single question thrown at you! Amazing! Let me say how delighted we were to have you back at Glebe again and how much I appreciate the hard work and effort that you put into making the presentation so enjoyable for the children. Thank you both." (via email)

‘It was wonderful. 10/10. So much to see, hear and learn. A brilliant experience for everyone and they loved the challenges.
’Wonderful display of artefacts. Brilliant audience participation. The children loved it.
’Children loved the challenge and [it] gave them the chance to research in a group.
’Thank you so much. We loved it.’
Year 5 teachers, Bromsgrove Prep School, Aztecs workshop, May 2022.

Mexicolore ran a series of 20 interactive workshops for schools on Aztec culture in support of the major 'Aztecs' exhibition (2002-3). Annie Harris, Head of Education at the RA, described our work in these terms: '[Mexicolore] conducted a series of 20 remarkable, interactive workshops for primary school children. These focused on the history of the Aztecs, their customs, beliefs and everyday lives. Using slides, artefacts, music, costumes and demonstrations, Ian and Graciela brought to life the Aztec world. The fast paced workshops gave children and adults a memorable, entertaining and educational insight into this ancient culture. The workshop space was full of colour and fascinating textiles, facsimile codices and artefacts collected over many years. I recommend Mexicolore very highly indeed.' To the team itself Annie wrote afterwards: 'We considered ourselves incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity of working with you both at the Royal Academy. You were an inspirational addition to our Aztec programme and I hope you have success wherever you go to promote Aztec culture...'

‘Thank you so much for coming into Highgate Junior School yesterday. The children - as always - absolutely loved your workshop. They came out totally buzzing about everything they had learnt. We are very grateful for your energy and commitment and hope that you will be back again next year.’
Naomi Stungo, Year 5 Form Tutor and Humanities Co-ordinator, Highgate Junior School, London, Aztecs workshop, December 2022.

‘Massively informative, all children took away something from the morning, they were all very excited by it. Very successful and inspiring.
[Strengths:] ‘Getting to play instruments, chanting, parade, dressing up in costume, learning about the music, task in teams, the display Ian put up (so much excitement walking in), fantastic opening - no words - so engaging...
’Everyone remembered different things that they found more interesting. A good mix.’
Year 5 teachers, Bridgewater Primary School, Berkhamsted, Maya workshop, May 2022.

‘Thank you so munch your made me a genius about the Aztecs I couldn’t Thank you more.’ Year 3 boy, Thomas’s Prep School, London

‘When I heard we had an Aztec workshop I didn’t have high expectations, but as I entered the room the atmosphere completely changed into a wonderful, unique city called Tenochtitlan... You made an outstanding workshop all by yourself... I appreciate how much effort you put in to get smiles on our faces! I learnt so much from you. Thank you for teaching us about Aztecs in the funnest way possible!’
’It was a very fun experience for me, I have never seen anything like it.’
’I really appreciate everything you did just for our education.’
’You have inspired so much that I have already bought an Aztec encyclopaedia. I am already on the third chapter: Aztec homes.’
’I hope you have a nice life until you come to Redriff for the 21st. time!’
’This amazing workshop that I will never ever forget... I hope this memory will still with me forever. Thank you so much.’
’All the energy & enthusiasm you put into it was astounding.’
’This performance was like none other, and has educated me in one of the best ways..’
Year 6 pupil letters, Redriff Primary Academy, Rotherhithe, Aztecs workshop November 2022.

‘You are brilliant. You, of course, have an enormous knowledge base; you totally engage the children’s attention; you present everything in a variety of ways - the dressing up, drama, music, slide projection (very clever idea), your lives, etc...’ Fátima Duerden, MFL Coordinator/Spanish Teacher, Dog Kennel Hill Primary School, London

‘Absolutely fantastic’ [Main strengths] your knowledge and interaction with the children. It was wonderful to watch. I learnt lots from it too!’ Year 6 teacher, Hampton Primary School, Herne Bay, Kent, Maya workshop, November 2022.

‘The quizzes were extremely fun and made me learn so much more about the Aztecs’
’It was amazing how the Aztecs made all these unusual instruments. It was the best way of teaching, it brought the Aztecs to life’
’I really want to go to Mexico and see the [Sun]stone... Thank you for the best day ever’
What a fantastic, amazing and wonderful start to year 5 I will never forget our Aztec morning!!’
’My mum has an Aztec calendar pendant which she never understood. I have now been able to explain some of it to her so she knows that the Earth God with a flint tongue is in the middle with the twenty day cycle around it and the symbols for the four worlds’
’I can now tell my mum about the Aztecs instead of her telling me’
- Children’s letters from Stroud School

‘Absolutely fantastic. The ideal way to start a new topic - catered for all the learning styles and the children and adults were engrossed... Perfectly balanced, well timed... and a good overview of the topic.’ Teacher feedback, Wood End Primary School, Harpenden, Herts., January 2015.

‘10/10, the children were so enthusiastic during and after and you made lots of links to our subjects in the classroom’. Main strength: ‘getting so many of the children involved. Starting with the music/chanting without even talking this engaged the children straight away.’
’You cover so much. I could listen all day... A very enjoyable morning - thank you.’
Katie Townhill, Yr. 5 leader, Freegounds Junior School, Hedge End, Southampton, Maya workshop, January 2025.

“The paper I gave went down well in Stockholm. There was a lot of interest in the educational programme for the Day of the Dead [exhibition at the Museum of Mankind]. Several people in the symposium had seen some of the children’s sessions and were very favourably impressed. A lady from the Ethnographical Museum in Stockholm was so impressed by what your education people were doing that she took notes and the Stockholm Museum set up a similar programme in their museum...”
George Bankes, Keeper of Ethnology, The Manchester Museum, 28/7/94.

‘Absolutely wonderful! A fully immersive experience that really engaged the children and instilled a passion to learn more. [Main strengths:] Child participation and a magical atmosphere - children didn’t recognise their own school hall.’ Claire Hilton, Yr. 6 teacher, Royal Park Academy, Sidcup, Aztecs workshop January 2018.

‘Exciting, engaging and so educational for all of our children! It was so wonderful... SUPERB [interaction with the children]... I can’t wait to have you back next year!’
Sam Fletcher, Year 6 leader, Royal Park Primary Academy, Sidcup, Aztecs workshop, January 2022.

‘The best morning I’ve had in the school since I began here’ (to the children after our presentation). ‘The best presentation I’ve ever seen...’ Rich Beavington, Year 5 Leader, Ferndown Middle School, Dorset, Maya workshop, March 2019.

‘Thank you so much for presenting such an interesting workshop about the Aztecs. Thank you for sharing all your interesting Aztec artefacts with us. It was a highlight of our year as we have been unable to do anything like that for a long time.
We really enjoyed chanting together with the music.
You answered so many of our questions and we are now really keen to learn more about the civilisation.
Love from Year 3, Lambrook School’
Aztecs workshop, April 2021.

‘A huge thanks for another outstanding workshop; it’s always a special highlight for the girls and a truly memorable experience. The finale was worthy of anything Steven Spielberg could conjure up!
’Once again, many thanks for a marvellous afternoon and very much looking forward to welcoming you back in 2018...’ Email from Matthew Breslin, Head of History of Art, City of London School for Girls, January 2016.

‘You made me inspired about Maya chants’
’I learnt about the Underworld, the Quetzal and Obsidian. The best bit was learning about the Jaguar Warriors and the ancient books’
’The best bit was the procession. I felt really powerful’
’The best bit was when I got to dress up in Maya clothes and walk around. I felt very important’
’I thought I was in their lives’.
Year 4 pupil letters, Witham Hall Prep School, Lincs., Maya workshop, November 2021.

"Dear Graciela and Ian,
"... I think the Aztecs instruments were Exellant because we don't nomally play them but now I've heard them I want to go back in time and hear them for real I especially liked the rainsnake and the ocarina."

"Thank you yet again for another wonderful presentation. The children learnt so much this morning. I still can not believe how much information you are able to cover in such a short amount of time! It is quite incredible. The children were so excited by the whole experience that they spent most of the afternoon reminding me of all the extra things they had found out about the Aztecs. The presentation definitely had the 'wow' factor for them and I was really pleased at how much they had taken in. Our two new teachers, Anna and Laura, said how much they had enjoyed it too......................and they were so impressed at the depth of your knowledge on the subject. You had answers for every single question thrown at you! Amazing! Let me say how delighted we were to have you back at Glebe again and how much I appreciate the hard work and effort that you put into making the presentation so enjoyable for the children. Thank you both." (via email)

‘It was wonderful. 10/10. So much to see, hear and learn. A brilliant experience for everyone and they loved the challenges.
’Wonderful display of artefacts. Brilliant audience participation. The children loved it.
’Children loved the challenge and [it] gave them the chance to research in a group.
’Thank you so much. We loved it.’
Year 5 teachers, Bromsgrove Prep School, Aztecs workshop, May 2022.

Mexicolore ran a series of 20 interactive workshops for schools on Aztec culture in support of the major 'Aztecs' exhibition (2002-3). Annie Harris, Head of Education at the RA, described our work in these terms: '[Mexicolore] conducted a series of 20 remarkable, interactive workshops for primary school children. These focused on the history of the Aztecs, their customs, beliefs and everyday lives. Using slides, artefacts, music, costumes and demonstrations, Ian and Graciela brought to life the Aztec world. The fast paced workshops gave children and adults a memorable, entertaining and educational insight into this ancient culture. The workshop space was full of colour and fascinating textiles, facsimile codices and artefacts collected over many years. I recommend Mexicolore very highly indeed.' To the team itself Annie wrote afterwards: 'We considered ourselves incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity of working with you both at the Royal Academy. You were an inspirational addition to our Aztec programme and I hope you have success wherever you go to promote Aztec culture...'

‘Thank you so much for coming into Highgate Junior School yesterday. The children - as always - absolutely loved your workshop. They came out totally buzzing about everything they had learnt. We are very grateful for your energy and commitment and hope that you will be back again next year.’
Naomi Stungo, Year 5 Form Tutor and Humanities Co-ordinator, Highgate Junior School, London, Aztecs workshop, December 2022.

‘Massively informative, all children took away something from the morning, they were all very excited by it. Very successful and inspiring.
[Strengths:] ‘Getting to play instruments, chanting, parade, dressing up in costume, learning about the music, task in teams, the display Ian put up (so much excitement walking in), fantastic opening - no words - so engaging...
’Everyone remembered different things that they found more interesting. A good mix.’
Year 5 teachers, Bridgewater Primary School, Berkhamsted, Maya workshop, May 2022.

‘Thank you so munch your made me a genius about the Aztecs I couldn’t Thank you more.’ Year 3 boy, Thomas’s Prep School, London

‘When I heard we had an Aztec workshop I didn’t have high expectations, but as I entered the room the atmosphere completely changed into a wonderful, unique city called Tenochtitlan... You made an outstanding workshop all by yourself... I appreciate how much effort you put in to get smiles on our faces! I learnt so much from you. Thank you for teaching us about Aztecs in the funnest way possible!’
’It was a very fun experience for me, I have never seen anything like it.’
’I really appreciate everything you did just for our education.’
’You have inspired so much that I have already bought an Aztec encyclopaedia. I am already on the third chapter: Aztec homes.’
’I hope you have a nice life until you come to Redriff for the 21st. time!’
’This amazing workshop that I will never ever forget... I hope this memory will still with me forever. Thank you so much.’
’All the energy & enthusiasm you put into it was astounding.’
’This performance was like none other, and has educated me in one of the best ways..’
Year 6 pupil letters, Redriff Primary Academy, Rotherhithe, Aztecs workshop November 2022.

‘You are brilliant. You, of course, have an enormous knowledge base; you totally engage the children’s attention; you present everything in a variety of ways - the dressing up, drama, music, slide projection (very clever idea), your lives, etc...’ Fátima Duerden, MFL Coordinator/Spanish Teacher, Dog Kennel Hill Primary School, London

‘Absolutely fantastic’ [Main strengths] your knowledge and interaction with the children. It was wonderful to watch. I learnt lots from it too!’ Year 6 teacher, Hampton Primary School, Herne Bay, Kent, Maya workshop, November 2022.

‘The quizzes were extremely fun and made me learn so much more about the Aztecs’
’It was amazing how the Aztecs made all these unusual instruments. It was the best way of teaching, it brought the Aztecs to life’
’I really want to go to Mexico and see the [Sun]stone... Thank you for the best day ever’
What a fantastic, amazing and wonderful start to year 5 I will never forget our Aztec morning!!’
’My mum has an Aztec calendar pendant which she never understood. I have now been able to explain some of it to her so she knows that the Earth God with a flint tongue is in the middle with the twenty day cycle around it and the symbols for the four worlds’
’I can now tell my mum about the Aztecs instead of her telling me’
- Children’s letters from Stroud School

‘Absolutely fantastic. The ideal way to start a new topic - catered for all the learning styles and the children and adults were engrossed... Perfectly balanced, well timed... and a good overview of the topic.’ Teacher feedback, Wood End Primary School, Harpenden, Herts., January 2015.

‘10/10, the children were so enthusiastic during and after and you made lots of links to our subjects in the classroom’. Main strength: ‘getting so many of the children involved. Starting with the music/chanting without even talking this engaged the children straight away.’
’You cover so much. I could listen all day... A very enjoyable morning - thank you.’
Katie Townhill, Yr. 5 leader, Freegounds Junior School, Hedge End, Southampton, Maya workshop, January 2025.

“The paper I gave went down well in Stockholm. There was a lot of interest in the educational programme for the Day of the Dead [exhibition at the Museum of Mankind]. Several people in the symposium had seen some of the children’s sessions and were very favourably impressed. A lady from the Ethnographical Museum in Stockholm was so impressed by what your education people were doing that she took notes and the Stockholm Museum set up a similar programme in their museum...”
George Bankes, Keeper of Ethnology, The Manchester Museum, 28/7/94.

‘Absolutely wonderful! A fully immersive experience that really engaged the children and instilled a passion to learn more. [Main strengths:] Child participation and a magical atmosphere - children didn’t recognise their own school hall.’ Claire Hilton, Yr. 6 teacher, Royal Park Academy, Sidcup, Aztecs workshop January 2018.

‘Exciting, engaging and so educational for all of our children! It was so wonderful... SUPERB [interaction with the children]... I can’t wait to have you back next year!’
Sam Fletcher, Year 6 leader, Royal Park Primary Academy, Sidcup, Aztecs workshop, January 2022.

‘The best morning I’ve had in the school since I began here’ (to the children after our presentation). ‘The best presentation I’ve ever seen...’ Rich Beavington, Year 5 Leader, Ferndown Middle School, Dorset, Maya workshop, March 2019.

‘Thank you so much for presenting such an interesting workshop about the Aztecs. Thank you for sharing all your interesting Aztec artefacts with us. It was a highlight of our year as we have been unable to do anything like that for a long time.
We really enjoyed chanting together with the music.
You answered so many of our questions and we are now really keen to learn more about the civilisation.
Love from Year 3, Lambrook School’
Aztecs workshop, April 2021.

‘A huge thanks for another outstanding workshop; it’s always a special highlight for the girls and a truly memorable experience. The finale was worthy of anything Steven Spielberg could conjure up!
’Once again, many thanks for a marvellous afternoon and very much looking forward to welcoming you back in 2018...’ Email from Matthew Breslin, Head of History of Art, City of London School for Girls, January 2016.

‘You made me inspired about Maya chants’
’I learnt about the Underworld, the Quetzal and Obsidian. The best bit was learning about the Jaguar Warriors and the ancient books’
’The best bit was the procession. I felt really powerful’
’The best bit was when I got to dress up in Maya clothes and walk around. I felt very important’
’I thought I was in their lives’.
Year 4 pupil letters, Witham Hall Prep School, Lincs., Maya workshop, November 2021.

"Dear Graciela and Ian,
"... I think the Aztecs instruments were Exellant because we don't nomally play them but now I've heard them I want to go back in time and hear them for real I especially liked the rainsnake and the ocarina."

"Thank you yet again for another wonderful presentation. The children learnt so much this morning. I still can not believe how much information you are able to cover in such a short amount of time! It is quite incredible. The children were so excited by the whole experience that they spent most of the afternoon reminding me of all the extra things they had found out about the Aztecs. The presentation definitely had the 'wow' factor for them and I was really pleased at how much they had taken in. Our two new teachers, Anna and Laura, said how much they had enjoyed it too......................and they were so impressed at the depth of your knowledge on the subject. You had answers for every single question thrown at you! Amazing! Let me say how delighted we were to have you back at Glebe again and how much I appreciate the hard work and effort that you put into making the presentation so enjoyable for the children. Thank you both." (via email)

‘It was wonderful. 10/10. So much to see, hear and learn. A brilliant experience for everyone and they loved the challenges.
’Wonderful display of artefacts. Brilliant audience participation. The children loved it.
’Children loved the challenge and [it] gave them the chance to research in a group.
’Thank you so much. We loved it.’
Year 5 teachers, Bromsgrove Prep School, Aztecs workshop, May 2022.

Mexicolore ran a series of 20 interactive workshops for schools on Aztec culture in support of the major 'Aztecs' exhibition (2002-3). Annie Harris, Head of Education at the RA, described our work in these terms: '[Mexicolore] conducted a series of 20 remarkable, interactive workshops for primary school children. These focused on the history of the Aztecs, their customs, beliefs and everyday lives. Using slides, artefacts, music, costumes and demonstrations, Ian and Graciela brought to life the Aztec world. The fast paced workshops gave children and adults a memorable, entertaining and educational insight into this ancient culture. The workshop space was full of colour and fascinating textiles, facsimile codices and artefacts collected over many years. I recommend Mexicolore very highly indeed.' To the team itself Annie wrote afterwards: 'We considered ourselves incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity of working with you both at the Royal Academy. You were an inspirational addition to our Aztec programme and I hope you have success wherever you go to promote Aztec culture...'

‘Thank you so much for coming into Highgate Junior School yesterday. The children - as always - absolutely loved your workshop. They came out totally buzzing about everything they had learnt. We are very grateful for your energy and commitment and hope that you will be back again next year.’
Naomi Stungo, Year 5 Form Tutor and Humanities Co-ordinator, Highgate Junior School, London, Aztecs workshop, December 2022.

‘Massively informative, all children took away something from the morning, they were all very excited by it. Very successful and inspiring.
[Strengths:] ‘Getting to play instruments, chanting, parade, dressing up in costume, learning about the music, task in teams, the display Ian put up (so much excitement walking in), fantastic opening - no words - so engaging...
’Everyone remembered different things that they found more interesting. A good mix.’
Year 5 teachers, Bridgewater Primary School, Berkhamsted, Maya workshop, May 2022.

‘Thank you so munch your made me a genius about the Aztecs I couldn’t Thank you more.’ Year 3 boy, Thomas’s Prep School, London

‘When I heard we had an Aztec workshop I didn’t have high expectations, but as I entered the room the atmosphere completely changed into a wonderful, unique city called Tenochtitlan... You made an outstanding workshop all by yourself... I appreciate how much effort you put in to get smiles on our faces! I learnt so much from you. Thank you for teaching us about Aztecs in the funnest way possible!’
’It was a very fun experience for me, I have never seen anything like it.’
’I really appreciate everything you did just for our education.’
’You have inspired so much that I have already bought an Aztec encyclopaedia. I am already on the third chapter: Aztec homes.’
’I hope you have a nice life until you come to Redriff for the 21st. time!’
’This amazing workshop that I will never ever forget... I hope this memory will still with me forever. Thank you so much.’
’All the energy & enthusiasm you put into it was astounding.’
’This performance was like none other, and has educated me in one of the best ways..’
Year 6 pupil letters, Redriff Primary Academy, Rotherhithe, Aztecs workshop November 2022.

‘You are brilliant. You, of course, have an enormous knowledge base; you totally engage the children’s attention; you present everything in a variety of ways - the dressing up, drama, music, slide projection (very clever idea), your lives, etc...’ Fátima Duerden, MFL Coordinator/Spanish Teacher, Dog Kennel Hill Primary School, London

‘Absolutely fantastic’ [Main strengths] your knowledge and interaction with the children. It was wonderful to watch. I learnt lots from it too!’ Year 6 teacher, Hampton Primary School, Herne Bay, Kent, Maya workshop, November 2022.

‘The quizzes were extremely fun and made me learn so much more about the Aztecs’
’It was amazing how the Aztecs made all these unusual instruments. It was the best way of teaching, it brought the Aztecs to life’
’I really want to go to Mexico and see the [Sun]stone... Thank you for the best day ever’
What a fantastic, amazing and wonderful start to year 5 I will never forget our Aztec morning!!’
’My mum has an Aztec calendar pendant which she never understood. I have now been able to explain some of it to her so she knows that the Earth God with a flint tongue is in the middle with the twenty day cycle around it and the symbols for the four worlds’
’I can now tell my mum about the Aztecs instead of her telling me’
- Children’s letters from Stroud School

‘Absolutely fantastic. The ideal way to start a new topic - catered for all the learning styles and the children and adults were engrossed... Perfectly balanced, well timed... and a good overview of the topic.’ Teacher feedback, Wood End Primary School, Harpenden, Herts., January 2015.

‘10/10, the children were so enthusiastic during and after and you made lots of links to our subjects in the classroom’. Main strength: ‘getting so many of the children involved. Starting with the music/chanting without even talking this engaged the children straight away.’
’You cover so much. I could listen all day... A very enjoyable morning - thank you.’
Katie Townhill, Yr. 5 leader, Freegounds Junior School, Hedge End, Southampton, Maya workshop, January 2025.

“The paper I gave went down well in Stockholm. There was a lot of interest in the educational programme for the Day of the Dead [exhibition at the Museum of Mankind]. Several people in the symposium had seen some of the children’s sessions and were very favourably impressed. A lady from the Ethnographical Museum in Stockholm was so impressed by what your education people were doing that she took notes and the Stockholm Museum set up a similar programme in their museum...”
George Bankes, Keeper of Ethnology, The Manchester Museum, 28/7/94.

‘Absolutely wonderful! A fully immersive experience that really engaged the children and instilled a passion to learn more. [Main strengths:] Child participation and a magical atmosphere - children didn’t recognise their own school hall.’ Claire Hilton, Yr. 6 teacher, Royal Park Academy, Sidcup, Aztecs workshop January 2018.

‘Exciting, engaging and so educational for all of our children! It was so wonderful... SUPERB [interaction with the children]... I can’t wait to have you back next year!’
Sam Fletcher, Year 6 leader, Royal Park Primary Academy, Sidcup, Aztecs workshop, January 2022.

‘The best morning I’ve had in the school since I began here’ (to the children after our presentation). ‘The best presentation I’ve ever seen...’ Rich Beavington, Year 5 Leader, Ferndown Middle School, Dorset, Maya workshop, March 2019.

‘Thank you so much for presenting such an interesting workshop about the Aztecs. Thank you for sharing all your interesting Aztec artefacts with us. It was a highlight of our year as we have been unable to do anything like that for a long time.
We really enjoyed chanting together with the music.
You answered so many of our questions and we are now really keen to learn more about the civilisation.
Love from Year 3, Lambrook School’
Aztecs workshop, April 2021.

‘A huge thanks for another outstanding workshop; it’s always a special highlight for the girls and a truly memorable experience. The finale was worthy of anything Steven Spielberg could conjure up!
’Once again, many thanks for a marvellous afternoon and very much looking forward to welcoming you back in 2018...’ Email from Matthew Breslin, Head of History of Art, City of London School for Girls, January 2016.

‘You made me inspired about Maya chants’
’I learnt about the Underworld, the Quetzal and Obsidian. The best bit was learning about the Jaguar Warriors and the ancient books’
’The best bit was the procession. I felt really powerful’
’The best bit was when I got to dress up in Maya clothes and walk around. I felt very important’
’I thought I was in their lives’.
Year 4 pupil letters, Witham Hall Prep School, Lincs., Maya workshop, November 2021.

"Dear Graciela and Ian,
"... I think the Aztecs instruments were Exellant because we don't nomally play them but now I've heard them I want to go back in time and hear them for real I especially liked the rainsnake and the ocarina."

"Thank you yet again for another wonderful presentation. The children learnt so much this morning. I still can not believe how much information you are able to cover in such a short amount of time! It is quite incredible. The children were so excited by the whole experience that they spent most of the afternoon reminding me of all the extra things they had found out about the Aztecs. The presentation definitely had the 'wow' factor for them and I was really pleased at how much they had taken in. Our two new teachers, Anna and Laura, said how much they had enjoyed it too......................and they were so impressed at the depth of your knowledge on the subject. You had answers for every single question thrown at you! Amazing! Let me say how delighted we were to have you back at Glebe again and how much I appreciate the hard work and effort that you put into making the presentation so enjoyable for the children. Thank you both." (via email)

‘It was wonderful. 10/10. So much to see, hear and learn. A brilliant experience for everyone and they loved the challenges.
’Wonderful display of artefacts. Brilliant audience participation. The children loved it.
’Children loved the challenge and [it] gave them the chance to research in a group.
’Thank you so much. We loved it.’
Year 5 teachers, Bromsgrove Prep School, Aztecs workshop, May 2022.

Mexicolore ran a series of 20 interactive workshops for schools on Aztec culture in support of the major 'Aztecs' exhibition (2002-3). Annie Harris, Head of Education at the RA, described our work in these terms: '[Mexicolore] conducted a series of 20 remarkable, interactive workshops for primary school children. These focused on the history of the Aztecs, their customs, beliefs and everyday lives. Using slides, artefacts, music, costumes and demonstrations, Ian and Graciela brought to life the Aztec world. The fast paced workshops gave children and adults a memorable, entertaining and educational insight into this ancient culture. The workshop space was full of colour and fascinating textiles, facsimile codices and artefacts collected over many years. I recommend Mexicolore very highly indeed.' To the team itself Annie wrote afterwards: 'We considered ourselves incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity of working with you both at the Royal Academy. You were an inspirational addition to our Aztec programme and I hope you have success wherever you go to promote Aztec culture...'

‘Thank you so much for coming into Highgate Junior School yesterday. The children - as always - absolutely loved your workshop. They came out totally buzzing about everything they had learnt. We are very grateful for your energy and commitment and hope that you will be back again next year.’
Naomi Stungo, Year 5 Form Tutor and Humanities Co-ordinator, Highgate Junior School, London, Aztecs workshop, December 2022.