Participation:

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Xara Dulzura is a weekend-long outdoor retreat and festival, in which the participants produce works of visual and performing arts, music, teaching and hospitality for one another.

Nothing may be bought or sold, and creativity and generosity are the coin of the realm.

Whether in groups or as individuals, whether through formal performance, spontaneous improvisation, costume, workshops, artistic encampments or installations, or even authentic conversation and personal interaction, every participant bears responsibility for bringing joy and surprise to their fellows.

The forms of this participation are as varied and variable as the participants themselves, but all are asked to bring forth something from themselves.

The shared game of this retreat is to imagine a paradise world we hope will come, and then to pre-enact one of its celebrations. The experience is like walking through a living Maxfield Parish painting, with fantastical landscapes and creatures at every hand.

The landscape itself remains the star of the show, and the spirit of the retreat flows from the green hills, running springs, standing stones and old oaks of the monastery grounds. There is just something here, something wonderful and strong, and it is reflected in the art and play of the participants.