Guelaguetza
Date: July 22 to 29
Location: Oaxaca
The Guelaguetza is one of the most important traditions in Oaxaca. Its name derives from the Zapotec word "Guendalezaa," which means "offering, gift, fulfillment."
This festival is a great ethnic and cultural mosaic expressed in multiple languages, dances, songs, costumes, and customs of the Oaxacan people. The celebration has gained worldwide renown and features the participation of the eight folkloric regions of the State: La Costa, La Cañada, La Mixteca, La Sierra Norte, Sierra Sur, Papaloapan, El Istmo, and Los Valles Centrales, which at the Guelaguetza Auditorium in Cerro del Fortín, showcase their main traditional dances along with characteristic products of their land such as fruits or handicrafts.
The Guelaguetza Auditorium, built of green stone and with a capacity for 11,000 spectators, offers a beautiful view of the City of Oaxaca and the Valleys. Although the auditorium has a canvas roof, it is recommended to bring sun protection and a hat.
The festivities include other spectacles starting with the parade of the delegations organized in the style of the traditional Calenda.
In the same auditorium, the Legend of Princess Donají, a presentation full of drama, light, sound, and fireworks, is performed.
Although the Guelaguetza is celebrated every year on the two Mondays after July 16th, the festivities actually begin at the start of the month. In the early days, the traditional "Salida de la Cruz de Piedra" to the Zócalo takes place.
Among the events are: “Xaba Luláa, Dreams, Histories and Interwoven Lives,” with an exhibition of typical costumes and folkloric representations; photographic exhibitions at the Palace Museum; the Goddess Centéotl Contest, with competitions of knowledge, traditions, and legends; the Cheese and Quesillo Expo Fair; the Craft Encounter, with a showcase of handicrafts from the eight regions; and the Tejate and Tamal Fair held at the Plaza de la Danza.