Guelaguetza | Oaxaca

Guelaguetza is one of the most important and vibrant cultural celebrations in Oaxaca, Mexico. Held annually in July, it is a festival that honors the diverse indigenous cultures of Oaxaca and showcases the region’s rich traditions, music, dance, and art. The event is a major expression of Oaxacan identity and is celebrated with incredible energy and pride by both locals and visitors.

1. Historical and Cultural Significance:

The word “Guelaguetza” comes from the Zapotec language, and it translates to “offering” or “sharing”. The festival's name reflects its roots in indigenous community traditions, where people would come together to share gifts, food, music, and culture as a way to maintain harmony and strengthen communal bonds.

Guelaguetza has its origins in pre-Hispanic times, where various Oaxacan communities would gather to honor their gods and celebrate the harvest. The event was originally dedicated to the gods of corn (maize), who were central to indigenous cultures like the Zapotec and Mixtec.

Over the centuries, Guelaguetza evolved to incorporate Catholic influences during the colonial period, blending indigenous traditions with Spanish customs. Today, it remains a dynamic fusion of both pre-Hispanic and modern Oaxacan culture.

2. The Guelaguetza Festival:

The main highlight of the Guelaguetza festival is the dance performances and musical presentations that represent the various ethnic groups of Oaxaca, each with its own distinct traditions, costumes, and languages. The event takes place in the Auditorio Guelaguetza, a specially designed amphitheater in Oaxaca City, but celebrations can also be seen in other towns throughout the region.

Main Features of the Festival:

Dances and Music: The Guelaguetza is renowned for its colorful, traditional dances that are performed by different indigenous communities from across Oaxaca. These dances are often accompanied by live music played on traditional instruments such as flutes, drums, marimbas, and trumpets.

Some of the most famous dances include the Danza de la Pluma (the Feather Dance), which is a Mixtec performance that portrays the conquest of Oaxaca. Another popular dance is the Danza de la Culebra (Dance of the Snake), performed by the Zapotecs.

The Danças de los Viejitos (Dance of the Old Men) is another favorite, showcasing colorful, energetic performances by dancers dressed in costumes resembling elderly figures.

Traditional Costumes: The costumes worn during Guelaguetza are spectacular and vary by community. They are often elaborate and brightly colored, made of handwoven textiles, adorned with intricate embroidery, and paired with jewelry and accessories that reflect the cultural identity of each region.

For example, the Mixtec dancers wear feathered headdresses, while Zapotec dancers wear elaborate costumes that represent their indigenous heritage.

Food and Drink: As part of the festival, local gastronomy plays a significant role, with regional dishes like tlayudas, mole, tamales, mezcal, and chapulines (roasted grasshoppers) being offered to visitors. These foods are part of the shared offerings and are a delicious representation of Oaxaca’s culinary heritage.

Guelaguetza Parades: In addition to the performances at the Auditorio Guelaguetza, the festival is marked by lively parades throughout the city, where dancers, musicians, and locals wearing traditional attire come together to share their culture with the public.

3. The Two Major Guelaguetza Performances:

The festival is centered around two major performances of dances that occur at the Auditorio Guelaguetza. These performances typically happen on the two Mondays of the first Monday of July, which are designated as the official dates for Guelaguetza.

The performances are divided into two sessions each day: one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. During these performances, representatives from different indigenous groups of Oaxaca come to present their cultural traditions, including their dances, music, and rituals.

Each group’s presentation is a tribute to their local customs, historical narratives, and traditional garments, creating an enchanting celebration of Oaxaca’s diversity.

4. Oaxaca’s Indigenous Diversity:

Oaxaca is home to a large number of indigenous peoples, each with its own distinct languages, customs, and rituals. The Guelaguetza festival provides a platform for many of these groups to celebrate and share their unique cultures with the world. Some of the groups that participate in Guelaguetza include:

Zapotecs: One of the largest indigenous groups in Oaxaca, the Zapotecs are known for their stunning handwoven textiles and intricate dances.

Mixtecs: The Mixtec people are famous for their featherwork and symbolic dances, including the Danza de la Pluma (Feather Dance).

Mazatecs, Huaves, Chinantecs, and Triquis are other groups that also participate in the festival, each contributing their own performances and traditions to the celebrations.

5. Other Festivities and Events During Guelaguetza:

While the main performances at the Auditorio Guelaguetza are the focal point of the festival, the celebrations extend beyond the amphitheater into the streets of Oaxaca. The entire city is immersed in cultural events and festivities during this time.

Fairs and Markets: There are various artisan fairs and craft markets where local craftspeople sell handmade goods, including textiles, pottery, paintings, and silver jewelry.

Cultural Exhibits: Art exhibitions, music concerts, and traditional theater performances also take place throughout the city during the Guelaguetza period.

Public Celebrations: In addition to the formal performances, there are often street parties, local dances, and community gatherings where people come together to celebrate Oaxaca’s traditions.

6. Guelaguetza Outside Oaxaca City:

While the festival is most famously celebrated in Oaxaca City, many towns and villages across the region also hold their own local Guelaguetza celebrations. These smaller gatherings continue the tradition of community exchange and provide an opportunity for locals to showcase their culture and maintain the spirit of the original Guelaguetza.

7. Practical Information for Visitors:

Best Time to Visit: The Guelaguetza is held in July, specifically on the two Mondays of the first week. The festival lasts for a week, but the main performances take place on these two days.

Tickets: Tickets for the main performances at the Auditorio Guelaguetza can be purchased in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Tickets can be a bit difficult to secure, so it’s advisable to plan early.

Weather: Oaxaca’s weather during July can be quite hot, so visitors should be prepared for warm temperatures and occasional rain showers. Comfortable clothing and sunscreen are essential.

Accommodations: Oaxaca City sees an influx of visitors during Guelaguetza, so it’s a good idea to book accommodation well in advance, especially if you plan to attend the festival.

Transportation: Oaxaca is well-connected by buses, taxis, and local transportation. The Auditorio Guelaguetza is a major landmark, and local taxis will be familiar with it.

8. Conclusion:

Guelaguetza is not just a festival; it’s a profound celebration of community, identity, and tradition. It offers an extraordinary opportunity for visitors to experience the diverse cultural landscape of Oaxaca through its vibrant dances, delicious food, colorful costumes, and warm hospitality. Whether you are interested in the art and history of Oaxaca or simply want to experience the excitement of one of Mexico’s most significant cultural events, Guelaguetza is an unforgettable celebration of Oaxacan pride.