Guelaguetza: Festival and Tradition

The Guelaguetza has its roots in ancient pre-Hispanic celebrations dedicated to the gods, which were adapted and merged with Catholic festivities after the arrival of the Spaniards. During this festival, various events and activities take place such as parades, folk dances, traditional music, gastronomic displays, and craft exhibitions.

The main objective of the Guelaguetza festival is to showcase and preserve the traditions and customs of the different indigenous communities of Oaxaca, thus promoting cultural diversity and pride in belonging to these communities. It is a moment where music, dance, traditional costumes, and food become protagonists, attracting visitors from all over the world who wish to immerse themselves in Oaxacan culture and folklore.

It is an opportunity to appreciate the ethnic and artistic diversity of Oaxaca, as well as to enjoy its music, dance, and delicious traditional cuisine.

The Guelaguetza is a multicultural festival that takes place in July in the city of Oaxaca de Juárez. Its main stage is the Guelaguetza Auditorium, located on Cerro del Fortín. The celebration takes place on the two Mondays following July 16, known as the “Lunes del Cerro” (Mondays on the Hill), and brings together artistic delegations from the 8 regions of Oaxaca, who present authentic cultural expressions representative of their places of origin.

The Cerro Festival

The Guelaguetza, also known as the “Fiesta de los Lunes del Cerro” (Festival of the Mondays on the Hill), is a celebration derived from the Zapotec term “Guendalezaa,” which means “offering, present, fulfillment.” During this festival, folk, cultural, and sports presentations are made, highlighting the Bani Stui Gulal and the Legend of Princess Donaji, daughter of the Zapotec king Cosiioeza and Princess Coyolicatzin, as well as cycling races.

Bani Stai Gulal

The Bani Stai Gulal, which means “repetition of the old” in Zapotec, is a spectacle of great splendor and color that is part of the Guelaguetza festivities in Oaxaca. This presentation takes place in the dance square on the two Saturdays prior to the main celebration. The Bani Stai Gulal showcases Oaxacan culture and dance, with the participation of numerous dancers. The show is divided into four eras, each representing different historical moments and traditions.

In the pre-Hispanic era, dances in honor of the Goddess Centeotl are exhibited, such as the dance of the virgins and the dance of the young warriors. These dances reflect the importance of tender corn in Mexica culture and ceremonial sacrifices.

The Colonial era shows the dances that the Mexicas continued to perform until the arrival of the Spaniards, as well as processions in honor of the Virgin of Carmen and festivities such as the carnival. Highlights include the participation of the marmots, the chinas de calenda, and the impressive giant serpent known as the “sierpe” (serpent).

The Independent Mexico era presents a parade featuring catrinas in their colorful costumes, charros, and chinas de calenda. During this era, inhabitants enjoy products offered by local vendors.

The Contemporary era showcases the traditional costumes of each region of Oaxaca, while a poem dedicated to the region is recited. The show concludes with the burning of fireworks, following the festive tradition of the Oaxacan people.

The Bani Stai Gulal is an event full of tradition and splendor, which allows visitors to appreciate the cultural and artistic richness of Oaxaca through dance and historical representations. It is a fundamental part of the Guelaguetza celebrations, highlighting the diversity and history of this festival.

The Guelaguetza or Lunes del Cerro is a festival that is manifested through the offering to the City of Oaxaca by representative groups from the seven traditional regions of the area: Los Valles Centrales, La Sierra Juárez, La Cañada, Tuxtepec, La Mixteca, La Costa, and the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Each region captivates attendees with dances, music, dances, and songs, imbued with tradition, joy, color, and pride.

The Guelaguetza festival encloses a special magic, transmitting values such as reciprocity, culture, and unity. The main stage of this celebration is located on Cerro del Fortín and although it initially lacked a name, in 1999 it was officially designated as the “Guelaguetza Auditorium.”

For those interested in learning more about this festival, the Cultural Broadcasting Stations of the National Commission for the Development of Indigenous Peoples in Oaxaca broadcast live events through the signal of “Ecos Indígenas. La Voz de la Diversidad” (Indigenous Echoes. The Voice of Diversity). This broadcast allows people to get closer to and immerse themselves in the celebration from anywhere.

The Guelaguetza is much more than a festive event; it is a cultural manifestation rooted in the Oaxacan identity. Through music, dance, and artistic expression, ancestral traditions are honored and the diversity of the different regions of the state is proudly shared. It is an opportunity to enjoy the cultural richness of Oaxaca and to appreciate the historical and cultural legacy of this land full of unique and vibrant traditions.

Princess Donaji

The Legend of the Princess is a highlight of the Lunes del Cerro celebration. The Oaxaca Folkloric Ballet is responsible for representing this legend, which tells the story of the daughter of the Zapotec king Cosijoeza and Princess Coyolicatzin. Through a spectacle of music, light, and dance, the Sunday before the presentation of the Guelaguetza, this legend is recreated in a captivating and emotive manner, providing spectators with a unique and immersive experience.