The tradition becomes magic: La Guelaguetza, Oaxaca

A tradition that embraces Oaxaca.

La Guelaguetza is considered one of the most important celebrations of our beloved Oaxaca, the state located in southern Mexico next to Veracruz and Puebla.

What is this Guelaguetza, Oaxaca?

Guelaguetza means «offering», coming from «guendalezaa», which represents the action of giving or offering something, locally also known as “Feast of the Mondays of the hill”.

The origin of this beautiful tradition dates from pre-Hispanic times, originally it was a ritual for the gods, therefore since those years, they were considered important dates for the people who lived in Oaxaca. Over time, the celebration has grown, becoming a tradition that fills us with nostalgia, gratitude, reunion with our roots, and of course, feeling the magic of this celebration.

This incredible and magical tradition begins a week before July 16, with a grand parade, where they make their appearance of their main Oaxacan Chinas, the women of the city, who go with baskets full of flowers where they are accompanied by the seven participating regions; The Central Valleys, La Cañada, La Sierra Juárez, La Cañada, Tuxtepec, La Mixteca, La Costa and the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, each playing music from their region.

During the first day, the chirimiteros (musical group) play “Las Mañanitas” in different Oaxaca, from where everyone takes it as a sign to go to the emblematic Cerro del Fortín, where it is intended to take place all the celebration.

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with many food stalls, ready to taste the delicious coffee characteristic of Oaxaca, or some delicious enchiladas of tasajo, tamales, yellow mole empanadas; all this while listening to the marimba and chirimiteros playing the music of the region. It is like listening to the theme of a film, where the protagonist is magic, tradition, and the connection with our roots and culture.

After entering the festivity, he begins the program with music, dance, and song performances, in which each of the seven regions take control to represent their cultural heritage.

In this show, you can enjoy songs, music, dances, and costumes from different traditions, an experience that is certainly worth living, without leaving aside the beautiful view that gives us the Cerro del Fortín.

Beginning with magic, the streets and cities of Oaxaca are filled with life, different activities take place throughout Guelaguetza, from visiting artisan and gastronomic shows, to cultural representations that will make you melt love for Oaxaca.

When is La Gelaguetza, Oaxaca held?

This magical tradition takes place on the first Monday after July 16, as long as it does not coincide with Monday July 18, since that day is celebrated the anniversary of Benito Juárez’s death, if so, the tradition is celebrated the following Monday.

A magical tradition that you should not miss if you are in Oaxaca in the month of June; enjoy, delight, and savor Oaxaca.

Don’t forget to visit Oaxaca, here you can find more information for your next visit.

• Best beaches in Oaxaca | Puerto Escondido vs Huatulco
• Experience old fashioned Oaxaca in the city’s Zocalo