Every July, two consecutive Mondays are set aside for the Guelaguetza Festival which is another famous Mexican festival, which celebrates the indigenous culture of the area via music and dance.
A lively dance performance from the pre-Hispanic period, in which artistically stunning costumes and props whirl around a stage against a view of the city and the hills just beyond. Oaxacan representatives have gathered on this hilltop for generations to enjoy and cheer their diverse cultures and customs. Head to the hilltop auditorium to be part of the throng of celebrants and enjoy an event that celebrates togetherness, traditional clothing, and territorial folk dance.
History
Ironically, the history of the Guelaguetza Festival, an important event of the Oaxaca state, Mexico, precedes the Spanish occupation of the country. The Zapotec people initially organized this celebration to strengthen connections between different groups, and the main purpose was meetings and trade. Even after the Aztec conquest, the feast dedicated to their corn goddess, Xilonen, remained, although it was altered to honor the corn deity of the Aztec, Centeotl. Following the Spanish arrival, the Oaxaca festival changed due to the influence of the Christian religion, though, originally, changes were made only to the time of celebration. To date, the Oaxaca Guelaguetza Festival is an event uniting the country in which all regions, Cañada, La Costa, Istmo, Mixteca, Papaloapan, Sierra Norte, Sierra Sur, and Valles Centrales participate.
Furthermore, This Mexican festival has been celebrated in Los Angeles for the last 25 years and was started by the Oaxacan immigrant community.
Activities
Gathered at the Hill of the Bell used for poly-Oaxaca rights, teams of lesser villages come to show what state they are in, whilst communities that have masters and ceremonies of gods reenact the site of the festivals’ return. Enthusiastic audiences in the hilltop amphitheater watch as Oaxacans in stunning costumes from their proud villages, dignified participants rehearse loros, feather headdresses, and centuries-old rituals of unity through communal clothing and dance.
Key highlights of the Guelaguetza Festival include:
- Dance Performances: Each community performs traditional dances, often accompanied by live music. These dances are not only a form of artistic expression but also a way to tell stories and preserve the history and traditions of the indigenous peoples.
- Costumes: Performers wear elaborate, colorful costumes specific to their region, showcasing intricate embroidery, vibrant colors, and traditional designs.
- Food and Crafts: The festival also features markets where visitors can sample traditional Oaxacan cuisine and purchase handmade crafts, such as textiles, pottery, and jewelry.
- Parades and Processions: In addition to the performances on the designated Mondays, the festival includes parades and processions throughout the city, further enriching the celebratory atmosphere.
The Guelaguetza Festival not only attracts visitors from around the world but also strengthens the identity and unity of Oaxaca’s indigenous communities.
