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Polaroid of the week: Oaxaca’s Guelaguetza Parade

Categories Mexico, Oaxaca, Polaroid of the Week

Polaroid of the week: Oaxaca’s Guelaguetza Parade

Last Updated on October 9, 2024

We were lucky to be in Oaxaca for the famous annual Guelaguetza celebrations, one of the main tourist attractions of the region. The word Guelaguetza is of Aztec origin and means ‘reciprocal exchanges of gifts and services’. The ceremony was originally held to reconcile the gods for rain and a rich harvest and is still very important for the region’s folk groups as the indigenous culture still plays a significant role in Oaxaca.

During the last two weeks of July, the different ethnic groups of the State of Oaxaca come to the city of Oaxaca to present the folklore dances that are typical for their region. Dances are performed in the traditional, colorful dresses in a specially built amphitheater which seats about 11,000 people and in various parades through the streets of the city.

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Natalie

Wednesday 8th of May 2013

Hi,

i will be in Oaxaca this year for this festival! Do you have any advice or recommendations on how and where to celebrate it?

Dani

Wednesday 8th of May 2013

Hi Natalie, I think you have to buy tickets for the shows which are held in an auditorium now - not sure how much is actually still going on in the town center. About.com's Mexico guide has some good info on it here: http://gomexico.about.com/od/festivalsholidays/p/guelaguetza.htm Enjoy Oaxaca, it's such a great city!!