The Guelaguetza Festival held at a large amphitheater in Oaxaca City showcases the finest samples of Mexican folklore. Check out regional dances and music that has survived since the pre-Hispanic era, and the festival annually gathers huge audiences excited to see the ancient cultural heritage.
Festival Highlights
Residents of Oaxaca City dress in traditional costumes and showcase their folklore dances and songs as well as delicious food. Also, it's a great occasion to try local alcoholic beverages at a mezcal fair. One of the main attractions of the festival is the parade that starts in the Plaza de Santo Domingo. People of all ages participate in the procession wearing flamboyant costumes, masks, and wigs. Some of these costumes are passed from generation to generation to preserve local customs and beliefs. After the parade festival-goers gather for a concert in the Auditorio Guelaguetza on the Cerro del Fortín.
Guelaguetza Celebrations
Guelaguetza is also known as Los Lunes del Cerro, or Mondays on the Hill, for the amphitheater is set atop a hill, and celebrations take place on the two last succeeding Mondays in July. The main festivities are held in Oaxaca, but minor similar celebrations also take place in the neighboring villages. The Guelaguetza Festival features several large concerts, exhibits, and educational conferences.
Location
The Guelaguetza Festival takes place at Guelaguetza Auditorium atop Fortine Hill, offering a stunning view of Oaxaca. This hillside marvel serves as the venue for the Guelagetza shows held in late July, as well as various other events. Accessible via multiple stairways, including those starting from Avenida Crespo near Quetzalcoatl and the main entrance on Hwy 190, the Carretera Internacional, this location provides a unique and unforgettable atmosphere.
