Oaxaca

 

 

Oaxaca is a state in southern Mexico. Oaxaca is recognized for its traditions and food. The state of Oaxaca is divided into eight regions: Cañada, Costa, Istmo, Mixteca, Papaloapan, Sierra Sur, Sierra Norte and Valles Centrales.

La Guelaguetza o Lunes del Cerro

It is the most representative celebration in Oaxaca.  Also called "Fiestas de los Lunes del Cerro". La Guelaguetza takes place in the city of Oaxaca on the two Mondays following July 16 and constitutes an event in which all the people participate.

The Guelaguetza Festival is a celebration in which representatives from the many communities of Oaxaca come together and celebrate the diversity of their traditions and cultures. The state of Oaxaca is home to 16 different ethnolinguistic groups and is incredibly diverse. For the Guelaguetza, members of these groups gather wearing their traditional clothing and perform folk dances that are particular to their region. At the end of the dancing, they throw items to the crowd, products that come from the region they represent.

The word Guelaguetza comes from the Zapotec language and is usually interpreted as the "reciprocal exchanges of gifts and services" in keeping with the importance in indigenous cultures of sharing, reciprocity, and extended community.