Mexico is home to countless festivals and celebrations which highlight the country’s traditions and history. Several of the best festivals in Mexico take place in the southern state of Oaxaca. Many of the festivals and celebrations that take place in the city of Oaxaca attract tourists from across Mexico and around the world.
Visitors to the state of Oaxaca and its capital city of the same name will be mesmerized by the colorful traditional dress of the local indigenous populations as well as the extravagant costumes that are unique to specific festivals and events. Festivals and celebrations in Mexico typically include a great deal of dancing, parades, music, fireworks and traditional foods.
Guelaguetza, Oaxaca
The city of Oaxaca is home to one of the country’s largest and well-known festivals, la Guelaguetza, meaning offering in the ancient Zapotec language. The festival takes place on the two Mondays of the last two weeks of July. La Guelaguetza is a festival of traditional music, dance and folklore that is unique to the Oaxaca region and it attracts thousands of national and international tourists to the city of Oaxaca each summer.
Over the years the Guelaguetza has grown into a nationally recognized cultural event and today the festival is organized by the state of Oaxaca. The festival is held in the Cerro del Fortín amphitheater which is located up on a hillside overlooking the city of Oaxaca. Tickets must be purchased in advance through Ticketmaster or from various distributors throughout the city.
Night of the Radishes, Oaxaca
The Night of the Radishes, or Noche de Rábanas as it is locally known, takes place on the evening of the December 23rd, just two days before Christmas. The festival attracts artists from across the state of Oaxaca who typically spend the days leading up to festival creating intricately carved sculptures out of giant radishes. On the evening of the festival these works of art are displayed in the central square or Zocalo. Tourists and residents peruse the various displays while the carvings are judged and prizes are awarded. The day of festivities comes to an end later on that night with a fireworks display over the center of the city.
No reservations or tickets are necessary. The festival is held in the city’s central plaza and everyone is welcome. The city of Oaxaca receives many tourists during this time of the year and it is a good idea to reserve accommodations in advance.
Day of the Dead, Oaxaca
Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is celebrated on the first two days of November in towns and cities across Mexico. The celebrations originate from an ancient Zapotec belief that the spirits of the deceased return to their homes on this day. The Day of the Dead celebrations are intended to be joyful and honor the lives of the deceased. Elaborate displays and alters consisting of decorative flowers, foods and drinks are constructed in homes and cemeteries in Oaxaca as offerings and paths leading from the cemeteries back to the homes of the deceased are lined with flowers and candles.
Tours to the Xococotlan cemetery to view the festivities depart from the city of Oaxaca. Everyone is welcome and tourists are encouraged to bring flowers and candles with them to the cemeteries in order to better take part in the celebrations.
If You Visit
These are just a few of the numerous holidays and festivals that are celebrated in the city of Oaxaca as well as throughout the central valleys of Oaxaca and along the Oaxaca coast. Regardless of the time of year, visitors to the Mexican state of Oaxaca will discover a friendly people with a rich culture that is closely linked to the history and traditions of Mexico’s indigenous populations. For a complete list of holidays and celebrations in the state of Oaxaca visit the festivals page at Oaxaca Info.
Sources:
Oaxaca Info
Go Oaxaca
