Guelaguetza 2023: Details, FAQ, History, Location & More!

Oaxaca Guelaguetza Festival

Last Updated: May 15th, 2023

What is the festival of Guelaguetza?

La Guelaguetza also known as Los Lunes Del Cerro is an iconic annual festival taking place in Oaxaca City in July each year.

Visitors from around the world land in Oaxaca each summer to experience one of the most cultural and traditional festivals celebrating the indigenous culture of eight regions in Oaxaca, highlighting the regional art, food, heritage and music.

The festival also honors the 16 ethnic groups of Oaxaca with colorful and lively parades, dances and cultural showcases.

Guelaguetza 2023 will take place on July 17th and July 24th, 2023 in Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca, México.

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Guelaguetza Oaxaca Performer

The History of Guelaguetza

1. What does Guelaguetza mean?

The word Guelaguetza originated from the Zapotec languages of the indigenous Mesoamerican ethnicities, and in English it loosely translates to “offering” or reciprocal exchange of gifts between different groups.

2. What is the history of Guelaguetza?

The origins of the Guelaguetza festival are traced back to the pre-hispanic era. Although there are no historical records regarding the first Guelaguetza, we know that this 500-year-old celebration was a Zapotec festival to pay homage to Chicomecóatl, the corn goddess.

After the Aztecs conquered the region, the festival was changed to celebrate Centeotl, the Aztec goddess of corn followed by the arrival of the Spanish and Catholic communities which altered the festival to include elements of Christianity.

3. When did Guelaguetza begin?

The historical origins of Guelaguetza can be traced back to over 500 years ago, long before the Aztec conquest and the arrival of the Spanish.

4. Why is La Guelaguetza celebrated?

La Guelaguetza festival pays homage to the diversity and mutual interdependence of Oaxaca’s ethnic communities, highlighting the local culture and languages with a series of cultural shows and live performances. It celebrates the indigenous Oaxacan culture of giving and reciprocation.

5. Who participates in La Guelaguetza?

La Guelaguetza festival is attended by local Oaxacans and visitors from all over the world who flock to Oaxaca City to watch and take part in the cultural performances.

Participants in the Guelaguetza festival include trained performers and representatives of Oaxaca’s 16 indigenous groups.

6. How long does Guelaguetza last?

The Guelguetza festival is celebrated on the last two Mondays of July, and consists of a wide variety of activities, celebrations, parades and performances throughout the city.

Each event lasts for several hours and the schedule is packed with festivities both at the Guelaguetza Auditorium and across the city of Oaxaca.

7. Is Guelaguetza worth it?

Absolutely! Guelaguetza is one of the most incredible cultural festivals to take place not only in the state of Oaxaca but arguably in all of México.

Guelaguetza Festival Oaxaca Mexico

Guelaguetza Oaxaca 2023 Event Info

1. Will there be a Guelaguetza 2023?

Yes. The annual celebration and festival of Guelaguetza will be officially taking place on the 17th and 24th of July 2023.

2. When is Guelaguetza celebrated?

Guelaguetza 2023 will be celebrated on the last two Mondays of July. This years celebration will take place on July 17th and July 24th, 2023.

3. Where is the Guelaguetza festival?

The Guelaguetza festival will take place at the Cerro del Fortín in Oaxaca City, Oaxaca, Mexico.

Address: Auditorio Guelaguetza – Cerro del Fortín s/n , Col. Oaxaca Centro, C.P. 68000, Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca [Google Maps].

4. How much are tickets to the Guelaguetza in Oaxaca?

Pre-sale Guelaguetza 2023 ticket prices will start at $1300 MXN for seats in Section A and $1000 MXN in Section B.

The Guelaguetza 2023 pre-sale tickets will be sold exclusively online via Superboletos and will be limited to 4 tickets per person.

Once the allotted (15%) of the pre-sale tickets are sold, the remaining 85% of the tickets for Guelaguetza will be on sale as of June 1st, 2023.

5. How do I get to Guelaguetza?

The best way to get to Guelaguetza 2023 is to fly into Oaxaca Airport and book a private transfer that will take you directly from the airport to your accommodations.

6. Where is the best place to stay for Guelaguetza?

Find the best place to stay for Guelaguetza here: Top 25 Best Hotels in Oaxaca City. All of the hotels on our list are centrally located, highly rated and offer top value in Oaxaca City.

Whatever you do, be sure to book your accommodations in advance as the festival attracts visitors not only from all parts of Mexico but also from around the world.

If you choose one of the hotels on our Top 25 Oaxaca Hotels list, you can rest assured that you’ll be within walking distance of all the action and celebrations.

7. When will Guelaguetza tickets go on sale?

The presale for Guelaguetza tickets will being on May 15th and end on May 31st, 2023. The remainder of the tickets available will be on sale from June 1st and July 24th, 2023.

8. How much are tickets for Guelaguetza 2023?

Presale tickets will be $1305 MXN (Stage A) and $1031 MXN (Stage B). The June 1st Stage A tickets will be on sale for $1443 MXN and Stage B tickets will be $1168 MXN.

Where to stay for Guelaguetza 2023?

The best place to stay for Guelaguetza 2023 is one of the following Top 25 Oaxaca Hotels — all of which were handpicked by our staff.

If you’re planning on attending the 2023 Guelaguetza event, we highly recommend that you book your accommodations well in advance as the city will be packed with both domestic and international visitors.

We recommend booking a hotel in downtown Oaxaca City for the Guelaguetza Festival. Here are our top picks:

Casa de la Asuncion Oaxaca

Image Credit: Booking.com

Hotel Rating: 5.0 ⭐️ (Read Reviews)

🏨 Casa de la Asuncion

Top Rated, Centrally Located Hotel in Oaxaca City

Casa de la Asunción is a beautiful hotel located just steps from Oaxaca Cathedral and Santo Domingo Temple.

This hotel offers free Wi-FI, air-conditioning, flat-screen tv, on-site restaurant, room service and more.

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Casa Antonieta Oaxaca

Image Credit: Booking.com

Hotel Rating: 4.8 ⭐️ (Read Reviews)

🏨 Casa Antonieta

Top Rated, Boutique Hotel in Oaxaca City

Casa Antonieta is a stunning boutique hotel located in downtown Oaxaca City and within walking distance to the Zocalo as well as the Templo de Santo Domingo.

Surrounded by hundreds of restaurants, shops and other major sites, Casa Antonieta has free Wi-FI, air condition and is pet-friendly for an additional charge

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Majagua Boutique Hotel Oaxaca

Image Credit: Booking.com

Hotel Rating: 4.6 ⭐️ (Read Reviews)

🏨 Majagua Boutique Hotel

Adults Only Boutique Hotel w/ Breakfast Included

Majagua Boutique Hotel is an adults only boutique hotel in Oaxaca located just behind the Templo de Santo Domingo.

This hotel offers a free welcome cocktail, on-site restaurant, early check in and late checkout.

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Other recommended areas to stay in Oaxaca City include: Zocalo (main square), the area surrounding the Santo Domingo Church, Jalatlaco, and Reforma.

Guelaguetza 2023 Official Promotional Flyer

Guelaguetza 2023 Dates

The dates for Guelaguetza will be July 17th, 2023 and July 24th, 2023.

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Latest from Guelaguetza Oaxaca 2023

Announcement: Guelaguetza Pictorial Exhibit 2023 – 75 pieces of artwork by Oaxaca artists are currently on exhibit at the Government Palace in centro Oaxaca City from March 6th – 10th, 2023.

Plagiarism Plagues the 2023 Guelaguetza Event – The Ministry of Tourism awarded artist Luis Fernando 1st prize ($50,000 MXN) for his submission to Guelaguetza 2023. Just 24 hours later, the Ministry of Tourism announced that they withdrew their verdict due to suspicion of plagiarism of a photo by Diego Huerta. The MoT has since chosen a new 1st prize winner and a piece of art that will represent Guelaguetza in July 2023.

Guelaguetza Videos

Below, you’ll find the a few of the best Guelaguetza videos from last years celebrations.

These videos will give you a better idea of what you can expect to see, do and experience at the upcoming 2023 Guelaguetza Festival in Oaxaca de Juárez, México.

Oaxaca Festival Guides

Day of the Dead - Día de Muertos
Night of the Radishes - La Noche de Rabanos - Oaxaca

Resources

Follow along with the hashtag #Guelaguetza2023 on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to learn more details as the festival gets closer.

Official Website: https://guelaguetzaoficial.com.mx/

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This website serves as a comprehensive travel guide for those planning to visit Oaxaca, México and should be used for informational purposes only.