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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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].

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.

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.

Guelaguetza 2023 will be taking place in centro Oaxaca City so be sure to book a hostel, hotel or Airbnb that is centrally located and within walking distance of the celebrations.

We highly recommend booking your Guelaguetza accommodations well in advance as the festival attracts visitors not only from all parts of Mexico but also from around the world.