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 2023 will be 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.

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.

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.

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.