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

Oaxaca Guelaguetza Festival

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.

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

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 2023?

Guelaguetza is 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?

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.

Where to stay in Oaxaca City for Guelaguetza 2023?

Guelaguetza 2023 will be taking place on July 17th and July 24th, 2023 at Cerro del Fortín in Oaxaca City, Oaxaca de Juárez, México.

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:

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

Guelaguetza 2023 Dates

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

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.

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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Oaxaca Airport Guía

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