Discover the Guelaguetza, Oaxaca’s unmissable annual celebration. Dive into the history, traditions, and vibrant festivities of this colorful event, a true symbol of the region’s rich cultural diversity. Learn about its origins, the communities who bring it to life, and the Guelaguetza Oaxaca 2025 program to make the most of this extraordinary festival.

What is the Guelaguetza Festival in Mexico?

The Guelaguetza is the most iconic festival in the state of Oaxaca, held every year in July. Its name, of Zapotec origin, means “offering” or “sharing.” This celebration is a true tribute to Oaxaca’s rich ethnic and cultural diversity.

The festival showcases ancestral traditions from the state’s 7 regions through folkloric dances, traditional music, and regional costumes. Each region sends a delegation dressed in their traditional attire, performing symbolic dances on the stage of the Guelaguetza Auditorium, located on Cerro del Fortín, just a 10-minute walk from Oaxaca’s main square, the Zócalo.

What is the history of the Guelaguetza?

The Guelaguetza traces its roots back to pre-Hispanic times and is deeply rooted in the traditions of Oaxaca’s Indigenous peoples. Originally, it was a celebration to honor the gods and ensure good harvests, featuring dances, offerings, and rituals.

With the arrival of the Spanish and the introduction of Catholicism, the festival evolved to include Christian elements—particularly the veneration of the Virgin of Carmen. Today, the Guelaguetza is a celebration of Oaxaca’s ethnic and cultural diversity.

It takes place on the two Mondays following July 16, the feast day of the Virgin of Carmen, and features performances from the state’s 16 ethnic groups, each showcasing their unique dances, music, and traditions.

What is the program for Guelaguetza 2025?

For its 93rd edition, Guelaguetza 2025 will bring Oaxaca to life throughout the month of July, with the main events taking place on the Lunes del Cerro (Mondays on the Hill), scheduled for July 21 and 28. On those days, two official performances will take place at 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at the Guelaguetza Auditorium, located on Cerro del Fortín in Oaxaca de Juárez.

The program also includes cultural events such as the Bani Stui Gulal, a historical reenactment, and the theatrical performance of the legend of Donají, which will be held on the evening of July 20.

In addition, the Feria Internacional del Mezcal and the Feria del Café will take place from July 18 to 29 at the Oaxaca Cultural and Convention Center, offering tastings of the best mezcals and coffees from the region.

Tickets for the Lunes del Cerro performances will be available starting in May. For more information, you can visit the official Guelaguetza website.

How long does the Guelaguetza last?

The Guelaguetza itself takes place over two days — the two Mondays following July 16 (known as Los Lunes del Cerro). However, the festivities begin much earlier, at the start of July, and continue throughout the entire month.

During this period, Oaxaca comes alive with a wide variety of cultural, artistic, and culinary events. The celebrations include parades, religious processions, concerts, craft exhibitions, and food fairs.

The highlight is the Guelaguetza performances, where the diverse Indigenous communities of the state of Oaxaca showcase their traditional dances and vibrant costumes at the Guelaguetza Auditorium, located on Cerro del Fortín.

Who participates in the Guelaguetza?

The Guelaguetza brings together a wide range of participants from the different Indigenous communities of the state of Oaxaca. Every year, delegations representing the state’s seven main regions travel to Oaxaca City to take part in the festivities. These regions include:

• Sierra Norte
  
• Sierra Sur
  
• La Cañada
  
• La Mixteca
  
• La Costa
  
• El Istmo
  
• Los Valles Centrales

Participants wear their distinctive traditional clothing and perform dances and songs that reflect their unique cultural heritage. Each delegation showcases its own customs, music, and choreography during the performances at the Guelaguetza Auditorium, located at the top of the Cerro del Fortín.

In addition, local artisans, chefs, and artists actively take part in the cultural fair that accompanies the festival, offering visitors an immersive look into Oaxaca’s vibrant cultural and artistic diversity.

The Guelaguetza Festival in Oaxaca is a vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture and traditions. With its colorful dances, songs, and rituals, it attracts visitors from around the world. Don’t miss this unique cultural immersion and discover the rich heritage of Oaxaca in July.