Guelaguetza: A Oaxacan Celebration

The Guelaguetza is one of Oaxaca’s biggest celebrations and honestly, it’s something you have to see at least once. It happens every July and goes back centuries — originally an indigenous festival to honor the corn goddess and to share the harvest. Even today, it’s all about community and giving. It’s a festival put on by the people, for the people.

Different groups from all over Oaxaca come dressed in their traditional clothes, dancing and carrying baskets of food, flowers, or little gifts they toss into the crowd. The colors are incredible — every region has its own look, and together it’s just this beautiful chaos of embroidery, ribbons, smiles and “Viva Oaxaca” chants.

And of course, the food. Streets fill up with tamales, mole, mezcal, and tlayudas sizzling on grills. The vibe is joyful, busy, and very local — everyone’s proud to show off where they come from, and everyone’s welcome. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and it’s unforgettable.