## Festival de la Guelaguetza
The Guelaguetza festival is one of the most important cultural events in Mexico. It is celebrated in the city of Oaxaca, in the southern part of the country, every year in July. The festival showcases the diverse cultures and traditions of the indigenous communities of Oaxaca.
The word “Guelaguetza” comes from the Zapotec word “guelax” which means “offering”. The festival is a way for the indigenous communities to share their culture with the rest of Mexico and the world.
The festival lasts for two weeks and features a variety of events, including:
* **Traditional dances:** The festival is best known for its traditional dances, which are performed by dancers from all over the state of Oaxaca. The dances are a celebration of the indigenous cultures of Oaxaca and their unique traditions.
* **Music:** The festival also features a variety of musical performances, including traditional music from Oaxaca, as well as contemporary music.
* **Food:** The festival is also a great place to try traditional Oaxacan cuisine. There are a variety of food stalls selling everything from tamales to mole.
* **Arts and crafts:** The festival also features a variety of arts and crafts stalls, where you can buy traditional Oaxacan handicrafts.
The Guelaguetza festival is a unique and unforgettable experience. It is a great way to learn about the diverse cultures and traditions of the indigenous communities of Oaxaca.
### History of the Festival
The Guelaguetza festival has its roots in the pre-Hispanic era. The Zapotec and Mixtec people who inhabited the Oaxaca Valley would hold a festival to celebrate the harvest and to honor their gods. The festival was called “Hua Guelaguetza” and it was a time for feasting, dancing, and music.
After the Spanish conquest of Mexico, the Guelaguetza festival was banned by the Spanish authorities. However, the festival continued to be celebrated in secret by the indigenous communities. In the 19th century, the festival was revived and it has been celebrated every year since then.
### The Festival Today
The Guelaguetza festival is now one of the most important cultural events in Mexico. It is a celebration of the diverse cultures and traditions of the indigenous communities of Oaxaca. The festival is also a major tourist attraction and it attracts visitors from all over the world.
The festival lasts for two weeks and features a variety of events, including:
* **Traditional dances:** The festival is best known for its traditional dances, which are performed by dancers from all over the state of Oaxaca. The dances are a celebration of the indigenous cultures of Oaxaca and their unique traditions.
* **Music:** The festival also features a variety of musical performances, including traditional music from Oaxaca, as well as contemporary music.
* **Food:** The festival is also a great place to try traditional Oaxacan cuisine. There are a variety of food stalls selling everything from tamales to mole.
* **Arts and crafts:** The festival also features a variety of arts and crafts stalls, where you can buy traditional Oaxacan handicrafts.
The Guelaguetza festival is a unique and unforgettable experience. It is a great way to learn about the diverse cultures and traditions of the indigenous communities of Oaxaca.
