Guelaguetza
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The Guelaguetza, or Los lunes del cerro (Mondays of the Hill) is an annual cultural celebration that takes place in the city of Oaxaca, capital of the state of Oaxaca in Mexico.
The celebration dates back to pre-Columbian times and remains a defining characteristic of Oaxacan culture.[1] Its origins come from celebrations related to the worship of corn.[2] Communities from within the state of Oaxaca gather to present their regional culture in the form of music, costumes, dances, and food. It is the most famous event of its kind in Mexico.[2]
The modern version of this festival started as a celebration in honor of the Virgin del Carmen. In the 20th century, sponsored by the local government, it became a festival celebrating the city and state of Oaxaca.[2]
The celebration takes place on consecutive Mondays at the end of July in the city's open-air amphitheater that was built into the "Cerro del Fortín", a hill that overlooks central Oaxaca. The word Guelaguetza comes from the Zapotec language and means "reciprocal exchanges of gifts and services".[1]
[edit] Dates celebrated
Each year, the Guelaguetza is celebrated on the two Mondays immediately following July 16, except when the first Monday falls on July 18, the day on which Benito Juárez death. Out of respect for Oaxaca's most famous son, the celebrations are postponed for one week, falling on July 25 and August 1 (as occurred in 2005).[1] However, side events associated with the festival,such as concerts, are held all during the month of July.[2]
In 2006, Due to civil unrest, the Guelaguetza was not held at the Cerro del Fortín as planned.
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Cohen, Jeffrey H. (1999). Cooperation and Community: Economy and Society in Oaxaca. University of Texas Press. ISBN 0292712219.
- ^ a b c d Quintanar Hinojosa, Beatriz (August 2007). "[www.mexicodesconocido.com.mx La Guelaguetza]". Guía México Desconocido: Oaxaca 137: 22.
[edit] External links
- (Spanish) Guelaguetza, from www.oaxaca-mio.com
- (Spanish) Official Site
- "World of the Dance" Coral Living magazine article on traveling to Oaxaca during the Guelaguetza
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