Guelaguetza - Mexican

Hello! I am a festival called Guelaguetza, and my home is in a beautiful state in southern Mexico called Oaxaca. My name comes from the Zapotec people, and it is a special word that means “to share.” Sharing is the most important part of who I am. My main purpose is to bring different communities together so they can share their special gifts with one another. These gifts are not in boxes with bows; they are wonderful things like traditional dances, amazing music that fills the air, and delicious food that represents each unique region of Oaxaca.

My story began a very, very long time ago, even before there were cities with tall buildings. The first people to celebrate me were the indigenous people of Oaxaca, such as the Zapotec and the Mixtec peoples. For them, the land was very important, especially the crops they grew to feed their families. They would hold special celebrations to give thanks for a good harvest. They were especially thankful for corn, which was a very important food for them. These ancient traditions of being thankful and sharing the gifts of the harvest are still a big part of me today.

People celebrate me every year during the summertime, on two special Mondays in July. It is a very exciting time in Oaxaca! Groups of people, which are called delegations, get ready for a big trip. They travel from all eight regions of the state to the capital, Oaxaca City. Each delegation brings its own special culture to share. They have their own music, their own style of clothing, and their own unique traditions that have been passed down for many years. Thousands of people gather in a large amphitheater, a special outdoor stage, eager to see and learn about all the different cultures of Oaxaca.

When the delegations perform, the heart of my celebration truly comes alive with dance. The performers wear beautiful, handmade outfits that are full of bright colors and amazing details. These outfits are very special because they tell you where each group is from. You can learn about a community just by looking at the patterns and styles of their clothes. After each group performs its traditional dance, they do something wonderful. They begin to toss gifts from their hometowns into the crowd! These might be fruits, hats, or small crafts. This act of giving is the real “guelaguetza,” and it shows the true meaning of my name: to share.