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Guelaguetza is an internationally recognized
dance festival where dancers from Oaxaca's seven regions come to Oaxaca
to perform in the huge open air theatre which overlooks the
city. The majority of the seats are free but you need to
arrive several hours early. You can purchase tickets for the
sections in front of the stage. The front row guests also get
to catch the straw hats, fruit, and other goodies thrown by the dancers
after they perform. Guelaguetza is held the last two Mondays in
July and those two weeks resemble Mardi Gras with streets full of
brightly dressed dancers, tourists and booths selling native
handicrafts and food. Every night there are free dance
exhibitions
and music concerts held throughout the city. Handicrafts,
Oaxacan
food, and the annual mezcal fair are held at the newly constructed
convention center. |
The dancers are colorful and
enthusiastic.
At right:
A young man is dressed up for Guelaguetza.
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The Guelaguetza parade displays beautiful costumes. |
The towering manikins are a part of Oaxacan celebrations. |
Each group is preceded by its
pueblo's banner. |
Go early and reserve a window seat at an upper floor restaurant for the
best shots. These are from a pizza restaurant on Acala. |
Every group
is dressed differently. |
The lace head-dresses are typically Oaxacan. |
Should you miss the show in the auditorium, there are stages with
dancers around the city throughout the festival. |
Food stands are set up around town and you can sample Oaxaca's moles,
special drinks, and even grasshoppers. |
The
Dance of the Pluma headress weighs several pounds.
At right:
Dancers parade around the zocalo
bandstand carrying baskets of flowers on their heads.
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A pluma dancer shows off his costume. |
You can get photographed with the performers. |
This young trio comes to town every year and wins the hearts and coins
of passers-by. |
A group of stilt walkers
strut their stuff. |
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