The Guelaguetza 2023 is here! This year you will be able to feel the ancestral and millennial essence inherited by the native peoples of the beautiful state of oaxaca. Find here more information about this great party.
What is celebrated in the Guelaguetza 2023?
Guelaguetza is derived from the Zapotec word guendalezaa, which means “offering, present, fulfillment”. It is also known as “Cerro Monday Party”.
We are talking about the biggest folkloric festival, not only in Mexico, but also in Latin America. Usually, its epicenter is the Guelaguetza Auditorium at the top of the Fortin Hill of the Oaxaca City in July. Delegations from the 8 ethnic regions from the state:
- Coast
- Canada
- papaloapan
- Mixtec
- South Sierra
- Sierra Norte
- Central Valleys
- Isthmus of Tehuantepec
And it is through dances, ceremonies and traditions that these amazing ethnic groups show the uses and customs of each of the populations. Here you can find more information about the participation of the different delegations that make up the Guelaguetza 2023.
YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN Guelaguetza 2023: find out the dates, times and activities of the great cultural festival of Oaxaca
The great Oaxacan festival and its meanings
The root of the Guelaguetza is found in the ancient Zapotecs and the offerings they made to the agricultural gods in gratitude for their crops. In fact, the Guelaguetza originated from the time prehispanicwith a ritual that was done to the ancient deities in the place called by the Zapotecs as daninayaaloani or “bella vista hill”.
Today, the festive atmosphere, full of dance, music, food, crafts, exhibitions and gala costumes, is what characterizes the Guelaguetza, an annual celebration that was officially established in 1932, in Oaxaca, as a “homage to racial”. It is so valuable that there are documents dating from the years 1931 and 1934 where the importance of the Guelaguetza for the community. It is no secret that since then this celebration is considered something very special and significant for the locals.
The best way to enjoy the Guelaguetza it is understanding the symbolism and meaning of this party. Here we share a small glossary where we explain some terms that will complement your knowledge about the Guelaguetza.
Terms you will hear often and should know
Goddess Centeotl: Woman who will preside over the Guelaguetza festivities and who was selected for her roots, knowledge and culture.
Calendar: It is a troupe with music, fireworks and dances that announce the start of a party.
Hill Monday: It is another way in which the presentations of the Guelaguetza in the Cerro del Fortín are known.
Eighth: It is the repetition of a party or celebration after 8 days. The eighth of the Guelaguetza is on Monday, July 24.
Donaji: Princess, daughter of the last Zapotec caudillo Cocijoeza and his wife the gentle Coyolicatzin.
Hornpipe: Wind instrument that together with a drum goes at the beginning of the calenda marking the rhythm and directing the course.
Guelaguetza: It comes from the Zapotec word guendalize which means to offer, share or give away.
Roundabout of the Azucenas: Name by which the stage of the Guelaguetza Auditorium is known.
Delegation: Grouping of each of the different municipalities of the state that will participate in the Guelaguetza.
Groundhogs: Giant spherical wooden structures covered in white cloth that are part of the kalends.
Tiliche: A colorful character dressed in patched strips of cloth, a hat, and a mask. He represents the working class and the laborers who in the past were mistreated by the landowners.
How many of these words or characters did you know? Be sure to save this glossary and share it with others who may be interested.
Get ready to celebrate La Guelaguetza 2023
This year 2023 The rehabilitation of spaces and streets is contemplated. This so that the Guelaguetza lives throughout the city and expands to different municipalities. You will find a program with a renewed vision that is not limited to the “Monday of the Hill”. Likewise, the ancestral popular origins are retaken and the value of the 16 ethnic groups and peoples is recognized. Afro-Mexicanstheir cultural, artistic, musical and dance expressions that will participate in the presentations of the roundabout of the lily.
These are the events that you cannot miss:
Although We recommend you not to miss any event on the billboard of the Guelaguetza, we know that it is impossible to be everywhere at the same time. For this reason, we leave you below the fundamental events that must be part of your agenda to enjoy this event:
Opening
July 1st • 5:00 p.m.
Dance Square
invitations
July 1, 7 and 8 • 7 pm
Main streets of the city.
Mezcal Fair
July 14-25 • 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cultural and Convention Center
Craft Fair Expo
July 14-25 • 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Cultural and Convention Center
Parades of Delegations
July 15 and 22 • 6 pm
Main streets of the city.
donají the legend
July 16 and 23 • 8:30 p.m.
Guelaguetza Auditorium
Guelaguetza
July 17 and 24 • 10 am and 5 pm
Guelaguetza Auditorium
Tejate and Tamal Fair
July 19 and 20 • 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Dance Square
Frequent questions
When is the Guelaguetza?
This 2023 the appointment will be on Monday, July 17 and 24.
How many presentations of the Guelaguetza are there?
There are two performances every Monday, one at 10 am and one at 5 pm. That is, there are 4 presentations in total.
Are they the same dancers in the 4 presentations of the Guelaguetza?
No, there are many delegations that register to participate and are distributed in the 4 presentations so that the 8 regions are always represented. There are some danceables that are always present in each presentation (Chinas Oaxaqueñas, Jarabe Mixteco, Danza de la Pluma and Flor de Piña). In itself, in each presentation between 14 and 16 delegations dance, so we recommend you check the announcements on the event’s official social networks to find out which events you want to enjoy.
How long do the Guelaguetza presentations last?
These events last between 4.5 and 5 hours.
When and where can I buy the tickets?
The general sale to the public is as of June 1, both at the offices of the Oaxaca Secretary of Tourism and on the Super Tickets page.
How much are the tickets?
This year section A is priced at $1,443 ($1,305 in pre-sale on May 15) and section B is priced at $1,168 ($1,031 in pre-sale), section C and D are free, but you must line up in advance the same day to obtain the entrance ticket.
Important: Children pay a ticket from the age of 3, minors enter free but cannot occupy a seat.