By Carlos Brito

Today is Monday, July 27th, and if you happen to be in Oaxaca right now, you can feel a special kind of energy in the air. Today marks the Octava of the Guelaguetza—the second and final Lunes del Cerro (Monday on the Hill). In Mexican traditions, an octava is the continuation or repetition of a major festival eight days after it begins, following the first celebrated last Monday.

Sitting in the iconic Auditorio Guelaguetza atop the Cerro del Fortín—a venue named in honor of this historic event—I always find myself deeply moved as I watch the presentations unfold. Looking out at the vibrant dances, the rich traditional attire (trajes típicos), the live brass bands, the intricate choreography, and the gifts of regional food thrown into the crowd, one realization hits me every single time: this celebration remains profoundly authentic.

Despite its fame, the Guelaguetza holds tight to the living soul and ancestral spirit of Oaxaca’s diverse Indigenous communities. It is a generous exchange of culture—a true reflection of the Zapotec word guelaguetza, which means “sharing” or “offering.” Experiencing this spectacle leaves you with an unforgettable warmth in your heart and the distinct feeling that you are carrying a small piece of Oaxaca’s soul home with you.

Courtship, Tradition, and Subtle Symbolism

As a guide, one of my favorite aspects to point out during the performances is the fascinating symbolism woven into the dances. Many of these traditional routines revolve around courtship, romance, and the subtle, playful nature of attraction.

For instance, if you watch closely during a dance from the Sierra Sur region, you will see a lively performance mimicking the courtship between a rooster and a hen. Through rhythmic steps and vivid movements, it playfully depicts nature, fertility, and romance—a captivating reminder of how connected these traditions are to everyday life and the natural world.

A Citywide Celebration of Gastronomy and Culture

Even if you don’t attend the main show at the auditorium, simply visiting Oaxaca City during the Guelaguetza season is an extraordinary experience. The entire region comes alive with an unbeatable variety of cultural and culinary events.

Throughout the city, you can immerse yourself in regional flavors and artisan crafts at events like:

• Feria del Mezcal (Mezcal Fair)
• Feria del Tejate y el Tamal (Celebrating traditional pre-Hispanic beverages and tamales)
• Festival de los Moles (A showcase of Oaxaca’s famous, complex moles)
• Feria de la Tlayuda
• Numerous Expo Gastronómicas and craft markets

The magic expands far beyond the city center into neighboring villages (pueblos), each hosting their own unique seasonal festivals:

• The Apple Fair (Feria de la Manzana) in Santa Martha Latuvi
• The Alebrije Expo in San Martín Tilcajete, where legendary woodcarvings come to life
• The Mushroom Festival (Festival de los Hongos) in San Antonio Cuajimoloyas high in the mountains

While this year’s festivities are winding down today, you can explore the official schedule at guelaguetza.oaxaca.gob.mx/programa-oficial-2/ to get a sense of the incredible diversity of activities hosted during this season.

Street Magic: Calendas and Convites

Perhaps the most joyful and spontaneous part of the festival takes place right in the cobblestone streets. Before the main shows, the city fills with Calendas and Convites—vibrant, festive parades featuring the participating delegations.

Picture giant paper-mâché puppets (monos de calenda), brass bands echoing off historic walls, dancers in full regalia twirling through the streets, and community members handing out traditional snacks and shots of mezcal to everyone standing on the sidewalk. It is an open invitation to dance, laugh, and celebrate together.

Today brings the final Lunes del Cerro of 2026 to a close, but the spirit of this magnificent festival never truly leaves us.

If you missed it this year, don’t worry—it’s never too early to start planning your journey to experience Guelaguetza 2027 with us at IDEAL Spanish Mexico!