Guelaguetza in Oaxaca: Celebrating Oneness in Diversity

For two Mondays after the second weekend of July, the city of Oaxaca celebrates the Guelaguetza. Derived from the Zapoteca word “guendalizaa,” Guelaguetza means an “exchange of gifts and services.” It symbolizes the act of sharing or participation without any obligation aside from reciprocity. This celebration hopes to strengthen the relationships between the community members, as well as create a cooperation network between the various municipalities and regions.

Guelaguetza was born from the pre-Hispanic celebrations that are related to Centeotl, the Mexican Corn Goddess. It was based on the traditional of the different Mexican communities to offer goods to the goddess in order to please her. And although Catholic intentions has since been integrated into this celebration after the Spanish invasion and evangelism, its timing remained linked to the harvesting of corn. Year after year, this colorful festival is celebrated in the very same hill, where an auditorium now stands built for that special purpose.

Deemed as a celebration of culture, the Guelaguetza gives all of Oaxaca’s eight regions (Istmo de Tehuantepec, La Canada, La Costa, La Mixteca, La Sierra de Juarez, La Sierra Sur Los Valles Centrales and Tuxtepec) a chance to show off the abundance of their culture and tradition through a display of music, dance, cuisine, crafts and garments, among many others. Most importantly, the festival also highlights the differences of each one of these communities and cultures, including their complimentary relationships that make them one despite their apparent differences.

Just like most festivals, the Guelaguetza is divided into stages. Its four different stages represents the various times in their region’s history. The first part represents the pre-Hispanic period where visual representation and performances show the domination of the Azteca, the regal festival, the choice of the virgin and her offering to Centeotl. Next stage comes the colonial period where Mexicas perform a series of dances to please the gods up until it was conquered by the Spanish. Next follows a procession to honor the Virgen del Carmen.

The third stage of the Guelaguetza is called the Independent Mexico period, which is demonstrated with a display of the various products that each region has to offer. This stage also shows Catrinas donning eye-catching dresses. Finally, the contemporary period follows which shows the various kinds of garments from every region. Poems are also recited, all of which are dedicated to Oaxaca. Finally, a grand fireworks display finishes up the entire festival.

Cabo Cribs Real Estate is a premier real estate company in Los Cabos, offering the easiest platform to help clients search for their dream home. With a user-friendly website, comprehensive listing and friendly and knowledgeable staff, everything you need will be at the touch of your fingertips. Contact them now and finally get your wish of living the good life in Los Cabos.

For more information visit our website: http://cabocribs.com/easy-finder/featured-listings/