Guelaguetza - partaking, sharing and cooperation

Guelaguetza--an important word in the life of Oaxaca. Guelaguetza is a Zapotec word meaning partaking, sharing and cooperation. During colonial times in Oaxaca, this celebration meant that various groups in Oaxaca came to share their produce, their music and their regional dances.

Originally this was a church celebration connected to the Virgin of Carmen. Later, indigenous groups joined, not to worship the Virgin of Carmen but to worship their own goddess---Centeotl, the goddess of corn.

This celebration evolved into what it is today. Today this event is held on the last two Mondays of the month of July. In between the dances on each Monday, there is a week of religious parades, markets, parties, etc.

This week is the most important tourist occasion in in the city of Oaxaca even though the celebration has gotten more and more commercial each year.