The Guelaguetza Auditorium, situated atop the Cerro del Fortín in the capital city of Oaxaca, serves as the venue for the state’s most significant celebration—also known as the “Festival of the Mondays on the Hill” (Fiesta de los Lunes del Cerro). However, neighboring municipalities also host their own parallel festivities. Here at MILENIO, we tell you about other locations where you can experience the Guelaguetza.
When will the Guelaguetza be celebrated in 2026?
The 2026 edition of the Guelaguetza will officially take place on July 20 and 27 at Oaxaca’s premier performance venue—an open-air amphitheater with a seating capacity of up to 12,000 people.
Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the festivities will kick off with traditional convites (processions) on July 1, 10, and 11; meanwhile, the cultural candelas (evening gatherings) will be held on the 18th and 25th of the same month.
What activities will be featured?
During the official presentation of the 2026 Guelaguetza—led on May 21 by the Secretary of Tourism, Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, and the Governor of Oaxaca, Salomón Jara Cruz—it was announced that this year’s festivities will encompass more than 140 cultural, artisanal, gastronomic, and sporting activities.
In addition to concerts and poetry readings—both performed in indigenous languages—the schedule will include events such as:
Guelaguetza Alebrije Expo and Sale
Tejate and Tamal Fair
Festival of Moles
Regional Fair of Wild Mushrooms and Non-Timber Forest Products
Grand Mezcal Festival of Santiago Matatlán
Tlayuda Fair
Regional Fair of the Coatlanes
Apple Fair
The Guelaguetza celebrations are not limited to the official events, as there are other locations where parallel festivities take place. Guelaguetza del Tule
In Santa María del Tule, Oaxaca, the renowned “Guelaguetza del Tule” is celebrated—a festival that has taken place at the Plaza de Toros (Bullring) since 2018.
On its website, it is advertised as a unique experience offering a closer and more intimate connection with the community, as well as being the second-largest celebration after the Guelaguetza held at the Cerro del Fortín.
More than 220 dancers, approximately 45 musicians, and 32 delegations participate in this event. Food and beverages are available for purchase, and parking services are provided.
Ticket prices for this year are 569 Mexican pesos for the Gallery section, 969 pesos for the Luneta (Orchestra) section, and 999 pesos for the Luneta Plus section—from which attendees can enjoy the parades, as well as the dance and musical performances.
San Antonino Castillo Velasco
Every year, the Lunes del Cerro (Mondays on the Hill) celebrations also take place in San Antonino Castillo Velasco—located in the Central Valleys region—where delegations from Oaxaca’s eight distinct regions gather. The festivities begin with a calenda (festive procession) that sets off toward the Cerro de las Azucenas.
State authorities have previously extended invitations to this celebration, which features a lively public street fair in the town center, performances by musical bands, culinary tastings, and the sale of handicrafts.
The town is accessible via the Oaxaca–Puerto Ángel highway; the turnoff for the site is located approximately at kilometer 32.
Invitation to the 2025 Guelaguetza:
Villa de Etla
“Guelaguetza en Movimiento” (Guelaguetza in Motion) is the name of the festive gathering held in the municipality of Villa de Etla. Here, much like in the other celebrations, the traditional costumes, dances, masks, and handicrafts of the state’s eight regions take center stage: the Coast, Sierra, Isthmus, Mixteca, Cañada, Papaloapan, Cuenca, and Central Valleys.
For 2026, the Etla Guelaguetza is scheduled to take place on July 27, with performances scheduled for 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Prior to the first performance, a celebration featuring atole and tamales will be held to welcome attendees.
Additionally, from July 25 to 27, there will be cultural, artistic, and sporting activities, as well as a Gastronomic and Artisan Fair.
Source: milenio
