Guelaguetza Oaxaca 2026: key dates and everything you need to know

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The Guelaguetza is Oaxaca’s most important cultural festival. It is a celebration in which delegations from the state’s eight regions, together with the Afro-Mexican community, gather to share their traditional dances, music, and ceremonial offerings. The festivities extend throughout the entire month of July, featuring a wide variety of cultural, artistic, sporting, and culinary events.

The celebration takes place in Oaxaca City. The main venue for the famous Lunes del Cerro (Mondays on the Hill) performances and the theatrical production Donají… La Leyenda is the iconic Guelaguetza Auditorium. The festival also fills the city’s streets with parades and uses additional venues such as the Oaxaca Cultural and Convention Center (CCCO) and Plaza de la Danza for fairs and markets.

Key Dates for Guelaguetza 2026

Traditionally, the Guelaguetza is celebrated on the two Mondays following July 16, the feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. For the 2026 edition, the main events are:

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  • Convites (Traditional Neighborhood Parades): July 1, 10, and 11
    • Time: 6:00 p.m.
    • Starting Point: Cruz de Piedra
  • Mezcal Fair:
    • Dates: July 17–28
    • Location: Oaxaca Cultural and Convention Center (CCCO)
    • Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
  • Delegations Parade (Calenda):
    • Dates: July 18 and 25
    • Time: Around 6:00 p.m.
    • Starting Point: Fountain of the Eight Regions
  • Donají… La Leyenda:
    • Dates: Sunday, July 19 and July 26
    • Time: 8:00 p.m.
    • Location: Guelaguetza Auditorium
  • Lunes del Cerro (Main Performances):
    • First Monday: July 20
    • La Octava: July 27
    • Performance Times: 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
    • Location: Guelaguetza Auditorium

Additional Events Throughout July

Visitors can also enjoy several complementary festivals and fairs, including:

  • Festival of the Moles
  • Tlayuda Fair
  • Tejate Fair
  • Alebrijes Fair
  • Gastronomic Market at Plaza de la Danza

These events showcase Oaxaca’s rich culinary traditions, artisan craftsmanship, music, dance, and cultural heritage, making the Guelaguetza one of Mexico’s most vibrant and celebrated festivals.

Source: lasillarota

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