THE 5 MOST POPULAR FESTIVALS IN OAXACA - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The most popular festivals in Oaxaca are the Isthmian candles or candles from Juchitán, carnivals, the day of the Samaritan woman, the feast of the Virgin of Juquila and the guelaguetza.

The festivities and celebrations in Oaxaca are divided between those that come from Spanish Catholicism, the autochthonous ones of the indigenous communities and some in which these two cultures are mixed.

Oaxacans are known among other things for their numerous celebrations and the legend says “Oaxaca is always celebrating” about that state.

Around 27 different festivals are celebrated throughout the year, which on average represents a little more than two festivities per month.

You may also be interested in the culture of Oaxaca or its traditions.

The best known festivals in Oaxaca

The Isthmian candles or the Juchitán candles

It is a celebration of indigenous court that takes place in the month of May. It is one of the most beloved festivals in the region and has been described by poets such as Andrés Henestrosa, as “an Indian ritual on the inside and Spanish on the outside”.

Although Catholicism in evangelization renamed this festival as "that of the patron saints", it is a celebration that is linked to three important pre-Hispanic cults: the entrance of the first rains, the worship of corn and the ritual to the ancestors.

The carnivals

They are celebrated especially in the mountainous regions of Oaxaca; in Silacayoapán, which is part of the Sierra Mixteca, and in San Martín Tilcajete.

It was called for a long time as a black party, since its participants dyed their faces with ash to simulate their masks.

In this festival, dance and theatricality are the central attraction. It is danced to the rhythm of the Chilean Mixtec and the carved wooden masks demonstrate the talent of local artisans.

Samaritan woman's day

This festival is exclusively Spanish and Catholic. It is celebrated on the fourth Friday of Lent inspired by the story told in the bible of the Samaritan woman who offers water to Jesus.

Starting from this story, the women go out to the streets to give "fresh waters" and "snows" to passersby.

The preferred fruits for these waters are the prickly pear and the chilacayota. It is also very popular to serve rice horchata and Jamaican water.

Feast of the Virgin of Juquila

The Virgin of Juquila is one of the main patrons of Oaxaca, therefore it is the most popular festival.

The adoration begins at midnight on December 7 to receive it on the 8th, which is their anniversary.

Tradition dictates that a rooster mass should be offered and multiple chants, especially the traditional "mañanitas".

Attendees also tend to walk through several blocks in the form of a procession carrying decorated reeds.

Guelaguetza

Guelaguetza literally means offering in the Zapotec language. It is celebrated in Cerro del Fortín on the last two Mondays of the month of July. All the regions of Oaxaca participate in this festival.

In this "offering" the best of this region is usually shown in terms of dances, gastronomy, music, traditional costumes, among other manifestations .

References

1. Quijano, J. (2006). La Guelaguetza in Oaxaca: fiesta, inter-ethnic relations and processes of symbolic construction in the urban context. Mexico: Ciesas. Retrieved on November 9, 2017 from: books.google.es
2. Terraciano, K. (2001). The mixtecs of colonial Oaxaca. Los Angeles: Stanford University Press. Retrieved on November 9, 2017 from: books.google.es
3. Mariñelarena, J. (nd). Consequences of colonialist practices in the Oaxacan Indigenous culture and society. Munich: Universität München. Retrieved on November 9, 2017 from: mufm.fr
4. Ramírez, A. (sf). Legends of Oaxaca. Retrieved on November 9, 2017 from: magazines.upb.edu.co
5. Millán, S. (1993). The perpetual ceremony. Festive cycles and ceremonial organization in southern Oaxaca. Mexico: National Indigenous Institute. Retrieved on November 9, 2017 from: books.google.es