What Is the Guelaguetza in Oaxaca, and how is it celebrated?

Photo: Shutterstock

If there’s one thing both Mexicans and visitors to Mexico love, it’s the festivals that elevate our culture and showcase our traditions in their full splendor. And of course, this Oaxacan celebration is no exception. Here’s everything you need to know about the Guelaguetza in Oaxaca—and why you should experience it yourself.

What Is the Guelaguetza in Oaxaca?

Every July, Oaxaca transforms into a stage of color, music, and tradition with the celebration of the Guelaguetza, one of Mexico’s most iconic festivals. This event, which honors the state’s cultural and ethnic diversity, has deep roots that trace back to pre-Hispanic times.

The term Guelaguetza comes from the Zapotec word “guendalezaa”, meaning “offering, gift, or act of reciprocity.” In its ancestral form, the celebration was a ritual dedicated to the ancient gods at a sacred site known to the Zapotecs as Daninayaaloani—the Hill of Beautiful View. Over time, the festival evolved into a symbol of unity, generosity, and cultural heritage.

It was in 1932 that the Guelaguetza was officially institutionalized as a racial homage in Oaxaca, marking the beginning of the modern celebration while preserving the essence of its indigenous origins. Today, the Cerro del Fortin becomes the heart of the festivities, as communities from all regions of the state gather to share their traditional dances, music, and costumes—each one rich with meaning and pride.

The performances are a true expression of the Oaxacan spirit: dances that tell the stories of the land, songs, rituals, and joyful celebrations. But the Guelaguetza extends far beyond the auditorium—the entire city comes alive with parallel events including food fairs, craft exhibitions, concerts, and art displays that make this experience unforgettable.

The Lunes del Cerro Celebrations

The traditional Lunes del Cerro (“Mondays on the Hill”) is still celebrated every July, typically during the last two weeks of the month. In 2025, the festivities will take place on Monday, July 21 and Monday, July 28.

The Guelaguetza is a beloved event for both locals and visitors, which is why tourists—national and international alike—arrive in Oaxaca well before the festivities begin to join in the celebration.

As is tradition, there will be two performances each Lunes del Cerro: a morning show at 10:00 a.m. and an evening show at 5:00 p.m.. In addition to these four main presentations, the city will host parades, concerts, and fairs. You can check the full schedule on the festival’s official website.

Where to Stay in Oaxaca during the Guelaguetza

If your plan this summer is to experience Oaxaca’s most important celebration, be sure to book your stay early.

We recommend Quinta Real Oaxaca, located just 20 minutes from the Guelaguetza Auditorium where the event takes place. The property has exceptional architectural value—it was once the Ex-Convent of Santa Catalina de Siena—and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 thanks to the more than four centuries of history within its walls.

Situated in the heart of Oaxaca, the hotel is just a short walk from the Historic Center, Santo Domingo de Guzman Church, renowned museums, the Ethnobotanical Garden, the iconic Tule Tree, and the Monte Albán archaeological site—one of the area’s top attractions.

Where Does the Guelaguetza Take Place?

This year’s celebration will once again be held at the Guelaguetza Auditorium, the traditional venue for the festival. This semicircular forum is located on

Cerro del Fortin, just outside the city of Oaxaca along the International Highway, and can host up to 11,000 people.

Tickets for the Guelaguetza are available through Superboletos, so be sure to mark your calendar and reserve your stay at Quinta Real Oaxaca to experience one of the most special cultural moments of the year.