What You Need to Know:
For the people of Oaxaca, July is the “Month of the Guelaguetza,” the “Greatest Festival of Oaxaca” and the most anticipated celebration of the year, bringing together the essence and traditions of the state in a unique cultural showcase.
Although the Lunes del Cerro celebrations will take place on July 20 and July 27 this year—the central events of the Guelaguetza—numerous cultural activities will be held throughout the month to highlight the spirit of Oaxaca.
2026 Guelaguetza Activities Program
The activities scheduled for the “Greatest Festival of Oaxaca” will begin with the selection of the Goddess Centéotl, who will serve as the ambassador representing the cultural richness of Oaxaca’s Indigenous communities. The competition will take place on June 26 and 27 at 6:00 p.m. at the Macedonio Alcalá Theater.
Selection of the Goddess Centéotl for the Guelaguetza
Following the selection of the queen, the official inauguration of the Guelaguetza program will take place on July 1 at 6:00 p.m. in the Plaza de la Danza. The activities scheduled throughout the month include:
- Convites (Parades): July 1, 2, and 11.
- Calendas: July 18 and 25.
- Mezcal Fair: July 17–28.
- Artisan Expo Fair: July 17–28.
- Festival of the Moles: July 24 and 25.
- Tejate and Tamal Fair: July 29 and 30.
- Gastronomic Market: July 9–28.
- Mixtec Ball Tournament: July 19 and 26.
- 2026 Guelaguetza International Marathon: July 26.
- Lunes del Cerro: July 20 and 27.
From July 2 through July 31, various artistic and cultural activities will take place at the Alameda de León, beginning at 12:00 p.m.
The Convites: A Preview of This Year’s Greatest Celebration
The Convites are the official announcement that the Month of the Guelaguetza has begun.
During these joyful parades filled with music, charros, Oaxacan women in traditional dress (Chinas Oaxaqueñas), and other dance groups fill the streets of Oaxaca alongside the traditional marmotas (giant festival lanterns) and monos de calenda (large festival puppets), accompanied by brass bands and fireworks to spread the festive spirit that defines this celebration.
The first Convite of the Guelaguetza will take place on July 1 at 6:00 p.m. The parade will begin at the Cruz de Piedra Monument in the Historic Center of Oaxaca de Juárez.
Source: oaxaca.eluniversal
