Oaxaca, Mexico  February 2001

One of the most ingratiating of the colonial cities in Mexico is Oaxaca. Its setting is in a beautiful valley surrounded by the Sierra Madre and the Sierra Oriental at an elevation of approximately 6000 feet. The location (about 300 miles southeast of Mexico City) makes for a spring-like climate (50-85 degrees F) year-around.

Many special events take place in Oaxaca. The last two Mondays of each July is a dance festival called "Guelaguetza". The performances are held in a lovely amphitheater called "Cerro de Fortin" on the outskirts of town. The dancers represent the seven different cultures and regions surrounding Oaxaca, with very colorful costumes and unparalleled enthusiasm. It’s advisable to make hotel reservations for this - and all special events - several months in advance to assure your first choice of accommodations.

Click on the picture to get a larger view
Typical Oaxaca Street	Mexico Street Dancer	Day of the Death Celebration

Another special event is "Day of the Dead", which beings on October 30 and ends on November 2. It is not the somber occasion that you might expect from its name. It’s quite festive, with all sorts of activities to welcome back the souls of departed relatives. It is customary to decorate commemorative altars in homes and businesses with vivid "cempoalxochitl" (marigolds); deep red cockscomb; the favorite food, drink, cigarettes, and music of the departed. Virtually every altar features a bottle of tequila, a guitar or boom-box, and tamales, chicken mole, or some similar food.

On the night of October 31, locals and tourists alike trudge through the cemeteries to await the return of the souls of the departed children. The night of November 1, the procedure is repeated to welcome the souls of the adults. Many families spend the entire night in the cemetery, eating, drinking, and making merry. Everything (except the taxis and airports) is closed on November 2 while everyone recuperates.

The last special event of the year in Oaxaca is the "Night of the Radishes", which is held on December 23. They grow mammoth radishes in the area, and the local artisans carve figures such as nativity scenes from them and display them around the Zocalo (central plaza.) Prizes are awarded to contest winners.

Even if no special events are taking place, Oaxaca abounds with interesting things to do and see - the ruins at Monte Alban and Mitla and villages up in the hills which specialize in various crafts

such as black pottery, weaving, wood-animal carving, and knife-making. Or one can spend an entire afternoon sitting in or near the Zocalo and "people-watching."

You can’t go wrong spending a week in Oaxaca!

E-Mail Tracy