Guelaguetza Festival 2026

The Guelaguetza is Oaxaca's most celebrated festival and one of Mexico's most important cultural events. Held on the last two Mondays of July at the outdoor Auditorio Guelaguetza on the Cerro del Fortín hill above Oaxaca City, it brings together representatives from eight indigenous ethnic groups — including Zapotec, Mixtec, and Chinantec communities — who perform traditional dances, music, and ceremonies in their full ritual regalia. The word 'Guelaguetza' means 'reciprocal gift-giving' in Zapotec — each group shares their culture with the other. A UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.