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THE GUELAGUETZA FESTIVAL
The Guelaguetza Festival: This word in Zapotec means “offering” or “mutual help” and the Guelaguetza is the institutional form of reciprocity. The festival has become the most beautiful, important and spectacular indigenous festivities in all of Mexico and is one of the greatest celebrations in the world. This exciting festival happens during the last 2 Mondays in July. The Guelaguetza, celebrated since 1951, is now presented in a magnificent theatre, attracting folklore groups from all over the State, offering gifts and exhibitions of native music and dance. Representatives from each community celebrate the fiesta through signs and codes from pre-Hispanic tradition, and shows visitors through music and dances, the sharing of the harvest and activities of each region. Different types of pineapple, mango, sarapes, baskets, drinks and foods are thrown out (or given) to visitors as symbols of the Oaxacan people’s general disposition to share, exchange and survive together. See more about this festival at: www.oaxacalive.com/guelaguetza.htm
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