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we have suspended our Oaxaca tours until the political situation improves WHY OAXACA?
Known as the “Tierra del Sol”, Oaxaca (pronounced Wah-ha-kah) is a large state in Southern Mexico, located about 300 miles South of Mexico City. It is home to about 3 million people. Human occupation has been dated back to 1000 BC. Since then, this state has been influenced by a mix of cultures of Zapotec, Mixtec, Aztec and Spanish. The state capital is the city of Oaxaca, located in a beautiful valley at 5,100 feet. Founded in 1529, its population today is around 350,000. The main center of town is around the Zocalo, or square, considered one of the most beautiful squares in the while country! This city was declared a Cultural Capital of Humanity by UNESCO. Oaxaca celebrates its cultural diversity. It is one of the most culturally rich states in Mexico; 2/3s of the population of Oaxaca belongs to one of 17 indigenous groups. Century after century, the pre-Hispanic traditions have been transmitted from parents to children and still lives in the fiestas, markets, music, clothing, speech, and gastronomy of this charming town. Importance is still given to communal work, exchange rituals, reciprocal help, and the close link between daily life and the rituals reaching the sacred spheres. All of the surrounding communities come together to celebrate the community-spirit that it is famous for in an annual festival in July-the Guelaguetza. Oaxaca is widely known for its culture and traditions. It is the Mexican Center of Arts and Crafts. Indigenous people come from nearby communities to the center of Oaxaca to sell their wares, such as textiles and wooden crafts. Nearby quaint villages showcase the crafts made by technique inherited from the Zapotecs, or “cloud people.” Oaxaca also offers exciting points of interest. It has baroque colonial architecture, with stunning churches and the most famous buildings of Santo Domingo, the Cathedral, the State Government Palace and the House of Cortes. It also has some of the best museums in Mexico. Over a half dozen vibrant and lively markets await the visitor. Strolling in the main square, one sees the authentic flavor of Mexico: women carrying big bundles of fresh flowers for sale, marimba bands playing in the background, tourists sitting in outdoor cafes enjoying the spring-like weather and sampling delicious traditional dishes such as Mole sauce, tamales and drinking Mexcal. Part indigenous, part colonial, Oaxaca offers the “real Mexico” experience. For more information on this wonderful city, check out: www.oaxacainfo.com/info.htm |