According to the State Tourism Secretariat, visitor numbers grew at an annual rate of 7.2%, while international tourism recorded a cumulative increase of 13.33% since 2022, reflecting a sustained recovery and a growing global profile for the destination.

👉 50 Best things to See, Do and Eat in Oaxaca City: Your Ultimate Guide

Since the beginning of the current state administration, Oaxaca has received an additional 1,189,318 tourists, representing growth of 23.32%. Over the same period, the overall economic impact increased by 44.18% compared to the end of the previous administration. Hotel occupancy also showed steady improvement, rising from 39.15% to 43.20%.

These results were presented by the Secretary of Tourism, Saymi Pineda Velasco, during her appearance before the Tourism Committee of the State Congress as part of the review of Governor Salomón Jara Cruz’s Third State of the State Address.

Beyond the economic figures, officials highlighted Oaxaca’s recognition in international rankings and awards, including being named Best Gastronomic Destination in Mexico at the 2024 Food and Travel Reader Awards, the inclusion of 18 restaurants in the Michelin Guide, and the appearance of Oaxaca City and Carrizalillo Beach on lists of top travel destinations.

Regional improvements in hotel occupancy and economic performance were also reported, along with strengthened cultural tourism. More than 836,000 visitors attended museums and archaeological sites, including Monte Albán and the Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca.

Finally, Pineda Velasco outlined progress in areas such as inclusion, security, infrastructure, and air connectivity. New domestic and international routes, increased flight frequencies, and more than 3.7 million passengers traveling through the state’s airports reflect expanded accessibility.

She also emphasized the importance of major cultural events — including the Guelaguetza festival and Day of the Dead celebrations — as well as cruise ship arrivals, as part of a broader strategy aimed at promoting a tourism model that strengthens cultural identity, social inclusion, and economic benefits for Oaxacan communities.

Source: Mega Noticias

The post Oaxaca Breaks Tourism Records in 2025 appeared first on Go Oaxaca.

While last year’s data shows some improvement compared to the extreme fire season of 2024, officials and environmental groups warn that the underlying risks remain firmly in place.

👉 Oaxaca City water shortage: It’s getting to breaking point.

👉 Is Oaxaca Safe?

The Scale of Fires in 2025

According to Mexico’s forestry agency CONAFOR, Oaxaca closed the 2025 fire season with 196 recorded forest fires, placing it among the states with the highest number of incidents nationwide. These fires affected approximately 35,990 hectares of land across Oaxaca.

While the number of fires and the total area burned were significantly lower than in 2024, the figures are still concerning. In 2024, Oaxaca recorded around 270 fires that burned more than 160,000 hectares, making it one of the most destructive fire seasons in recent years. The reduction in 2025 suggests improved containment and response—but not a reduced long-term threat.

Seasonal data from 2025 shows:

• January–May 2025: 183 fires and roughly 27,300 hectares affected
• January–April 2025: 121 fires impacting nearly 13,800 hectares
• May 2025 alone: 46 fires burned more than 2,200 hectares

These figures highlight how quickly fire activity can escalate during peak dry months, particularly from March to May.

Causes and Contributing Factors

As in previous years, the majority of Oaxaca’s bushfires are human-caused. Uncontrolled agricultural burning remains one of the leading triggers, often linked to land clearing for crops or cattle grazing. CONAFOR estimates that a significant portion of burned forest land is later converted into agricultural fields or grassland.

Climate conditions further intensify the problem. Oaxaca’s dry season typically runs from January to June, with critically low humidity and reduced water levels in rivers and lakes. By late dry season, vegetation becomes extremely flammable, allowing small fires to spread rapidly—especially when combined with wind.

Systemic challenges also persist. Environmental groups continue to point to limited budgets, understaffed brigades, and insufficient prevention programs in rural regions. Areas such as the Chimalapas and the Central Valleys remain particularly vulnerable due to a combination of dense forest cover and human land use.

Firefighting and Emergency Response

Firefighting efforts in Oaxaca rely heavily on coordination between local brigades, state authorities, and federal agencies. During the 2025 season, hundreds of firefighters were deployed across multiple regions, with aerial water drops used in more severe cases.

However, officials consistently emphasize that prevention is far more effective than suppression. Once a fire escapes initial control, the resources required—personnel, aircraft, equipment, and water—grow rapidly.

Looking Ahead to the 2026 Fire Season

As Oaxaca enters another hot, dry season, authorities are urging residents and rural communities to avoid open burning, report fires early, and adopt alternative land-management practices. Reforestation campaigns and community education programs are also underway, but progress remains uneven.

Although 2025 was less destructive than 2024, the broader trend is clear: bushfires are now a regular and serious part of life in Oaxaca. Without stronger prevention measures, sustainable land use, and increased public awareness, future fire seasons could once again reach critical levels.

For Oaxaca’s forests—and the people who depend on them—the challenge is no longer whether fires will occur, but how well they can be prevented before they spiral out of control.

Where to Stay Updated on Oaxaca Bushfires

To keep track of bushfire developments in Oaxaca as the 2026 dry season unfolds, here are some reliable sources for real-time updates and information:

• Local News: Local Oaxacan newspaper Social Media pages are the best for current and up to date information as it happens. Often with photos and live reports. Facebook pages to follow are Noticias Oaxaca Voz e Imagen, Oaxaca Vial y Noticias al Instante and El Imparcial.
• Comisión Estatal Forestal Oaxaca – Oaxaca State Forestry Commission Facebook page is better for where the fires are and up to date official information.
• Gobierno de Oaxaca: The state government’s website (www.oaxaca.gob.mx) and its social media (Facebook: GobiernoOaxaca) often post fire-related announcements, especially during peak seasons.
• X Platform: Search hashtags like #IncendiosOaxaca or #Oaxaca for real-time posts from locals, journalists, and officials. Accounts like @CONAFOR and @GobOax often share alerts.

These sources can help you monitor fire activity, government responses, and community efforts. For the most immediate updates, local Facebook pages lead the way as fires break out.

Statistics: El Imparcial Oaxaca

👉 50 Best things To Do in Oaxaca City: Your Ultimate Guide

The post Bushfires in Oaxaca: A Growing Threat to Forests and Communities appeared first on Go Oaxaca.

Home to 16 officially recognized indigenous groups, each with their own language, traditions, and way of life, this is a place where pre-Hispanic culture isn’t preserved in museums — it’s still actively lived. The Zapotec and Mixtec roots run deep here, and the customs, rhythms, and unwritten rules of daily life reflect that.

None of this means Oaxaca is difficult to navigate as a visitor. Oaxacans are warm, welcoming, and genuinely happy to share their city. But understanding a few basics before you arrive will change your experience significantly — and ensure your presence here is appreciated rather than quietly resented.

1. Understand Where You’re Going

Before you land, take a moment to understand what Oaxaca actually is.

This isn’t just another Mexican colonial city. Oaxaca state has the highest concentration of indigenous communities in Mexico. Many people you’ll interact with — market vendors, textile weavers, mezcal producers, restaurant cooks — come from communities where Spanish is a second language, and where traditions stretch back thousands of years before the Spanish arrived.

Knowing this shifts how you move through the place. You’re not visiting a theme park version of Mexican culture. You’re a guest in someone else’s living, breathing home.

2. Greetings Matter More Than You Think

One of the most commented-on differences for visitors from North America or Europe: Oaxacans greet each other constantly.

Passing someone on a narrow street — buenos días. Entering a small shop — buenos tardes. Sitting down near someone at a market — a nod and a buenas. It’s reflexive, warm, and deeply ingrained.

Jumping straight into a request or transaction without a greeting first is considered abrupt and slightly rude — even if nobody will say so to your face. Starting any interaction with buenos días, buenas tardes, or simply buenas immediately shifts the tone from transactional to human.

Buen provecho — said to someone who is eating, roughly equivalent to “enjoy your meal” — is another one worth knowing. You’ll hear it constantly in markets and restaurants, and saying it to strangers eating nearby is completely normal and appreciated.

It costs nothing, takes two seconds, and is one of the simplest ways to show you actually paid attention before you arrived.

👉 Why Everyone Says “Provecho” in Mexico (And What It Means for Your Trip)

3. Learn the Pace — Mexican Time Is Real

Life moves differently in Oaxaca. Not worse — differently.

Restaurants don’t rush you. The bill won’t arrive until you ask for it (la cuenta, por favor). Service can be slow by Northern European or American standards. Street vendors work at their own pace. People stop and talk in doorways.

Fighting this rhythm is the fastest way to have a frustrating trip. Leaning into it is the fastest way to have a great one.

Mexican time also applies to social events — arriving 15–30 minutes after the stated time for casual gatherings is completely normal. For anything official or with a tour, be on time. For everything else, relax.

👉 Tipping in Oaxaca : When and how much to tip?

4. Dress Respectfully — Especially at Sacred Sites

Oaxaca is a casual city and nobody is expecting formal dress. But a few specific situations call for more thought:

Churches: Cover your shoulders and knees when entering. A light scarf or cardigan does the job. This applies to Santo Domingo, the Basílica de la Soledad, and every village church you’ll encounter on day trips. It’s not strictly enforced but it’s noticed and appreciated.

Indigenous villages and community events: Dress modestly. Shorts and tank tops signal tourist who isn’t paying attention. Basic shorts/trousers and a shirt/T-shirt go a long way.

In the city generally, Oaxacans dress casually but not flashily. Revealing or very loud clothing stands out in ways that aren’t always positive, particularly in traditional neighborhoods and markets.

5. Photography — Ask First, Always

Oaxaca is extraordinarily photogenic, which is part of why it became a tourist destination. But the people living here are not props.

In many indigenous communities, being photographed without consent is considered deeply disrespectful — and in some traditional beliefs, invasive at a spiritual level. Even in the city, pointing a camera at someone without acknowledging them first is rude.

The rule is simple: make eye contact, gesture toward your camera, and ask. Most people will either agree or decline with a smile. Either response is fine. What’s not fine is photographing someone without asking and hoping they don’t notice.

This applies especially to:

• Indigenous women in traditional dress in markets
• Children (always ask the parent)
• Families at cemetery vigils during Day of the Dead

A small tip or purchase in exchange for a portrait is a good-faith gesture worth considering.

6. Support the People Actually Making Things

The easiest way to be a responsible visitor in Oaxaca is also the most enjoyable: buy directly from the people who make things.

Buy your mole paste from a market vendor, not a packaged brand. Buy textiles from the family workshop in Teotitlán del Valle, not a boutique near Santo Domingo with a markup. Tip your mezcal guide. Eat at the comedor in the market, not just the restaurant with the Instagram following.

This isn’t about avoiding nice places — it’s about understanding where money actually ends up. Tourism intermediaries are everywhere in Oaxaca, and not all of them have the producing community’s interests at heart. The more directly you spend, the more directly it benefits the people who have built this culture.

👉 Teotitlán del Valle: Oaxaca’s Rug Weaving Village Guide

7. Haggling — Know When and How

Prices in most Oaxacan shops are fixed — haggling in a tienda or restaurant is not appropriate.

In markets, some gentle negotiation is normal for crafts and textiles, but keep perspective. You’re often haggling over the equivalent of a dollar or two with someone who spent days making something by hand. Bargaining someone down to the floor and walking away feeling victorious is not a good look — and it’s not good economics for the community either.

The rough guide: a polite counter-offer once is fine. If the vendor holds their price, respect it. If the gap between you is small, just pay what they’re asking.

8. Respect Sacred Spaces

Oaxaca is full of places that carry spiritual and cultural weight — and many visitors miss that these aren’t just attractions.

Churches: Still active places of worship used by real communities. Quiet voices, no flash photography during services, phones down.

Archaeological sites: Monte Albán, Mitla, Yagul — don’t climb structures where it’s not permitted, don’t touch carvings, don’t remove anything. These sites are actively studied and maintained.

Day of the Dead cemeteries: You are welcome as a witness, not as a photographer. Walk with respect. Don’t push through crowds to get a shot. If a family makes eye contact and smiles at you, that’s an invitation to approach. If they’re focused on their loved ones, give them space.

Village fiestas and ceremonies: If you’re lucky enough to encounter one, observe first. Join if you’re invited. Don’t insert yourself into traditions that aren’t yours without being asked.

9. At Festivals — Be Part of the Crowd, Not the Show

The Guelaguetza, Day of the Dead comparsas, patron saint celebrations, calendas (wedding parades) — these are extraordinary events and you’re genuinely welcome at most of them.

But they’re not tourist entertainment. They’re real cultural traditions happening to real people, and visitors are guests.

Give space to elders and families. Don’t push to the front. Don’t film over someone’s shoulder for an Instagram reel while a dance is happening. If you want to join a comparsa, read the energy of the crowd and follow rather than lead.

The events themselves are joyful and inclusive — Oaxacans are warm hosts. Just remember that hospitality and ownership are different things.

👉 Guelaguetza 2026: The Complete Guide

👉 Day of the Dead in Oaxaca 2026: Cemeteries, Parades & How to Celebrate

10. Use Whatever Language You Have

Nobody expects fluency. But making an effort matters enormously here.

Even a handful of Spanish phrases — buenos días, por favor, gracias, con permiso, cuánto cuesta — shifts you from tourist to human being in the eyes of most people you’ll meet. The effort signals respect, and it will be reciprocated.

If you’re visiting indigenous villages or artisan communities, a single word in Zapotec or Mixtec is a gesture that carries real weight. Ask your guide or host how to say hello in the local language — they’ll almost always light up when you try.

👉 How much Spanish you really need in Oaxaca (with useful phrases)

👉 100 Mexican Slang Words You Need To Know (Swear Words Included)

11. Be Water-Conscious

This one matters more in Oaxaca than most visitors realise.

The city faces serious water shortages — in many neighborhoods, running water arrives once a month or less. Hotels and tourist businesses are largely shielded from this because they can afford private delivery trucks. Local families are not.

Shorter showers, turning off taps, reporting leaks immediately, skipping unnecessary towel changes — none of these are major sacrifices, but across thousands of visitors they add up.

Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it from the garrafón in your accommodation rather than buying single-use plastic. It’s cheaper, better for the city’s already-strained waste system, and sends the right signal.

👉 Oaxaca Water Shortage: What Visitors Need to Know

12. Gentrification — Be Part of the Solution

Oaxaca has changed dramatically in the last decade. Tourism and an influx of foreign residents have driven up rents and property prices in the historic center and Jalatlaco, pushing local families further from the city’s core.

This is a complex issue without simple solutions, but visitors can make choices that lean toward the community rather than against it:

• Stay in locally owned accommodation where possible
• Eat at market comedores and family restaurants, not just the places that appear on food influencer accounts
• Buy from producers and artisans, not import shops
• Pay fair prices without grinding vendors down

Oaxaca is not your backdrop. It’s someone’s home. The more you engage with it like a guest rather than a consumer, the better your experience will be — and the better it will be for the people who live here.

Quick Reference — Oaxaca Dos and Don’ts

Do:

• Greet people before every interaction — buenos días, buenas tardes
• Say buen provecho to people who are eating
• Ask before photographing anyone
• Cover shoulders and knees in churches
• Buy directly from producers and artisans
• Tip generously — mezcal guides, market servers, taxi drivers who help with bags
• Slow down and match the pace of the city

Don’t:

• Jump straight into transactions without greeting first
• Photograph indigenous people or ceremonies without asking
• Haggle aggressively over small amounts
• Treat festivals and ceremonies as tourist entertainment
• Leave waste at markets or street food stalls
• Waste water
• Assume everyone speaks English — or wants to

Oaxaca will give you back what you put into it. Come curious, come respectful, and it’s one of the most extraordinary places you’ll ever visit.

Also read: [Is Oaxaca Safe? Honest 2026 Guide] and [When to Visit Oaxaca: The Honest Month-by-Month Guide]

The post Oaxaca Customs, Culture & Etiquette: What to Know Before You Visit appeared first on Go Oaxaca.

If you’re visiting or living in Puerto Escondido, Huatulco, Mazunte, or anywhere along the Oaxacan coast between May and November, this is worth reading. Not to alarm you — hurricanes affect the coast regularly and life carries on — but because knowing how the system works and where to find reliable information is the difference between being prepared and being caught off guard.

Stay Informed — Where to Get Real-Time Updates

When a storm is approaching, these are the best local sources for current information in Oaxaca. Check these before any national or international news site — they’re faster and more specific to the region.

👉 El Imparcial de Oaxaca — one of the state’s main newspapers, active on Facebook with real-time updates during weather events

👉 Oaxaca Vial y Noticias al Instante — fast local news, good for road conditions and emergency alerts

👉 Noticias Oaxaca Voz e Imagen — reliable local TV news with hurricane and weather coverage

For official government forecasts:

• SMN (Servicio Meteorológico Nacional): smn.conagua.gob.mx
• NOAA (US National Hurricane Center): nhc.noaa.gov — covers the Eastern Pacific in detail
• Protección Civil Oaxaca: the state civil protection agency issues alerts when storms threaten the region

When Does the 2026 Hurricane Season Run?

The season follows the same official dates every year:

• Eastern Pacific (Oaxaca’s coast): May 15 to November 30
• Atlantic Ocean: June 1 to November 30

The most active period for Oaxaca specifically is typically August through October, when sea surface temperatures are at their highest and atmospheric conditions most favor tropical storm development.

Storms can form outside these official dates — particularly early-season Pacific development in May and June — but the official window covers the vast majority of activity.

The 2026 Forecast — Above Average for the Pacific

Mexico’s National Meteorological Service (SMN) issued its 2026 Pacific forecast in April, predicting 18–21 named storms, 9–11 hurricanes, and 4–5 major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher. This is well above the historical average of approximately 15 named storms and 4 major hurricanes per Pacific season.

The driving factor is a strong El Niño expected to develop and strengthen through the peak season months of August to October. El Niño typically supercharges Eastern Pacific hurricane activity while suppressing the Atlantic — meaning if you’re on Mexico’s Pacific coast, this is a season to take more seriously than usual.

The 2026 Eastern Pacific forecast calls for 17–22 named storms, 9–13 hurricanes, and 4–8 major hurricanes, with 6–9 direct impacts to Mexico and Central America.

The Atlantic picture is different: The same El Niño that increases Pacific activity tends to suppress Atlantic storms — the Atlantic is forecast to be a below-average season in 2026. This matters for Oaxaca because the state’s Pacific coast bears the risk, not the Gulf or Caribbean side.

What this means for Oaxaca’s coast: An above-average Pacific season with a strong El Niño doesn’t mean a storm will definitely hit Oaxaca. Most storms track west-northwest and miss the coast. But the elevated probability of major storms means coastal visitors and residents should be more alert than in a typical year.

What’s the First Storm Called in 2026?

The 2026 Eastern Pacific storm names are: Amanda, Boris, Cristina, Douglas, Elida, Fausto, Genevieve, Hernan, Iselle, Julio, Karina, Lowell, Marie, Norbert, Odalys, Polo, Rachel, Simon, Trudy, Vance, Winnie, Xavier, Yolanda, and Zeke.

Storm names are assigned by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and rotate on a six-year cycle. Names are retired if a storm causes exceptional damage or loss of life — Hurricane Otis (2023), which devastated Acapulco as a rapid-intensification Category 5, had its name retired.

Mexico’s Hurricane Alert System — How to Read It

Mexico uses the SIAT-CT (Sistema de Alerta Temprana para Ciclones Tropicales) — a five-color alert system managed by Protección Civil. Understanding the colors tells you exactly how serious a situation is:

When Protección Civil Oaxaca issues an orange or red alert for coastal municipalities, evacuation centers (albergues) are opened. These are typically schools and community centers in elevated, inland locations.

What Causes Hurricanes on Oaxaca’s Coast

The Eastern Pacific off Oaxaca is one of the world’s most productive hurricane-generating regions, and the geography explains why.

Starting in May, sea surface temperatures in the Pacific rise above the 26°C threshold needed for tropical storm development. The Gulf of Tehuantepec — the bay that forms the southern coast of Oaxaca and Chiapas — is particularly warm and creates favorable conditions for storm intensification.

The combination of warm water, reduced wind shear during El Niño years, and atmospheric instability from the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (where northern and southern hemisphere trade winds meet) creates the engine for tropical development.

The rapid intensification problem: Hurricane Otis in October 2023 was the starkest recent example of what makes Pacific storms particularly dangerous for this coast. It went from tropical storm to Category 5 in under 24 hours — faster than almost any storm in recorded history — and struck Acapulco with devastating force. Rapid intensification events like this are more common in the Eastern Pacific than the Atlantic, and the 2026 forecast’s elevated major hurricane count reflects that risk.

How Hurricanes Affect Oaxaca — City vs Coast

Oaxaca City (1,550 meters elevation, inland) is not at hurricane risk in the direct sense — no storm makes landfall in the mountains. What the city does experience during major coastal storms is heavy rainfall from the outer bands, occasionally leading to flooding in low-lying neighborhoods and road closures on mountain routes. The new highway to Puerto Escondido may be temporarily closed during significant coastal storms.

The Pacific coast — Puerto Escondido, Huatulco, Mazunte, Zipolite, Pinotepa Nacional — is where the real risk lies. The main hazards are:

• Storm surge — coastal flooding from elevated ocean levels pushed onshore by the storm
• Destructive winds — sustained hurricane-force winds and gusts
• Extreme rainfall — flooding and landslides in coastal and mountain areas
• Dangerous surf — significant wave activity arrives days before a storm makes landfall, making beaches hazardous well in advance

If You’re on the Coast When a Storm is Coming

The most important thing: leave early.

The roads between the coast and Oaxaca City — even the new highway — become congested and occasionally impassable during evacuations. Waiting until an orange or red alert is issued means you’re leaving at the same time as everyone else.

Practical steps:

1. Monitor the SMN and NOAA forecasts daily during August–October when you’re on the coast. Storms can develop and track toward the coast within 72–96 hours.
2. Know where your nearest albergue (evacuation shelter) is. In Puerto Escondido, shelters are typically designated schools in elevated areas away from the beach. Ask your accommodation host when you arrive.
3. Leave before you’re told to. If a storm is forecast to track toward your location and you have the option to travel inland, don’t wait for the red alert.
4. Bring cash. ATMs run out quickly during evacuations and card systems may go down.
5. Don’t go near the beach. Dangerous surf and storm surge hazards arrive before the wind. A beach that looks dramatic from a distance can be lethal up close.
6. If you stay: move to an elevated, solid building away from the coast. Stay away from windows. Have water, food, and a charged phone.

Hurricane Season and Visiting the Oaxacan Coast

Knowing the season runs May through November doesn’t mean you can’t visit the coast during those months — the vast majority of the season passes without any storm directly affecting Oaxaca.

What it does mean:

• September and October are the highest risk months for direct storm impacts. Not impossible to visit, but worth factoring into your planning.
• Travel insurance matters more during hurricane season — look for policies that cover trip interruption and evacuation.
• June and July are lower-risk months despite being in the season — early season storms tend to track west of Oaxaca.
• Surfers note: hurricane swells generate the most powerful waves at Zicatela and the surrounding breaks. The period before a distant storm makes for extraordinary surf — but the same energy that creates good waves makes swimming extremely dangerous.

👉 When to Visit Oaxaca: The Honest Month-by-Month Guide

Historical Storms That Have Affected Oaxaca

Hurricane Pauline (1997) — the most destructive storm to directly hit Oaxaca’s coast in recent memory. Made landfall near Puerto Escondido as a Category 4, causing widespread destruction and significant loss of life. A benchmark event in local memory.

Hurricane Carlotta (2012) — struck near Puerto Escondido as a Category 2, causing damage but no major casualties due to effective early evacuation.

Hurricane Otis (2023) — did not directly hit Oaxaca but devastated neighboring Acapulco as a Category 5. The rapid intensification event was a watershed moment for Pacific coast awareness throughout the region.

These events are reminders that coastal Oaxaca is genuinely vulnerable to major storms — and that preparation and early departure are the most effective responses.

FAQ

Does Oaxaca City get hit by hurricanes? No — Oaxaca City is inland at 1,550 meters elevation and not at risk of direct hurricane impact. The city may experience heavy rainfall and flooding from outer storm bands, but not hurricane-force winds or storm surge.

Which part of Oaxaca is most at risk? The Pacific coast — Puerto Escondido, Huatulco, and the municipalities along the Gulf of Tehuantepec — faces the greatest risk from Eastern Pacific storms.

When is the most dangerous period? August through October, with September and October historically the peak months for major storm activity on Oaxaca’s coast.

What should I do if a hurricane is heading toward Puerto Escondido? Leave early — before the orange alert if possible. Head to Oaxaca City or further inland. Don’t wait for the last minute; roads become congested and may close.

Is it safe to visit the Oaxacan coast during hurricane season? For most of the season, yes. Most storms miss the coast entirely. September and October carry the highest direct risk. Travel insurance and daily monitoring of forecasts are sensible precautions during those months.

Also worth reading: [Is Oaxaca Safe? Honest 2026 Guide] and [Earthquakes Are a Part of Life in Oaxaca]

The post 2026 Hurricane Season in Oaxaca: What to Expect appeared first on Go Oaxaca.

Having a bike in the city is super convenient. There are bike lanes on a few main streets, it’s faster than sitting in traffic, and definitely more comfortable than being packed into a bus.

The day it got stolen, I took my son to a kids’ event in Plaza de la Danza. We locked the bike to a random streetlight near the bottom of the steps and went to enjoy the event for about an hour. When we came back, the bike was gone.

It’s no secret that thieves walk around with bolt cutters. They cut chains, steal bikes, repaint them, and flip them on Facebook Marketplace. It’s a bit of a wake-up call not to get complacent—and to start locking my bike in safer areas where there’s more foot traffic, even if it means walking an extra block or two.

If you’re planning to live in Oaxaca, don’t buy yourself a fancy bike. No matter how careful you are, it’s probably just a matter of time before it gets stolen.

Where to Buy a Second-Hand Bike in Oaxaca

If your bike gets stolen (or you’re just looking for one), you’ve got a couple of solid options:

1. Facebook Marketplace
There are always bikes for sale on there. I’d guess more than half of them are stolen—especially the cheaper ones—but there are decent bikes too if you take the time to look. I’ve bought my son three bikes off Facebook. Kids’ bikes tend to be legit, since they’re not commonly stolen like adult bikes.

2. Pawn Shops (Casa de Empeño)
This is where I bought my latest bike. There are a few pawn shops around town, and many of them have a good selection of second-hand bikes—from cheap beaters to nicer rides. It’s a good option if you want to see the bike in person and ride it before buying.

3. Bike Repair Shop

A lot of the bike repair shops have a few bikes lying around for sale too. Google ‘Taller de Bicicletas‘ to see if there’s one near where you’re staying and pop in and ask. You’ll get good prices there.

Wrap up

Getting your bike stolen in Oaxaca is frustrating—but not surprising. It’s part of life here if you’re a cyclist. Just be smart about where you lock it up, don’t spend too much on a bike, and know that if it does get stolen, there are easy ways to find a decent replacement.

How to get around Oaxaca City.

The post My Bike Got Stolen (And Where to Buy a 2nd hand One) appeared first on Go Oaxaca.

The Good

OXXO is undeniably handy. You can pay your electricity or internet bill, get phone credit, bank deposits, grab a coffee, or even pick up some late night beers. For everyday things, they’ve made life easier in a lot of ways. A one stop shop.

The Bad

That convenience often comes with a wait. Most people aren’t just buying a drink — they’re doing five different things at the counter. And with limited staff, the lines can move painfully slow. A quick stop can easily turn into a fifteen-minute ordeal. It’s not worth the trouble.

The Ugly

OXXO is killing the little guy — the corner tiendas that actually need our support. These small neighborhood mom-and-pop shops are now struggling to compete. OXXO is everywhere, it’s convenient, and it’s shiny — but it’s also more expensive.

We need to do our bit to buy from the smaller shops whenever we can. It might seem like a small thing, but it matters, and keeps the money in the local community

To wrap it up

So next time, if there’s a choice, skip the OXXO and head to the corner store instead. It’s cheaper, more personal, and helps keep the little guy in business 🙏

👉 50 Best things to See, Do and Eat in Oaxaca City: Your Ultimate Guide

👉 Top 100 Mexican slang words: From Vanilla to Vulgar

The post OXXO in Mexico: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly appeared first on Go Oaxaca.

👉 10 fun things to do with kids in Oaxaca City.

The Origins of Día del Niño

Día del Niño dates back to the 1920s, when countries began recognizing the importance of children’s rights after World War I. Mexico officially adopted the celebration in 1925, inspired by the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child.

It’s not a public holiday (banks and businesses stay open), but it is widely celebrated across the country, especially in schools.

How Día del Niño is Celebrated

Día del Niño is all about fun and making kids feel special. Here’s how it’s typically celebrated across Mexico:

1. School Celebrations

Schools often turn the day into a party—games, music, treats, and no regular classes. Some even bring in entertainers like clowns or magicians.

2. Gifts and Surprises

Some families give their children a small present, like a toy or a special snack. It’s not like Christmas or a birthday, but it’s a nice way to make kids feel extra loved.

3. Community Events

Parks and public spaces often host free activities like shows, games, or performances. Some businesses also offer small perks for kids.

4. Food and Fun at Home

Many families celebrate with a favorite meal, a trip out, or a simple day spent together.

A Day to Celebrate Childhood

Día del Niño isn’t just about fun—it’s also a reminder of the importance of supporting and protecting children. It reflects how much kids are valued in Mexican culture, especially within families and communities.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in Mexico on April 30th, expect a fun, family-focused atmosphere—especially around schools and parks. It’s not a major tourist event, but it’s a great glimpse into everyday life and culture.

👉 50 Best things to See, Do and Eat in Oaxaca City: Your Ultimate Guide

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👉 50 Best things to Do In Oaxaca City

The Story Behind It

Viernes de Samaritana draws from a Bible story: a Samaritan woman offers Jesus water, a simple act of kindness. Oaxaca takes this to heart, turning it into a day of sharing free aguas frescas—think jamaica, horchata and even tejate—with anyone who passes by. It’s a celebration of solidarity, a tradition locals have cherished for generations.

What to Expect

Imagine streets, markets, and plazas lined with stalls draped in papel picado (colorful cut paper), flowers, and palm fronds. Starting at noon—after a priest’s blessing—Oaxacans hand out these chilled drinks to strangers and friends alike. It’s festive, it’s free, and it’s a rare chance to sip something refreshing while soaking up the community spirit. Churches kick things off, but you’ll find spots everywhere, from the Zócalo to neighborhood corners.

How to Join In

• When: It starts at 12 PM on the fourth Friday of Lent (check a calendar—dates shift yearly, often late March or early April).
• Where: Head to Oaxaca City’s main plazas or churches like Santo Domingo. Wander markets like Mercado 20 de Noviembre for the full vibe.
• Pro Tip: Bring your own reusable cup—Oaxaca’s cutting back the waste while keeping the tradition alive.

Why It’s Worth It

This isn’t just about free drinks (though they’re delicious). It’s a glimpse into Oaxaca’s soul—generous, vibrant, and unpretentious. You won’t find this in guidebooks often, so if you’re here during Lent, grab a cup, chat with locals, and feel the magic of a tradition that’s all about giving.

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