Guelaguetza 2025: Experience Oaxaca at Its Best

Ready for Oaxaca’s Guelaguetza Festival? You’re in for an unforgettable experience.

The Guelaguetza is my favorite time of year. Every July, the city bursts to life with music, dance, and centuries-old traditions. It’s Mexico’s biggest cultural celebration—a two-week fiesta that captures the spirit of Oaxaca.

Want to make the most of it? Don’t stress if you can’t get tickets to the main auditorium. The real magic unfolds in the streets—daily parades, pop-up performances, and spontaneous celebrations that feel like the true soul of the festival.

And if you want something more personal, head to the smaller towns just outside the city. These low-key celebrations often feature the same performances as the auditorium—just in a more intimate setting.

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When Is Guelaguetza 2025?

In 2025, the official Guelaguetza performances happen the morning and evening of Monday, July 21 and Monday, July 28—known as Los Lunes del Cerro. But don’t just show up for those days. The entire month is packed with events: parades, food fairs, artisan markets, concerts, and more across Oaxaca City and nearby towns. The celebration builds all month before culminating in the main events on those two Mondays.

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What Is the Guelaguetza?

At its core, the Guelaguetza is about community, generosity, and cultural pride. The word guelaguetza comes from Zapotec and means “offering” or “reciprocal exchange.” The idea? Share what you have, celebrate together.

Over a dozen dance groups from Oaxaca’s eight regions (home to 16+ Indigenous cultures) perform traditional dances in colorful dress—each one telling a story, each one tied to that group’s identity. Expect dancers to throw gifts—like fruit, tamales, or bread—into the crowd. It’s not just a performance; it’s a shared moment between community and audience.

Over 300,000 people visit each year, making it the largest Indigenous cultural festival in Mexico.

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A Quick History

Guelaguetza traces back to pre-Hispanic times, when Zapotec communities climbed Cerro del Fortín to honor the corn goddess Centéotl with offerings, dance, and feasts. Spanish colonizers later merged it with the Catholic feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (July 16).

The modern version began in 1932, as part of Oaxaca City’s 400th anniversary and a response to the devastating 1931 earthquake. It brought together communities from all regions, and it’s been growing ever since.

What to See: Oaxaca City’s Main Events

Convites: The Warm-Up Parades

Dates: July 5, 11 & 12
Route: From La Cruz de Piedra to the Zócalo

These lively pre-Guelaguetza parades are full of energy and color. They’re informal and some of the best events for photographers. Arrive early for a good spot.

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Desfile de Delegaciones: Parade of the Delegations

Dates: Saturdays July 19 & 26
Route: From Fuente de las 8 Regiones Reforma, past El Llano, ending at the Zócalo

This is the big one—the official parade held on the Saturdays leading up to each Guelaguetza Monday. It brings together all the Guelaguetza dance groups in full costume, dancing through the streets and tossing gifts into the crowd.

The city center is where the festival energy is at its peak, so try to get close. If you prefer a little more space while still seeing it all, the area around El Llano Park offers great views.

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Donají, La Leyenda

Dates: Sundays July 20 & 27, 8:30 p.m.
Location: Guelaguetza Auditorium
Tickets: Around $400–$450 pesos (US$20)

This open-air ballet tells the story of Donají, a Zapotec princess whose fate was tied to Oaxaca’s ancient past. The performance is rich with traditional music and dramatic costumes. It’s all in Spanish and a good chance to check out the auditorium if you miss out on tickets to the Guelaguetza.

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Los Lunes del Cerro: The Main Event

Dates: Mondays July 21 & 28 at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Location: Guelaguetza Auditorium

This is the heart of the Guelaguetza. Each show features around 14 dance groups performing on the big stage—highlights include Flor de Piña and La Danza de la Pluma. Tickets are limited and sell out fast (details on how to get them below), but if you make it inside, it’s an unforgettable experience.

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How to Get Guelaguetza Tickets

Official Guelaguetza tickets are sold via SuperBoletos on the 2nd of June 2025, and they will sell out in minutes. Maximum purchase of 2 tickets per person. If you’re in Oaxaca City, you can go to the Secretaría de Turismo de Oaxaca in front of Parque Llano.

Sections A $1,305.04 pesos (US$65) and B $1,031.17 pesos (US$50) are the best, but scalpers often resell them for 2x the price. You will find these in local Facebook groups, but there’s no guarantee of their authenticity. Be aware of scammers!

When I went about 9 years ago, I bought my tickets from Hotel Quinta Real. Some of the bigger hotels have tickets for sale.

Free Seating: Sections C and D are first-come, first-served. People line up as early as 4–5 a.m. for the 10 a.m. show and same for the evening show. Bring snacks and lots of patience.

Don’t Skip the Pueblos

The smaller towns around Oaxaca host their own Guelaguetza shows—often with the same dancers, but in more relaxed settings. It’s more authentic than the auditorium and it’s worth making time to experience at least one. Here are some top picks:

• San Antonino Castillo Velasco – Hilltop stage, amazing food tents, and warm local vibes.
• Cuilápam de Guerrero – Features La Danza de la Pluma, plus a stunning ex-convent to explore.
• Zaachila – Visit the ruins and a community-led Guelaguetza.
• Mitla – Combines dance with mezcal tastings and traditional weaving.
• El Tule – Home of the world’s widest tree trunk and a festive local celebration.

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Food, Mezcal & Artisan Fairs

Guelaguetza is also a foodie’s dream. Alongside the main events, you’ll find pop-up food stalls and specialty fairs all over the city. These are some worth checking out:

• Mezcal Fair July 18–29. Taste the best Oaxaca’s world-famous Mezcal
• Festival of Moles – July 24-25. Sample Oaxaca’s legendary seven moles in one place.
• Tejate & Tamales Fest – Traditional drinks and classic Oaxacan bites.
• Tlayuda Festival – Held in San Antonio de la Cal (20 minutes south), this fest is all about Oaxaca’s iconic street food.

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Day Trips While You’re Here

If you’re in Oaxaca for a week or two for the Guelaguetza, you’ll have plenty of time to get out of the city and see the magic of Oaxaca. Top rated Tours 👇

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Why Guelaguetza is Unlike Anything Else

Guelaguetza isn’t just Oaxaca’s biggest fest—it’s a window into the soul of the region. It’s vibrant, inclusive, joyful, and deeply rooted in Indigenous pride. The offering spirit is real: communities share what they have—be it dance, mezcal, or mole—and you’re invited to receive it.

Make It Your Own

Whether you go full VIP at the auditorium or bounce between pueblo parades and street fests, Guelaguetza 2025 is your chance to see Oaxaca at its most alive. Keep your plans loose, stay open to surprises, and you’ll see why people return year after year ✌️