FESTIVALS AND TRADITIONS

Oaxaca City has numerous festivities that are the product of 500 years of traditions and syncretism, thanks to the blending of indigenous and Spanish cultures. One of the most important celebrations is the Guelaguetza, a celebration of pre-Hispanic agriculture. At the end of July, the region?s pre-Hispanic people would thank the gods for the rains and harvests. The present-day festivity is a colorful fiesta that brings together residents of indigenous communities. During the celebration they wear traditional garb and dance to show their appreciation for the help they have received from the gods. Other important celebrations are Todos los Santos and Los Fieles Difuntos, a Day of the Dead festivity that takes place on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2. This is the time of year when the living pay respect to their deceased loved ones. They do so by placing flowers at gravesites and offering food and drinks to the dead. Noche de Rabanos, another key date, is celebrated on Dec. 23 at the Plaza de la Constitucion. City residents come together on this special day to display curious radish sculptures.