I prefer Guelaguetza over Oaxaca's Day of the Dead. Full of charm: Guelaguetza 2026 Information!

Hello, I am a monkey living in Oaxaca.

Yesterday, July 1st, the Guelaguetza month kicked off in Oaxaca City with the first Convite (parade) and the Guelaguetza opening ceremony!

Representative groups from each village, dressed in gorgeous costumes, paraded through the streets, and the opening ceremony was held at the Plaza de la Danza, adjacent to the La Soledad Church.

Actually, the Guelaguetza season in July is my favorite time of year.
I like it more than eating three meals a day.

Oaxaca's "Day of the Dead," which is also very popular among Japanese people.
For those of us from Japan, where we have Obon, the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, wrapped in the orange of marigolds, captures the hearts of travelers as a wonderful event.

Also, there's that! The Coco effect!!!

I truly believe that movie is the most faithful representation of the reality of Mexico.

Now, I wondered why Guelaguetza isn't as popular, so I created a special Guelaguetza magazine on note.

It is the easiest-to-understand introduction to Guelaguetza in Japan.

I first saw Guelaguetza in 2009, and I have attended every year since without fail.

Only last year (2025), I couldn't buy a ticket and was there as press, which I really regretted.

This year, I have successfully secured my ticket!

The charm of Guelaguetza from my perspective is that
the different cultures of the eight regions of Oaxaca state gather in one place, and you can not only watch but actually experience them.

There is also a gourmet fair where you can eat delicious local cuisine.
Oaxaca state is the fifth largest in Mexico, and because there are drastic temperature differences depending on the region, the crops harvested also differ.
Oaxaca has a truly rich food culture, where even the same mole tastes different depending on the region, and there are tamales with shellfish.

It is also famous as a land of Mexican gastronomy, so I recommend it to those who love Mexican food and eating.

Make sure to train your stomach!

A Mezcal Fair is also held, which is irresistible for mezcal lovers.

The Mezcal Fair starts on July 17th, and last year nearly 100 shops participated (my memory is a bit fuzzy). If you pay the 70 peso entrance fee (in 2025), you can enjoy mezcal tastings at each booth.

Make sure to train your liver!

At the same venue, an Oaxacan folk art fair is also held, and nearly 200 shops participated last year.

This is a folk art fair exclusive to Oaxaca state, with no participants from other states.

As someone who makes a living from folk art, this huge folk art fair is one of the events I really look forward to.
Since the artisans themselves are manning the shops, it is also recommended for those who want to hear detailed stories about the folk art.

Make sure to secure ample funds!

And finally, the main Guelaguetza!

The official venue events will be held on July 20th and 27th. Tickets are already sold out, but you can watch from the free C (3rd floor) and D (4th floor) sections by lining up early on the day.

Guelaguetza events are also being held in surrounding villages on the 20th and 27th as well.

These are also recommended.

I plan to participate in the Guelaguetza in the village of San Antonino Castillo Velasco on July 20th.

I love not just the official event, but the village Guelaguetzas too!!
That's because you are closer to the dancers than at the official venue.

▼ San Antonino

Furthermore, since Guelaguetza events are held in various villages on the Sundays of July 19th and 26th, you can have plenty of fun even without official tickets.
I will summarize which villages are hosting them at a later date.

What's so great about Guelaguetza is that both the dancers and the spectators are at maximum excitement and having a blast.

During the parade called Convite held on July 10th and 11th,
and the grand parade called Desfile held on July 18th and 25th,

they serve mezcal to spectators along the route and throw local village specialties, and the audience dances and cheers—it's a true festival!

Parades where total strangers who happen to be there can join in the fun release so much dopamine that you just can't stop.

For those who love mezcal.
When you've staked out a spot along the route, I want you to shout "Un mezcal!!" with a big smile at anyone holding a bottle of mezcal.
You could even have your own small cup for mezcal.
Hold it out in front of you!

I think there's a high probability you'll be treated to some mezcal.

Similarly, I think there's a high probability you can get local specialties if you shout "Dame uno! Por favor!!".
Wave your hands big so the dancers can see you.

Above all, it is important to stand out with a smile.
(Sorry if you get ignored)

Another important thing is that I feel the people who look like they are enjoying the festival from the bottom of their hearts! are the ones who catch the dancers' eyes.

Just watching the parade is moving in itself.
But if you participate with your whole heart and soul, you'll see a different world (according to my research).

I think everyone can find a smile when they come to Oaxaca during this time.

Seriously, it's so much fun. The Guelaguetza festival.

Personally, while the main Guelaguetza event where they dance on the official stage and then throw local specialties to the audience is wonderful, I like these parades where you are close to the dancers the best.

The unfortunate thing is that July is the rainy season in both Oaxaca and Mexico.
There is a high probability of encountering rain, light rain, or clouds in the evening when the parade starts.

If you want to take beautiful photos, you might need some photography techniques.
For me, it's a real challenge.

Every time, I also struggle with photos due to backlighting or cloudy weather.
As those who take photos know, there is a 'magic hour' during evening parades when photos turn blue.

This year, the large folk art fair and mezcal fair will be held starting Friday, July 17th, but local gourmet fairs and weekend parades are already being held before that.

Now, here is the event schedule (latest version) for this year.
※Since this is Mexico, please be aware that sudden changes may occur.

I think it's probably easier to book a hotel than for the Day of the Dead, so let's all enjoy the Guelaguetza in July.

Finally, I'll upload photos of the parade held yesterday, July 1st.

I will continue to share information so that the 'Guelaguetza' gets as much attention in Japan as the 'Day of the Dead'.

Stay tuned.

▼Of course, Oaxaca is wonderful whenever you visit.