Guelaguetza means 'gift' in one of the indigenous languages, and has its roots in long-held celebrations of the past. Nowadays, it is somewhat formally organized with an official committee that auditions and certifies the participating dance troups as authentic.
It is a three hour long forkloric dance festival that features groups representing each of the 7 regions of Oaxaca and many of the indigenous groups. It is incredibly colorul and joyous. Our favorites are the lovely ladies from Tehuantepec who perform a stately 'pineapple' dance in beautiful costumes.
