The Guelaguetza is an annual event. Because of this, the city of Oaxaca is filled with visitors from all over the country, and even the world. If you’re planning to come this year, don’t forget to book your room at El Callejón, one of the luxury hotels in Oaxaca.

In this article, we’ll tell you all about the Guelaguetza. That way, when you’re enjoying the traditional dances on the hill, you’ll learn a little more about this 100% Oaxacan tradition.

Discover Guelaguetza 2025: Oaxaca’s Biggest Celebration

Guelaguetza is one of the most important and representative festivities in Oaxaca, a state where pre-Hispanic traditions have endured over time, keeping their cultural essence alive. This celebration reflects the spirit of brotherhood and generosity of the Oaxacan people.

Its name comes from the Zapotec word guendalezaa, which means offering. More than just an exchange of goods, Guelaguetza symbolizes solidarity, sharing, and community building. For this reason, it is also known as the Fiesta del Cerro (Fiesta of the Hill), where the eight regions of Oaxaca come together to offer a spectacle of dance, music, and traditions in the Guelaguetza Auditorium.

At El Callejón Hotel Boutique, a Luxury Hotel in Oaxaca, we are inspired by these local values ​​to provide an authentic and warm experience to our guests. Our commitment is to offer a space where culture, art, and comfort merge, allowing you to connect with the essence of Oaxaca in a unique way.

If you plan to experience Guelaguetza 2025, don’t miss the surrounding activities. From colorful parades and craft exhibits to food samples and concerts, this celebration is an opportunity to immerse yourself in Oaxaca’s cultural richness.

Guelaguetza 2025 | A pre-Hispanic tradition that lives on in Oaxaca

The origin of Guelaguetza dates back to pre-Hispanic times, when indigenous peoples performed rituals in honor of their gods as a sign of gratitude and communion. With the arrival of the Spanish, the celebration adopted elements of Catholicism and merged with the festivities honoring the Virgin of Carmen, giving rise to the tradition we know today.

Guelaguetza 2025 will be held on Monday, July 21 and 28, in the iconic Guelaguetza Auditorium, atop Cerro del Fortín. However, the magic of the festivities begins long before then, with various activities that envelop the city in an atmosphere of celebration and tradition.

The Beginning of the Festival: Convites and Calendas

A week before the big event, the streets of Oaxaca fill with color and music with the traditional convite, a parade that marks the beginning of the celebration. Here, the iconic Chinas Oaxaqueñas parade through the city center in their colorful costumes and flower-adorned baskets, accompanied by delegations from Oaxaca’s eight regions:

• Central Valleys
• Sierra Juárez
• La Cañada
• Tuxtepec
• La Mixteca
• Isthmus of Tehuantepec
• The Coast
• Southern Highlands

Each region participates with its own traditional music and dances, creating a unique experience that ignites the festive spirit of locals and visitors alike.

Another of the most representative expressions of Guelaguetza are the calendas, impressive nighttime parades where neighborhoods and communities march with paper lanterns, marmots, calenda monkeys, and the music of traditional bands. These joyful and dancing parades are an open invitation for anyone to join the celebration and become part of this ancient tradition.

Guelaguetza 2025 is much more than a spectacle; it is a living manifestation of Oaxaca’s identity and diversity.

Unmissable Events and a Luxury Stay in Oaxaca

During your stay in Oaxaca during the 2025 Guelaguetza season, you’ll not only witness the impressive dances and music of the state’s eight regions, but you’ll also enjoy a variety of cultural and culinary events. Highlights include:

• The Moles Festival, where you can taste an exquisite sample of traditional Oaxacan cuisine.
• Pinceladas de Tradición, an artistic exhibition that highlights the cultural richness of Oaxaca.
• The Donají, The Legend, a mystical performance about the story of a Zapotec princess.
• The Tejate and Tamale Fair, where you’ll taste this ancient drink and tamales with unique flavors.
• The Mezcal Fair, an opportunity to learn about and taste one of the state’s most emblematic beverages.
• Handicraft Fair, where local artisans showcase their talents in textiles, black clay, alebrijes, and more.

To fully experience each of these experiences, you need a space to rest, relax, and continue connecting with the essence of Oaxaca.

Stay at a Luxury Hotel in Oaxaca

If you’re looking for comfort, design, and exceptional service, El Callejón Hotel Boutique is the ideal choice. This luxury hotel in Oaxaca captures the essence of the local culture in every detail, from its architecture to the handcrafted elements that decorate its spaces. Plus, its privileged location in the Xochimilco neighborhood, just a few blocks from the Historic Center, will allow you to enjoy the Guelaguetza and other events worry-free.

At El Callejón Hotel Boutique, you’ll not only find privacy and tranquility, but also personalized service that will make your stay in Oaxaca an unforgettable experience.

Also, discover our exclusive promotions and plan your stay at El Callejón Hotel Boutique with special benefits. Book now!

Experience the Guelaguetza with the comfort and luxury you deserve. We look forward to seeing you!