Explora la cultura de Oaxaca: Tradición viva
Sumérgete en la rica historia y cultura de Oaxaca a través de sus museos y monumentos.
Oaxaca de Juárez, nestled in the Central Valleys of southern Mexico, is the undisputed gastronomic and artisan capital of the country. Famous for its green quarry buildings, its exceptional Zapotec and Mixtec indigenous heritage, and its renowned moles and mezcals, the city dazzles with a constant explosion of graphic art, traditional markets full of life and an unparalleled cultural festivity.
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Culture & Heritage
Discover the rich history, art and traditions of Oaxaca
One of the most powerful creative centers in Latin America: birthplace of great masters such as Francisco Toledo and Rufino Tamayo, and capital of engraving and textile design.
Best of local culture
Museums & Galleries
Temple and Ex-convent of Santo Domingo de Guzmán
The summit of the New Spain baroque in green quarry, famous for its lavish golden roof with the family tree of Santo Domingo and the annexed Museum of the Cultures of Oaxaca.
Monte Albán Archaeological Zone
Ancient sacred capital of the Zapotec civilization located on the flattened peak of a mountain that dominates the entire valley, with the Great Plaza, the Ball Court and the stelae of Los Danzantes.
Macedonian Theater Alcalá
Sumptuous theater in French modernist style from the early 20th century with a green quarry façade, white marble lobby and a Renaissance horseshoe-style interior.
Textile Museum of Oaxaca (MTO)
Located in a meticulously restored 18th century colonial mansion, it exhibits collections of indigenous clothing and tapestries from Mexico and the world using ancestral dyeing techniques.
Festivals & Events
The Guelaguetza
Two last Mondays in JulyThe most important folklore and indigenous fraternity festival in Mexico in Cerro del Fortín.
Day of the Dead Celebration
From October 28 to November 3Comparsas, altars, vigils in cemeteries and carpets of sand and marigolds throughout the city.
Radishes Night
December 23Historical competition for carving figures and dioramas on giant radishes in the Zócalo.
History
Origins
The valley of Oaxaca was the cradle of the ancient Zapotec civilization, whose hegemonic center flourished in Monte Albán since 500 BC. Later, the Mixtecs expanded artistic and political influence in the region with prominent lordships such as Mitla and Zaachila.
Development
Founded by the Spanish conquistadors in 1521 under the name of Antequera de Guaxaca, the city prospered extraordinarily in the 16th to 18th centuries thanks to the lucrative trade in cochineal (crimson pigment). This boom financed majestic baroque temples such as the Temple of Santo Domingo de Guzmán.
Modern era
Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, Oaxaca is today an effervescent global hub of contemporary art, textile design, rescue of ancestral ingredients and epicenter of international cultural tourism.
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Culture
One of the most powerful creative centers in Latin America: birthplace of great masters such as Francisco Toledo and Rufino Tamayo, and capital of engraving and textile design.
Heritage
An enclave of fundamental archaeological, colonial and republican value; home of Monte Albán and birthplace of key figures such as Benito Juárez.
Architecture
A dazzling colonial complex of green volcanic quarry, convent courtyards and avant-garde Mexican architecture.
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View full guideTips for Culture & Heritage
Tlacolula Sunday Market
If you are on a Sunday, take a shuttle to Tlacolula de Matamoros to experience the oldest and most vibrant indigenous 'tianguis' in Mesoamerica, where bartering is still practiced.
Breakfast at the Merced Market
Go in the morning to the 'Fonda Florecita' stall in the Mercado de la Merced to taste the best memelas with a seat and sparkling water chocolate shaken with a wooden grinder.
Fair Trade with Artisans
Value the time and art required to make a piece by hand on a loom or clay; Avoid excessive haggling in direct purchases from indigenous artisan families.
Permission to Photograph in Communities
Always politely ask permission before taking close-up photographs of indigenous people or traditional vendors at valley markets.
Water Consumption
Don't drink tap water. Always drink purified or bottled water, even to brush your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach.
Adaptation to Chiles and Spices
Oaxacan cuisine uses very aromatic chiles (such as Oaxacan pasilla or chile de agua); Moderate the sauces the first few days if you are not used to spicy food.
Safety in Busy Markets
Take care of your belongings and wallet in the crowded aisles of the Benito Juárez Market and the Mercado de Abastos.
Climb to Cerro del Fortín on foot
To go up to the Fortín viewpoint, do it during the day and preferably by taxi or along the main busy stairs, avoiding isolated paths at dusk.
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