Guelaguetza
The Guelaguetza festival is held in the capital of Oaxaca on the "Lunes del Cerro" in July.
This celebration brings together the different ethnic groups and mestizo cultures from the regions of Oaxaca to share their dances, traditions, and gastronomy with locals and visitors. Get to know them!
Afromexicans - Puerto Minizo “Charco del Venado” (2023) by Secretaría de las Culturas y Artes de OaxacaSecretaría de las Culturas y Artes de Oaxaca
Afro-Mexicans (Puerto Minizo “Charco del Venado”)
To speak of Afro-Mexicans is to speak of history and strength; a people who resisted living as slaves and fought for their freedom.
Afromexicans - Puerto Minizo “Charco del Venado” (2023) by Secretaría de las Culturas y Artes de OaxacaSecretaría de las Culturas y Artes de Oaxaca
They arrived in 1820 with the Spanish Manuel de Collantes, who disembarked in Puerto Minizo "Charco del Venado" on the coast of Oaxaca.
Afromexicans - Puerto Minizo “Charco del Venado” (2023) by Secretaría de las Culturas y Artes de OaxacaSecretaría de las Culturas y Artes de Oaxaca
Dance of the Devils
The background of the Dance of the Devils dates back to colonial times.
The children of the community start participating at a very early age.
For the dance, a bonfire is placed and the dancers form a wheel.
Afromexicans - Puerto Minizo “Charco del Venado” (2023) by Secretaría de las Culturas y Artes de OaxacaSecretaría de las Culturas y Artes de Oaxaca
One of the characteristics of this community is its talent for composing verses. In each festivity the mischievous couplets that are generated at the moment are allowed to be heard.
Afromexicans - Puerto Minizo “Charco del Venado” (2023) by Secretaría de las Culturas y Artes de OaxacaSecretaría de las Culturas y Artes de Oaxaca
"Slender Oaxacan Indian, of the natural race, when you go to Corralero, always carry your sack, rent a canoe and go to the edge of the mangrove (...)!"
Afromexicans - Puerto Minizo “Charco del Venado” (2023) by Secretaría de las Culturas y Artes de OaxacaSecretaría de las Culturas y Artes de Oaxaca
The tigrera or boat of the devil, the donkey jaw and the harmonica are musical instruments used in the dance of the devils.
The people shout: "Ruja and Ruja!" In the photo you can see the petate bull.
