Guelaguetza 2025 in Oaxaca: dates, tickets and everything you need to know
Guelaguetza 2025 in Oaxaca: dates, tickets and everything you need to know
The Guelaguetza is the most important cultural festival in Oaxaca, also known as Lunes del Cerro; it serves as a gathering point for thousands of national and international tourists.
The Guelaguetza is the most important cultural festival in Oaxaca, also known as Lunes del Cerro; it serves as a gathering point for thousands of national and international tourists.
The traditional Guelaguetza of Oaxaca takes place in July and is part of the popular celebrations honoring the Virgin of Carmen. For this reason, it is held on the two Mondays closest to the Catholic feast day of this Marian celebration, which falls on July 16, as this is the day dedicated to the Virgin of Carmen, the patron saint of Oaxaca.
Guelaguetza is magic, tradition, and culture. The word comes from the Zapotec term “Guendalezaa”, which means offering, gift, or fulfillment. It is also known as the Fiesta de los Lunes del Cerro (Festival of Mondays on the Hill).
During the Guelaguetza festival, folkloric, cultural, and sporting events take place, with the following standing out: the Guelaguetza, El Bani Stui Gulal, and the Legend of Princess Donají, daughter of the Zapotec king Cosijoeza and Princess Coyolicatzin, as well as cycling races.
The Guelaguetza, or Lunes del Cerro, is expressed as an offering to the city of Oaxaca by representative groups from the eight traditional regions: Cañada, Costa, Istmo de Tehuantepec, Mixteca, Papaloapan, Sierra Norte (or Sierra Juárez), Sierra Sur, and Valles Centrales.
Each region delights visitors and locals with dances, music, songs, and performances, all filled with tradition, joy, color, and pride.
When is the Guelaguetza 2025 in Oaxaca?
The 2025 edition of the Guelaguetza, the most important festival for Oaxacans, will take place on the iconic Lunes del Cerro and its Octava (eighth day), on Monday, July 21, and Monday, July 28. During these days, the artistic grandeur of Oaxacan communities will be showcased, along with respect for their traditions and cultural richness.
Where will the Guelaguetza 2025 take place?
The Guelaguetza encompasses magic, tradition, reciprocity, culture, and unity. The celebration is held at the Cerro del Fortín. The venue, inaugurated in 1974, was initially unnamed and was referred to as Cerro de la Azucena or Cerro del Fortín. In 1999, it was officially named the Auditorio Guelaguetza (Guelaguetza Auditorium).
Where to buy tickets for the Guelaguetza 2025?
Tickets and even packages can be purchased through different official providers, so prices may vary when trying to secure seats at the Guelaguetza Auditorium, which has a capacity of 12,000. For example, you can purchase tickets through the Secretary of Tourism of the Government of the State of Oaxaca. Here are some safe options for buying tickets:
What you need to know about the Guelaguetza 2025
- The traditional Guelaguetza of Oaxaca is celebrated in July.
- The 2025 edition will take place on Monday, July 21, and Monday, July 28.
- It is part of the popular celebrations honoring the Virgin of Carmen.
- Each of the eight regions presents its dances and songs.
