Cancún, Mexico — Cancún is preparing to host one of Mexico’s most iconic cultural celebrations, the Guelaguetza, which will transform the Parque de las Palapas and Avenida Yaxchilán from August 1 to 3, 2025. The event, renowned for its vibrant display of Oaxacan folklore, music, dance, and cuisine, is organized by the Benito Juárez City Council, the Cancún Institute of Culture and Arts, and the Quintana Roo Secretary of Tourism, in collaboration with the Oaxacan community in Cancún and the Unidos Benito Juárez A.C. association.
A Celebration of Oaxacan Heritage
The festival, now considered the second-largest Guelaguetza in Mexico, will feature a delegation of over 80 artists from Oaxaca. Among them are the Tlaxiaco Folkloric Dance Company and the Santa Cruz Xoxocotlán Philharmonic Band for Children and Youth. Attendees can expect performances of traditional dances such as Flor de Piña, Jarabe Mixteco, and the energetic Danza de la Pluma.
Beyond the artistic program, the event will include a gastronomic and artisan fair showcasing Oaxacan specialties like tlayudas, tamales, tejate, and chapulines (grasshoppers). A highlight of the festivities will be a tribute to Mazapán, Oaxaca’s famous dancing dog, with a playful contest encouraging attendees to dress their pets in traditional attire to crown the "Mazapán of Cancún." Prizes and surprises await participants.
A Collaborative Effort
The Guelaguetza’s arrival in Cancún underscores the cultural ties between Oaxaca and Quintana Roo, celebrating the traditions of Oaxaca’s seven regions. The event is expected to draw large crowds, reinforcing its reputation as a must-see spectacle of Mexican heritage.
The festival’s organizers emphasize its significance in promoting cultural exchange and unity, offering residents and visitors alike an immersive experience of Oaxaca’s rich traditions.
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