There are a number of festivals and celebrations that occur over the course of the year in Oaxaca. Some include "Dia de Los Muertos" or "Day of the Dead." This three day event begins on October 31st and is about honoring and celebrating those who have passed. Everyone comes together, families and friends to decorate their loved one's grave sites and share happy memories with one another. It is not a scary or gloomy occasion, at all. It is about celebrating the lives of those who are passed on and connecting with them in positive way, beautiful way.
Noches de Rabanos is another example of the unique kinds of events that take place in Oaxaca. This artistic competition occurs on December 23rd in the zocalo. Figures and statues are sculpted from radishes. (Yes, radishes! However, these radishes are not small and round like we see here in the US. They are actually thick and long and can weigh up to 7 pounds!). Many, many, many people come to watch and participate in this night. The winner get 12,000 pesos!
Now for the Dance Festival, Guelaguetza! I am very bummed we will not be there to witness these incredible two days. The event takes place on Monday, July 20 and Monday, July 27. It is also known as "Monday on the Hill". However, the week in between there are often parades and other actives that lead up to the main event. All the different cultures that live through out the state of Oaxaca come together and share their culture and traditions with one another. This mainly takes place through dance and their unique colors and clothing. However, they also bring their cultural dishes, and artifacts to the event. When the performers finish their dances, the often through out an offering of some kind to the audience, this includes straw hats and flowers. Not only do people through out the state travel to take part in this day, people from all over the world come to see all the beautiful dances and unique cultural differences.
References
http://www.mexonline.com/history-guelaguetza.htm
http://www.studyspanish.com/comps/rabanos2.htm
http://traveltips.usatoday.com/festivals-oaxaca-mexico-54742.html
Great snapshot of three really interesting celebrations, Mollie! I had never heard of Noche de Rabanos before - it's hard to believe that the castle in your picture is made out of radishes (especially 7-pound radishes)!
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