The Guelaguetza, Oaxaca's month-long party

“Guelaguetza”

is a Zapoteca word; its meanings include “to share” . With this as their key principle, the 8 different regions in Oaxaca come together every year to present their dances, music, and traditions ; they create a sea of color and a cheerful atmosphere.

Over 100 artistic, gastronomic and cultural activities

will take place during the July Parties, the Month of the Guelaguetza.

This tradition, in its 86° edition , is considered the biggest of its kind in Latin America. The famous Mondays at the Mountain, a month-long party where the people give their offerings: food, music, drinks, dances, crafts , to the city of Oaxaca. It will take place from July 23 to July 30.

The cultural activities include the Mole Festival on July 20, the Mezcal Fair from July 23 until July 30, Los Ángeles Azules on July 25, Lila Downs on July 27, and Fernando de la Mora on July 20. The biggest parade will take place on July 21 and July 28.

The Mezcal Fair, July 21 to July 30 , will take place in the historical center of the city of Oaxaca. There will be over 150 businesses involved , 70 of them are certified mezcaleras, 12 breweries, 30 small agro-industrial businesses, 30 coffee-growers and 10 food businesses.

The gastronomy of Oaxaca is one of the most complex cuisines in the world

. It's the result of the pre-Hispanic heritage and its transformation and adaptation; it translates simple ingredients like corn, chiles, chocolate or beans into extraordinarily complex dishes.

On their official Twitter account , the Guelaguetza invites people to try their different mole varieties: "What is your favorite mole? Come to the Guelaguetza 2018 and experience over 120 mole varieties on the Mole Festival. We're waiting for you!"

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The Mole Festival will offer over 120 different types of moles,

tlayudas

, bugs,

chileatole

, tamales, chocolate, ice creams

, among other dishes. The Mezcal Fair will be open from 12:00 to10:00 pm and it will offer different artistic and cultural activities, and as well as tastings.

According to the State Government, Oaxaca is now one of the top 10 cities to visit in Mexico.

Tickets available at Ticketmaster. Prices range from MXN $1030 to $1325.

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