Discover Guelaguetza

Through music, color, and tradition, the Guelaguetza has become one of the greatest international displays of our beautiful country, alongside iconic dates such as September 16 or the Day of the Dead itself – an unmissable experience when visiting the land of chocolate and corn.

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Year after year, in July, Oaxaca dusts off its most joyful party attire and visitors from all over the world join one of the largest celebrations in the entire state. At Colima 71, we want you to discover the wonderful country we call home: from an exquisite boutique escapade at our hotel in Roma Mexico City, through select adventures and experiences, all the way over to falling in love with the mystical culture of Mexico. Let’s dive into a small glimpse of the Guelaguetza and its magnificent timeless history.

The origin of the Guelaguetza

A natural aftermath of the fusion between the ancient customs of the original communities and the practices inherited from the old continent, the Guelaguetza is a celebration that, nowadays, is part of the many popular festivities linked with the Virgin of Carmen, widely celebrated in July.

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Historically, however, the Guelaguetza is one of the most popular traditions in all of Oaxaca and has its origins in pre-Hispanic times. Its name is derived from the Zapotec "guendalezaa" –offering, present, fulfillment–, and refers to a ritual that was done in honor of ancient gods, such as the Goddess Centéotl, of corn and ceremonial drinks.

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With classical dances, dishes full of flavor, and colorful shows, this great celebration rooted in our culture comes to life today and is celebrated on the two Mondays after July 16, in the middle of the summer holidays, creating the perfect window for a road trip to participate in Guelaguetza, visit one of the best places to travel in Mexico, and top it all with a juicy cherry at Colima 71, our exquisite hotel in Roma Mexico City.

A week of celebrations and culture

The main celebrations of the Guelaguetza take place on the first Monday after July 16 –when the festivities begin–, and on the second Monday –known as the Octava. In both, there are cultural portrayals of high historical value, such as the Bani Stui Gulal, a folkloric expression that, through music and dance, tells the birth and evolution of this great festival: how it emerged, the legend behind it, and how it has been shaped and reshaped over time.

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There’s also the tale of Princess Donají, daughter of a great Zapotec king, and how she fell in love with the Mixtec prince Nucano. A forbidden and tragic love, since both towns were at war. The legend is a great icon of Oaxacan culture and a deep-seated part of the Guelaguetza celebrations.

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In addition to impressive staging and a deep artistic spirit, there are also parades where representatives of each of the participating regional delegations dress in their traditional attire and accompanied by music from their culture, walk through the main streets sharing their story.

Colima 71 awaits in Roma, one of the best places to travel in Mexico

In the heart of the capital, perched in one of the best places to travel in Mexico, abundant in exquisite gastronomy and wonderful cultural demonstrations, our select hotel in Roma Mexico City is the ideal place to rest after a road trip between Guelaguetza and the magical towns that abound in the central-southern area of the country.

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Let yourself be carried away by the magic of Mexico and fall in love with its unique and authentic essence. Welcome to Colima 71, a paragon of comfort and high design.

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