La calenda de la Guelaguetza

Today there was another big parade through down town. BUT! before I post pictures of the parade there are a few from yesterday I would like to share:

This fountain is in front of the Hospital that I go to every morning. It has statues depicting 7 of the 8 regions in Oaxaca and their traditional dress (at the time it was made there were only 7). It is meant to honor the indigenous heritage. The man in the middle is doing La danza de la pluma. It is a Zapotec dance that was done in celebration of the Spanish conquering the Aztecs.

Añadir leyenda

 While wondering between stores I found this awesome map of Oaxaca. It's super helpful because people tell me they're from so-and-so region and I just smile and nod because I have no idea of where in Oaxaca that is. Now I do!

A map of the 8 different regions

Next to the map where examples of traditional clothes from the region.

As mentioned, there was a big parade through the down town this evening. I spent most of the parade with a charming two year old girl on my shoulders. She is soo much litter than my brother, Gideon, it was almost easy. Half way through I decided that her parents shouldn't have it easy and had them take pictures for me (don't worry, I know and trust them). 

Participants marching through a crowd of people

A very unattractive picture of me with Genesis

People will join the parade as it goes by and walk with the participants. At one point there was a 5 minute break because soo many people had joined the parade. Sometimes tourists will walk in and out of the dancers with their camera.

 

There was a dance from the women of Tuxtepec called the Flor de Pina. Each woman must carry a pineapple during the dance. 

The dance of the Pineapple 

I always know where I am based on the scenery. This view of the mountains means I am close to home.