The Guelaguetza 2026 celebrates its first weekend with dozens of free events in Oaxaca. Parades, craft fairs, and concerts will enliven Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19.
The Guelaguetza 2026 kicks off this weekend in Oaxaca with a programme that leaves no one indifferent. And the best part is that most activities are completely free. For those from Málaga who are visiting or planning to travel, it is a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Oaxacan culture without spending a euro.
A Saturday Full of Tradition
On July 18, the Tenth Apple Fair begins in Santa Martha Latuvi, an event that brings together local producers and offers tastings of this typical fruit. The Second Mole Fair is also held in San Pablo Villa de Mitla, where attendees can try different varieties of this emblematic dish.
For sports lovers, the LXXVII National Classic Cycling Tour Lunes del Cerro 2026 will traverse the streets of the city. An event that attracts cyclists from all over the country and promises excitement on wheels.
Craftsmanship has its space with the Annual Embroidery Fair in San Antonio Castillo Velasco and the Black Clay Craft Fair in San Bartolo Coyotepec, where there will also be a meeting of Feather Dances. Black clay is one of the hallmarks of Oaxaca, and watching artisans at work is a spectacle in itself.
In the afternoon, music takes over. At 16:00 hours, the San Jacinto Band performs in the Zócalo of Oaxaca, while a Duo Zapocelta concert takes place at the Real Alhóndiga de Antequera at 17:00. The Teatro Juárez hosts Folklor en punta, a folk dance show, at 16:00 and 17:00 hours.
One of the highlights is the First Delegation Parade, which will start from the Fountain of the 8 Regions. A colourful journey showcasing the cultural diversity of the different regions of Oaxaca.
Sunday: More Fairs and the Grand Finale
On July 19, the festivities continue with most of Saturday's fairs, such as the Apple Fair, the Mole Fair, and the Quesillo de Reyes Fair in Las Peñitas, Reyes Etla. The string cheese, known as quesillo, is another Oaxacan delicacy you cannot miss.
Additionally, the Tlayuda Fair in San Antonio de la Cal will feature the famous tlayuda, a kind of giant tostada with beans, meat, and vegetables. For those from Málaga accustomed to sardine skewers, trying this delicacy will be an unforgettable experience.
On Sunday, Donají, the Legend will also be performed at the Guelaguetza Auditorium. This dance and music show narrates the story of the Zapotec princess Donají and is one of the central acts of the Guelaguetza. Although there are performances with a fee, the one on Sunday is free, but a ticket is required. Interested parties should keep an eye out for ticket distribution, which is usually announced in advance.
To close the weekend, the Gastronomic Tianguis in the Plaza de la Danza offers a showcase of the rich Oaxacan cuisine, with stalls of typical food that will delight any palate.
The Guelaguetza is one of the most important festivals in Mexico, and for someone from Málaga, finding parallels with the Feria de Málaga is inevitable: both celebrate local identity through music, dance, and gastronomy. If you are in Oaxaca this weekend, don’t hesitate: culture awaits you at every corner.
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