Oaxaca has 8 regions. Each one is very diverse and has incredible traditions, costumes and dances, which are unique to the region. During the Guelaguetza, we celebrate the diversity of cultures that we have in Oaxaca, and their traditional aspects. You can see this things during the Lunes del Cerro. But if you didn’t get a ticket, or it’s not on your itinerary to go to a Lunes del Cerro, the Convites are perfect for you. The Convites are perfect for you to see the dances, costumes and traditions of the cultures of the 8 regions of Oaxaca.
RELATED CONTENT: WHAT IS THE GUELAGUETZA?
WHAT ARE THE CONVITES OF OAXACA?
The convites are colorful calendas with members of the 8 delegations that come to the Guelaguetza. In these tours you can see traditional dances and costumes of the 8 regions. You will also be able to see other traditional aspects of the calendas such as the band and the marmots.
Mezcal is a drink made in several Mexican states. In the Guelaguetza you can receive it as a gift. But of course Oaxaca’s is special, especially with the atmosphere of the Guelaguetza.
The colorful convites of Oaxaca will enchant you and you will enjoy the whole tour. Be sure to bring your cell phone because you will want to take great photos and instagrammable videos.
WHAT TO SEE IN THE CONVITES OF OAXACA DURING THE GUELAGUETZA?
During the Guelaguetza, in Oaxaca, you can see the traditional calendas or convites. During this calendas, the dancers of each region of the state go on a parade through the streets of the Historical Center creating an atmosphere of party. And they also show the cultural diversity of Oaxaca through the dances and traditional clothes. So what you can see in the convites of the Guelaguetza is:
TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCES
What’s a calenda without music and dances? Well, sincerely I don’t know how to answer to that question because I’ve never seen one. And I’m sure it wouldn’t be called a calenda. In Oaxaca we are all very cheerful and we love to celebrate, the calendas are very good for this. Music and dances are incredible for any celebration, and they have to be present in the Guelaguetza.
The dances and music that you can see in the convites are regional. The music that you will hear is a result of the mix between the local cultures and the spanish culture, pieces that I’m sure you will enjoy.
A lot of times the dances are representations, you will be wondering… Of what?
Well, depending on the dance, they can be an event of the past like the “Danza de la Pluma”, or of a tradition like the dance of the “palomo miahuateco” (pigeon of Miahuatlán), or representing a celebration or showing the culture of a region like the dance of Pinotepa Nacional.
The clothing of the “feather dancers” is incredibly colorful, and you can see it in the convites of Oaxaca.
REGIONAL CLOTHING
The clothing that you will see is very diverse, and that’s the nice thing of the Guelaguetza, we celebrate the diversity of cultures present in Oaxaca.
Every costume that you’ll see is special. They are made by hand and they have elements of the nature or culture of the town where they come from. So pay attention to these details in the convites of Oaxaca or in the Mondays of the Hill (Lunes del Cerro).
I can tell you a lot more about this, so I’ll leave it for other post.
MARMOTS
The marmots are spheres. The structure is made of wood, and the coverage is made of fabric, usually a kind called “manta”. The marmots are used to publicize what is being celebrated with that calenda. And they give more movement and joy to the event. A marmot is the one in the image at the beginning of this post.
MEZCAL AND GIFTS
The meaning of “Guelaguetza” is to cooperate or give, so besides the good reception that we (oaxacans) can give if you come from outside Oaxaca, we can offer you a good mezcal so you enjoy this celebration. Apart from mezcal, some delegations also give away something traditional from the place they come from. Don’t miss any convite, you could get a surprise.
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WHAT DAYS AND AT WHAT TIMES ARE THE CONVITES AND DELEGATION PARADES?
The convites are an invitation to the major event of the Guelaguetza. The major event of the Guelaguetza is the Mondays on the Hill. Convites are not the same as the delegation parades. The last ones are parades or calendas in which some delegations from the 8 regions of Oaxaca participate. It’s incredible to see the delegation parades because you can see several delegations in one calenda showing their traditional elements.
DATES AND PLACES OF THE CONVITES AND DELEGATION PARADES
This calendas are done in the historical center of Oaxaca. Usually they come from the Cruz de Piedra and they pass through Macedonio Alcalá street, passing by the streets of Av.Morelos, García Vigil until they get to the Alameda.
This year (2023). The convites will be held the 1st, 7th and 8th of July. And the Delegation Parades will be held the 15th and 22nd of July. Are you going to miss them? You now have all the info.
Hey, you are still here. If you are interested in all of this and you are ready to live the Guelaguetza. Live the Guelaguetza with us, don’t miss anything, and live it in the authentic way. BOOK NOW.
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Source of the dates: https://oaxaca.heraldodemexico.com.mx/guelaguetza/2023/4/21/guelaguetza-2023-que-son-los-convites-cuando-se-celebraran-en-oaxaca-9129.html