27
September
2017
|
12:08 PM
America/Los_Angeles

Guelaguetza 2017, Oct. 15

Guelaguetza 2017 Festival celebrates the culture and cuisine of Oaxaca, Mexico, and Oaxacan Immigrant Communities in North County San Diego,

The vibrant culture, dance and communities of Oaxaca, Mexico, will be celebrated at Cal State San Marcos during the Guelaguetza 2017 Festival, 9 a.m.. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, on the campus’ Forum Plaza. The annual Guelaguetza Festival is the region’s original and largest of its kind. The festival has been held at CSUSM since 2000 and represents the collaborative effort of the Department of Anthropology and local community residents and organizations.

This family event is modeled after the yearly festival held in Oaxaca City, Mexico, each July, during which members of the region’s 23 indigenous groups come together to share their distinctive music, dance, dress and food. The celebration in California has come to symbolize the coming together and unity of Oaxacan communities both in Oaxaca and abroad.

The event, which attracts thousands of community members each year, is hosted by Cal State San Marcos and sponsored by the Coalition of Indigenous Communities of Oaxaca (COCIO) in collaboration with the Anthropology Department. COCIO is a grassroots organization in North County made up of Mixtec, Zapotec, Chinantec, Trique, Mixe and other indigenous Oaxacan communities that have come together to support and celebrate Oaxacan culture as well as to support projects that benefit the Oaxacan community. The Department of Anthropology has collaborated with local Oaxacan indigenous communities for over 15 years in numerous community-based research, cultural and social programs.

The celebration will include a program featuring Oaxacan folkloric dance groups and musicians. Traditional foods, such as Tlayudas (corn tortillas), pastries, Oaxacan candy, and arts and crafts will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the event and from the food and crafts sold go toward event expenses and community-based projects that aim to improve the health and well being of the Oaxacan transnational community.

The Guelaguetza at Cal State San Marcos is open to everyone, with an entry fee of $9. Parking is free. CSUSM students with campus ID and children under 10 may attend for free.