This past Sunday the Feria de Carrizo in San Juan Geulavia ended and by all standards, it was a great success... and a really good time. It was just another example of how villages are learning to pro-actively and aggressively publicize these annual events. A few years ago, this was a small event in a small village, drawing visitors by the hundreds. Now, they draw thousands and the villages reap the rewards, the increased notoriety and much needed income. Plus, what a good time!
Working with carrizo, the bamboo like grass that grow so prolifically in the area, is an art and it practiced by maybe ten families in the village. It certainly looked their sales had to be way up this year because the place was absolutely packed and the artesanos had lots of wonderfully tempting things to sell.
There were lots of food vendors and music and dancing galore. The first Sunday, they had a guelaguetza with all the regional dances performed. Look at those happy faces.
Having so many young people involved insures traditions will continue.
The pride of Oaxaca on display. People feel it in their hearts and it's palpable. I'm right there with them.
This last Sunday, our friends, the danzantes from nearby Teotitlan del Valle performed to huge appreciative crowds. Each village has its own traditions and style. This couple from Guelavia was celebrating wearing the traditional outfits for their village's weddings.
I love this shot with the new father looking so serious, holding his sleeping child, under the banner proclaiming artisans united. ¡Via San Juan Guelavia!
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