I love all the guelaguetzas. From the official ones (and unofficial ones) in the city, to the smaller ones in the villages, they each have a different vibe or atmosphere. And so it was in Trinidad de Viguera, just a few kms down the road. This was really small and intimate one. Really, no crowds, no tourists, just people from the village... and one old gringo. We've seen the dances so many times, but somehow, each time, they are special and unique. There are so many elements in each guelaguetza, the traditional dances and clothing and such pride, sense of community and history. In Viguera it's more like a family affair. You get to share the day with a different kind of audience. And see how the dancers kill time before they are on. One of the danzantes de pluma from Santa Ana del Valle.
And still there are the dancers we see in every single guelaguetza, the same, but different.
And of course, Flor de PiƱa by a folklorico group from nearby Pueblo Nuevo. It was a special day! I'll post some of the dances shortly.
The here and now... and what and why
Complacency is a trap. At least that’s what I was thinking when I up and left the comfort of a Yankee prep school gig, where I taught music, amongst other things, for 28 years. There was also that life long career as a composer, musician and artist.
First, it was a year in St. Thomas, USVI, working as a reporter and shooting photography and then, a year in San Agustin Etla, Oaxaca, Mexico.
Time passed.
More time passed and a year back in the Athens of America followed by a hasty return to Oaxaca where it is all happening.
A couple of years in San Sebastian Etla and now, just down the road in San Pablo Etla. Life is good.
Click on an image to see it larger.
For additional photography please visit my flickr page.
You can find my music on Jango (World & latin - Worldbeat) and at iTunes and most online stores.
¡Soy consciente de todas las tradiciones del Internet!
If you are coming to Oaxaca, please contact me for tours or advice.
First, it was a year in St. Thomas, USVI, working as a reporter and shooting photography and then, a year in San Agustin Etla, Oaxaca, Mexico.
Time passed.
More time passed and a year back in the Athens of America followed by a hasty return to Oaxaca where it is all happening.
A couple of years in San Sebastian Etla and now, just down the road in San Pablo Etla. Life is good.
Click on an image to see it larger.
For additional photography please visit my flickr page.
You can find my music on Jango (World & latin - Worldbeat) and at iTunes and most online stores.
¡Soy consciente de todas las tradiciones del Internet!
If you are coming to Oaxaca, please contact me for tours or advice.
Santo Domingo
![Santo Domingo](http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/4724/208749196461538/1600/z/41762/gse_multipart24222.jpg)
The view from Corazon del Pueblo
The hereafter re me
![My photo](http://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOsYvGlbWG2ktZLvksvunVO9SveQnQd94XVdiC7BxnToUROIeA7m8LIHi33mYpebfSsoPcp1deDXRPfTqQCIpLc_x6wHbo_jmqfTGOd5qwDTbUGQg8gvtX-eW160Pdw/s220/Chris+1180.jpg)
- Christopher Stowens
- Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Musician, photographer, videographer, reporter, ex-officio teacher, now attempting to be a world traveler
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Thursday, July 25, 2024
The village guelaguetzas - Reyes Etla
July is the best month of the year in Oaxaca, The rains have come, it's beautiful. And there are so many wonderful events and things to do, mostly centered around the guelaguetza, the huge dance festival in the city. The city is absolutely packed with people and tickets for the official performances are snapped up immediately. However, there are lots of guelaguetzas in villages, more and more each year.... and they are all free and filled with such warmth and happiness, and above all, pride. Each year I go to the one in Reyes Etla, with its round dance floor and its famous church from "Nacho Libre"in the background. It has drawn more and more people each year, but still remains a sweet and intimate experience. Plus, Reyes is the one of the birthplaces of queso and quesillo and there is a huge expo of all the local cheese makers. You can even become one of the traditional balls of cheese. Take that cheeseheads! Many of the dancers are from local folklorico groupos, but others come from different parts of the state to dance their own unique dances, like these from Santa Maria Tlahuitoltepec, famous for their embroidery. I'll post a few more shots later from what was a wonderful time. And where will I be going for next Monday's guelaguetza? The one in nearby Trinidad de Viguera, but first I need to check and see if they are having one.
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
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