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.