Una Visita A Oaxaca, México

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Una Visita A Oaxaca, México
Oaxaca is Mexico’s 5th largest state. It has 17 ethnic groups and many
indigenous languages, including Mixtec and Zápotec, are still spoken there. The name “Oaxaca” actually
comes from the Nahuatl word, huayacac, which refers to the acacia tress that grow in the area.
The Zápotecas were the largest indigenous group of Oaxaca during the years 800 BC – 18000 AC. They
actually inhabited the land before the well-known Aztecs or Maya.
Monte Albán – this was the cultural and ceremonial center of the Zapotec people. Many of the
structures are in ruins, but it is thought that the site contains an observatory, a ball court, an
ceremonial altars. Tombs have been found on the site, containing gold, silver and turquoise
jewelry. The area is outside the City limits, on a hill. You can see much of Oaxaca from Monte
Albán.
El Zócalo – this is the main plaza of Oaxaca. Like the Zócalo of Mexico City, people come here
to relax, have a drink, listen to the music of the band that plays there on Sundays.
La Catedral de Oaxaca – An example of Spanish colonial architecture, this church’s exterior is
covered with carvings and statues of angels and saints. The Cathedral sits on one side of the
Zócalo.
El Palacio de Gobierno – On the other side of the Zócalo is the Municipal Palace, the former
government building. It is now a museum of the city’s history. The outside is a tribute to
Spanish colonial architecture, and the inside is covered with historical and political murals from
native artist Arturo García Bustos. A giant tortilla sculpture is on display!
La Iglesia de Santo Domingo de Guzmán – Much smaller and simpler looking than the
Cathedral, the Iglesia is also very important. Inside, the wall behind the altar is covered with
gold. It has been a church, then housing and stables for the military, and finally returned to a
church.
El Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca – this former convent used to be a part of the church of
Santo Domingo, but now it houses a museum of artifacts from Tomb 7 of Monte Albán –
jewelry, pottery, and even bones are all on display.
La Calle Macedonia Alcalá – This is the most important street in Oaxaca. Much of it is closed to
car traffic, and all along the street are small boutiques and restaurants. Artists of all kinds
display their works on the street It’s great for shopping.
El Mercado Juárez – This market is named for the first president of Mexico, who also was a
native Zapotecan. The market offers foods, flowers, spices, toys, and even some souvenirs. It’s
the oldest market in the city, and everyone uses it.
La Guelaguetza – This is Oaxaca’s cultural dance, and it dates back to Zapotec times. It honors
the Goddess of Corn, and is celebrated with traditional costume and dancing, and offerings of
food. It happens two Sundays in July every year
La Artesanía –
el barro negro – black pottery, native to Oaxaca, thought to have been created by mistake.
Most pots will have decorative cutouts in them.
el alebrije – another native Oaxacan art, alebrije are colorfully painted wood carvings, usually in
the shape of animals. They are always carved and painted by hand, and each piece is unique.
Popular animals are cats, snakes, lizards.
los tapetes – hand-woven rugs, sometimes made into what we call “ponchos”. They are
multicolored, with geometric designs.