The state of Oaxaca (wah-HAH-kah) is located on the southern Pacific coast of Mexico. This state of 36,371 square miles (about the size of Indiana ), is mostly mountainous with wide, fertile valleys. In this agricultural region you will find a variety of produce such as tropical fruits, cereals, sugar, coffee, cacao and tobacco.
Many Indian groups make Oaxaca state the most ethnically complex of Mexico's thirty-one states. The Zapotec (341,000 people) and the Mixtec (240,000 people) are the two largest groups of Indians (the others being the Nahua, Mazatec, Mixe, Chocho, Chicatec, Chinatec, Trique, Amuzgo, Chantino, Chontal, Zoque and the Huave groups). This variety of people also have a diversity in communication with at least 14 indigenous languages and 90 dialects. Being one of the three poorest states in Mexico, the approximate 3,000,000 people have a life expectancy of 62 years and the Maternal/Infant mortality rate is 79%. The educational system is one of the least developed in Mexico and many children do not finish primary school as they start working alongside their parents in the fields.
Oaxaca contains many historical villages and ruins. One village to note is San Pablo Guelaot, the birthplace of Benito Juarez. When speaking of ancient ruins we must say that two of the most remarkable sites in all of Mexico are in Oaxaca. Twenty-six miles southeast of Oaxaca City lies Milta, while 6 miles west you will find Monte Alban, the ancient Zapotec capital. Zapotec Indians originally built these places only to be driven out during the 14th century by the Mixtec Indians. The tombs, courts, pyramids, stairs and oblong one-story buildings are fascinating. Zapotec Indians still visit Milta's Tombs every New Year's Eve with floral offerings and votive candles. The treasures of Tomb #7 of Monte Alban, the ancient Zapotec capital, can be seen in the state archaeological museum in Oaxaca City. Apparently Monte Alban has been in existence since 200 B.C.
Oaxaca City, with approximately 300,000 people, has an elevation of around 5,200 feet above sea level. Thought to have been founded in the late 5th century, Oaxaca was captured in 1521 by the Spaniards. The succeeding generations have added their own style of architecture to that which previously existed and today there is a mixture of pre-Conquest, colonial and modern periods, with an Indian influence predominating overall as in no other Mexican city.
Of interest to most tourists, Oaxaca and the surrounding villages produce leather goods, machetes, daggers, jewelry, carved idols, and pottery. It is well noted for its production of table linen and woolen serapes.
The city square is called Plaza Principal or the Zocalo. Actually it is 2 squares: one is a park with a bandstand and trees for shade; while the other contains shops and outdoor cafes. On a typical day people from all walks of life are seen at the Zocalo including protesters, soldiers, bands and groups of singing children adding to the atmosphere. At night the area fills with street musicians and vendors who sell a variety of foods and crafts.
A centuries-old fiesta The Guelaguetza (or offering) is held on the last 2 Mondays of July. During this time, communities from throughout the state present their regional costumes, dances, songs and music in an open-air theater built into the side of a hill. The participants often throw gifts to the spectators.
Dia de la Muertos (Day of the Dead), is a 2-day religious festival which takes place in the beginning of November. Cemeteries are visited and food is often left at the graves. Candlelight vigils are held and altars in the homes hold flowers, fruits and nuts, a special bread and the favorite food of the ancestors.
The governor is judge at Dia de los Rabanos (Day of the Radishes). Occurring in December, this festival features a contest in which participants present nativity scenes with the people and animals carved from radishes. The governor picks the winners and awards them ribbons.
For further information about Oaxaca see these pages: Oaxaca Tourist Guide and Government of the state of Oaxaca.