Presentation of the Guelaguetza

The traditional Guelaguetza comes to Philadelphia for the first time

The famous Oaxacan celebration known as "Mondays on the Hill" will be presented in the “City of Brotherly Love”, thanks to Casa Monarca, and the Azteca Organization of Atlantic City, NJ.

Two hours of vibrant Mexican folklore with 60 dancers on stage brought directly from Oaxaca, Mexico is what you can expect at the first presentation of the Guelaguetza in Philadelphia on August 5.

The Guelaguetza is an annual tradition of Oaxaca… Show more that celebrates the Virgen del Carmen.

The word Guelaguetza comes from the Zapotec language and its interpretation is “to give, share or give away”, coming for the indigenous traditions of an extended community.

The main Guelaguetza dances are:

▪ Jarabe del valle: Central Valley region, the representation of the Chinese Oaxacan

▪ La danza de la pluma: Central Valley region, can be represented by the town of Guerrero Zaachila or Cuilapam

▪ Flower pineapple: region of Papaloapam

▪ Jarabe Mixteco: the Mixteca region

▪ Zandunga: region of the Istmo in Tehuantepec

"Casa Monarca and the Azteca Organization are interested in promoting and preserving the culture and Mexican traditions, and what a beautiful example of culture and tradition in this original Oaxacan festival. A feast for the eyes and ears full of hype (not sure what you mean here-hype would not be a good word here-do you mean ‘exciting’ or ‘energetic’) music, colors and joy. We would like to invite the Mexican community in Philadelphia and surrounding areas as well as all lovers of Mexican culture and those interested in learning a bit more about it to come to this spectacular event," said Executive Director and Casa Monarca founder, Dalia O'Gorman.

"We know that many members of the community for many years have not been able to visit their homeland, that's why we believe that events like this will help them feel closer to our beautiful Mexico," said O'Gorman. "But you do not need to be Mexican to enjoy an event like the Guelaguetza, so the invitation is open to everyone," she said.

The Guelaguetza in Philadelphia will be held on Sunday August 5 at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Pennsylvania, located at 3260 South Street, from 2:30 to 5 p.m.

Show less