1 · The short answer

The Guelaguetza is Oaxaca's biggest festival of dance and music. Its main events, the Lunes del Cerro, are held on the two Mondays after 16 July, in the Auditorio Guelaguetza on the Cerro del Fortin above the city. In 2026 they fell on 20 and 27 July, with a morning show at 10:00 and an afternoon show at 17:00. The government of Oaxaca announces each year's programme and ticket sales, usually in the spring or early summer, so check its site for the dates of the year you plan to come.

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2 · What the Guelaguetza is

The Lunes del Cerro is a performance in which delegations from the eight regions of Oaxaca present their dances, costumes and music. It is the centre of a longer month of events across the city, including processions through the historic centre, a mezcal fair and a craft fair, gastronomic events and the Mixtec ball game. The programme changes each year, so use the government's official calendar.

The shows take place on the Cerro del Fortin in the Auditorio Guelaguetza, an open-air amphitheatre above the city. The morning and afternoon shows are the same programme. Seats in the different areas are sold in advance and sell out.

3 · Tickets and your phone

  • ✓Buy from the official channels. The state's tourism office and the Auditorio box office have sold tickets, and in recent years an official online seller has been used. Check the government's site for who sells this year's tickets.
  • ✓Beware resellers. Press reports in 2026 warned against buying the best seats from resellers once the official ones sold out.
  • ✓Save the ticket offline. Signal on the hill can be weak when thousands arrive at once. Keep the ticket as a screenshot.

4 · Getting to Oaxaca and around

Oaxaca has its own airport with flights from Mexico City and other cities, and long-distance buses arrive from Mexico City and Puebla; the bus journey takes many hours, so check the operators' timetables. Book in good time, as flights and hotels fill for the festival.

In the city, Uber and DiDi both work, and local taxis are plentiful. Around the shows, ride apps are slow to find cars and the road to the Cerro del Fortin is busy, so allow extra time or walk up if you are fit. Agree a taxi fare before you start if you do not use an app.

5 · What your phone has to do

  • ✓Maps. Download an offline map of Oaxaca and save your hotel's address, in Spanish.
  • ✓Ride apps. Uber and DiDi need data to book and to track your driver. Use the app rather than a street hail after dark.
  • ✓Cashless. Cards are accepted in hotels and many restaurants, but markets, street food and many taxis want cash. Keep pesos handy.
  • ✓Signal on the hill. Crowds around the auditorium slow networks. Save tickets and agree a meeting point in advance.
  • ✓Translation. A translation app with an offline Spanish pack helps in markets and with guides.

6 · More of Oaxaca

  • ✓Monte Alban. The ancient Zapotec site on a hill above the city, reachable by tour or taxi.
  • ✓Santo Domingo and the centre. The historic centre is walkable and holds the main churches, markets and museums.
  • ✓Markets and mezcal. The Benito Juarez and 20 de Noviembre markets for food, and mezcal tastings across the centre.

7 · Frequently asked questions

When is the Guelaguetza?+
The main events, the Lunes del Cerro, are held on the two Mondays after 16 July. In 2026 they were 20 and 27 July. Check the Oaxaca government's site for the current year.
Where is it held?+
In the Auditorio Guelaguetza on the Cerro del Fortin, above the centre of Oaxaca.
How do I get to Oaxaca?+
Fly to Oaxaca from Mexico City or take a long-distance bus from Mexico City or Puebla. Check the operators' timetables.
Which plan covers Oaxaca?+
Ringo Light's Mexico plan covers Oaxaca and the whole of Mexico, with unlimited data at full speed.
Do Uber and DiDi work in Oaxaca?+
Yes, both work in the city. Allow extra time around the shows.

8 · Sources

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