Highlights / General details
The origins of this festival are found in pre-Hispanic times. The Zapotec and Mixtec peoples were distinguished by their heroism in battle. A yearly celebration was held in honor of a supreme god, creator of all things, as well as other deities. Both ethnic groups organized a festival in which they paid homage to their deities through flawless execution of artful song and dance.
The Zapotecs and Mixtecs were conquered by the Aztecs, but instead of their rituals dying off, they gained even greater importance in the combined culture. The Aztecs also made offerings of song and dance to their own deities during the festivals of their 8 month calendar. The Aztec festivals merged with those of the Oaxacan people and thus began a great yearly celebration in honor of the goddess Xilomen.
Dancers from all corners of the state of Oaxaca to the hill at El Fortin combine to present this incredible show: Mixtecs, Zapotecs, Popolacas, Triques, Chontales, Chinantecs, Mazatecs, Mixes and other ethnic groups. Their festive clothing creates a multicolored tapestry on the slopes of the hill with unparalleled enthusiasm they perform dances and songs from each of their regions.
The show is presented in one of two unique Oaxaca City venues, either the Casa de Cantera Restaurant or the chapel of a 16th century Dominican Convent.
Inclusion
One Way Transportation from Oaxaca Area Hotels; Dinner.
Exclusion
Entrance fee (approximately $4); Drinks; Return transportation; Optional Gratuities.
Hours of operation
Available: Daily; Departs at 7:00pm.
Duration
Approximately 3 hours.
Policies
There is a minimum of 2 passengers for this tour.
Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.
**All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation**
Get in touch with one of our destination specialists to discuss your plans. Whether you want to discuss this particular itinerary or you have specific requirements that mean we create a totally unique holiday just for you. You can call us or send us an online enquiry and we will call you back to discuss your holiday plans.
Our destination specialists are here to help. They will have firsthand knowledge of the destinations that mean they can answer your questions, make suggestions and give relevant advice to put together your dream holiday.
Your own dedicated specialist travel advisor will help to carefully create your tailor made holiday and send you a detailed itinerary via email for you to look through and refine until you are 100% satisfied.
Once your holiday itinerary has been agreed we will ask you to pay the relevant deposit, if applicable, or full payment if your holiday is departing within 14 weeks of booking. You will then receive your full confirmation, payment receipt and ATOL certificate via email within 24 hours of booking.
Even after you have booked and paid for your holiday there are bound to be questions you have before you depart on your holiday. We pride ourselves with the Customer Care that we offer and are always here to assist with any pre or post departure assistance you require.