Auditorio Guelaguetza (Guelaguetza Auditorium), Oaxaca

The Guelaguetza Auditorium is a stunning open-air performance venue that stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region. Built between 2008 and 2010, the auditorium was designed to host a variety of events including music, theater, art, and dance.

It is renowned not only for its modern facilities but also for its breathtaking panoramic views of Oaxaca city and the surrounding valleys. The Guelaguetza Auditorium is best known as the stage for the Mondays of the Hill, a major cultural event held every July, where the different regions of Oaxaca come together to showcase their traditional dances, music, and crafts. The term "La Guelaguetza" refers to the sharing of gifts, including crafts, fruits, and drinks, from the regional delegations to the audience during the festivities.

The auditorium's design is inspired by ancient Greek and Roman theaters, with its semicircular seating arrangement built into a hill, allowing it to hold over 10,000 spectators. It was specifically constructed for the Guelaguetza festival, which has its roots in a pre-Hispanic celebration honoring Xilonen, the goddess of tender corn.

The original auditorium was built in 1932 to commemorate the fourth centenary of Oaxaca’s elevation to city status. Over the years, the Guelaguetza event has become the most important folkloric celebration in Oaxaca, blending indigenous customs with Catholic influences introduced after the Spanish conquest.

In addition to the festival performances, the auditorium also hosts the annual selection of the Goddess Centeotl, a symbolic figure who presides over the Guelaguetza festivities. Since 1968, regional delegations have presented candidates for this title, adding another layer of cultural significance to the event.