From Tamales to Fireworks: Celebrating the 492nd Anniversary of the founding of Oaxaca City

Thursday April 25th, 2024, marks the 492nd anniversary of Oaxaca City. The city (twice-named “Best City in the World” by Travel & Leisure magazine) is our homebase during ATAXITO’s 9-day Oaxaca Makes Me Happy small-group tours featuring the must-see highlights of the Oaxacan region.

From its pre-Hispanic origins to its vibrant present, Oaxaca de Juárez has been witness to and protagonist of countless events that have shaped its unique identity. Founded on April 25, 1537, by the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés, upon the ruins of the Zapotec city of Huaxyácac, now known as Monte Albán, the city has been a melting pot of cultures, where indigenous traditions intertwine with colonial heritage.

Its cobbled streets and colorful plazas remind us of the architectural richness it harbors, from majestic baroque churches to neoclassical civil buildings. But beyond its physical beauty, Oaxaca de Juárez is a center of creativity and tradition, where music, art, and gastronomy blend to create a unique experience for all who visit.

The city’s Department of Culture has elected to dedicate this 492nd anniversary to the musical work of the Oaxacan native Ignacio Fernández Esperón, better known as Tata Nacho.

• Celebrations begin at 6:40 in the morning with the sound of chirimía, a wind-wood music instrument used in popular, secular, and religious festivities. It was brought from Spain in the 16th century.

• At 7:00am , at the same location, "Las Mañanitas" will be sung to the city of Oaxaca by the State Music Band, the City Choir, and folk groups.

• The morning’s events will conclude with an aerial show by the armed forces and the distribution of tamales, a typical Oaxacan dish made from corn.

More free cultural events continue all day throughout Centro. Including:

• At 10:45am at Macedonio Alcalá Theater, located at Independence Street and José María Armenta y López, a solemn session of the municipal council will be held, along with the presentation of the book "La Virgen de la Soledad de Oaxaca” (1682-1819).

• From 12:30-5:00pm, a historical photographic exhibition and two conferences, including a master lecture, will be presented at the municipal government building on Morelos Street, next to the Church of La Soledad and the Plaza de la Danza.

• At 7:00pm, the official celebration will move to the Baseball Stadium for a commemorative match between the local team, Guerreros de Oaxaca, and the visiting Olmecas de Tabasco.

Post-game the anniversary festivities will move to the following events:

• Post-game: An ensemble performance of music, folk dances, and ballet, followed by a concert by the popular group Máster Show, at Alameda de León.

• And at 11:00pm, a burning of castillos and fireworks show to mark the first day of the commemorative celebration of the 492 years since Oaxaca de Juárez was named a city.

Feliz 492 años, querida Oaxaca! We are lucky to enjoy the richness of your culture, community, ancestral traditions, gastronomy, and history!