The itinerant Oaxaca cultural fair showcased in Poncitlán last month arrived for a week’s stay in Chapala late last week with no prior notice.
Vendor stalls offering a variety of goods from the distant state been installed on the Chapala plaza since last Friday, to remain through Monday, August 7. Shoppers will find an assortment of clothing and textiles, gold filigree jewelry, handicrafts and typical Oaxacan culinary specialties, including various types of mole paste, chocolate, dried grasshoppers and fiery mescal. Free workshops on crafting pinwheels, kites and puppets are run daily 5 p.m.
A presentation of the famed Guelaguetza festival featuring traditional music, dance, costumes and foods representing the state’s eight regions, will be held Sunday, August 6, from 6 p.m., at the forum located on the Malecón opposite the Jesús Pescador island.
Guelaguetza is the Zapotec term for “offering,” in reference to the ancestral custom of sharing bounty during religious rituals and family celebrations. At the end of the show, the performers customarily shower the audience with free goodies produced in their respective communities.
Admission is open to the public at no charge.