Friday was a delightful day… a late morning and early afternoon spent in leisurely conversation with one of my closest friends over desayuno at Cocina Economica Isabel, a stop at the Merced mercado to pick up some pan dulce, and a stroll through the Zócalo, before returning home. I envisioned a late afternoon and evening of visiting with my neighbor before she is heads north for a USA visit, catching up on email, and watching a movie. Perfection, I thought! Who could ask for more?
“More” came via my email inbox; notice of the 10th Guelaguetza Infantil, with a calenda (parade) from Santo Domingo de Guzmán to the Zócalo beginning at 6 PM. This definitely called for a change of plans! And, sure enough, as I got closer to Santo Domingo, there they were; delegations of children representing the regions of Oaxaca.
Istmo de Tehuantepec couple (a young Frida Kahlo, perhaps?) posing for photos.
There were several bands playing and it got a little too loud for this girl from the Istmo.
However this girl, representing the Papaloapan, didn’t seem to mind and was ready to toss candy to the crowd. She wasn’t alone — once the calenda started, candy began flying fast and furious and the pockets of the kids watching on the sidelines began bulging!
Girls from the Costa region received last-minute instructions.
Costa boys were charged with holding up their school banner.
The girls representing the Papaloapan clutched plastic pineapples, ready for the always popular Flor de Piña dance from Tuxtepec.
A little cross cultural comparing of notes (actually, cell phone games) was happening between the Istmo and Papaloapan.
All the while, the dancers from the Mixteca danced their way down the Álcala.
And, the young Danza de la Pluma danzantes, representing the Valles Centrales, carefully balanced their penachos (headdresses).
Tonight at 5 pm, these 300 kids from 52 preschools, will perform traditional regional dances in the auditorium of the Universidad Regional del Sureste, Rosario campus in San Sebastián Tutla.
Mexican Peso Converter
View From Casita Colibrí 
Ohhhh Thank YOU Shannon for being there and capturing the young dancers. This is what I love about Oaxaca and especially the plaza in front of Santo Domingo – there is always something going on! This beats watching a movie anytime.
Very true! And, big doings coming up on Wednesday — it’s the city’s 480th birthday.
Beautiful pictures. So lucky to be soaking all this wonderful culture up Shannon! I am super envious. Today we are going to a memorial meeting for Kathy Shields in Chicago. Did you know her?
Muchas gracias. I remember the name, but can’t place Kathy Shields. Gosh, there were so many people that came in and out of our lives back then. Say “hola” for me to anyone from the Bay Area contingent.
These pictures are wonderful. I wish I had been there. From whom did the email come informing you of this event? I need to be on that mailing list. Thank you.
Joan
Thanks! The email was from ViveOaxaca.org. I also shot some video, which I’m working on and may eventually post.