Today is Día de los Niños (Children’s Day) and it’s a big deal here. Oaxaca began her celebrations days ago. The 6th Festival of Children’s Story Telling opened on Saturday, yesterday an exibition of traditional toys (Colección Hanni Sager Juguete tradicional) had its inauguration at the Museo del Palacio, and Friday, the Guelaguetza Infantil calenda filled the streets from Santo Domingo to the Basilica de la Soledad.
As several bands played, the children from Oaxaca’s preschools wearing the traditional costumes from the 8 regions of the state of Oaxaca waited, posed, walked, danced, and threw candy to the appreciative crowds gathered on the sidewalks along the ten-block long route. (Note, some of the little girls already practicing holding canastas (baskets) on their heads!)
Parents and teachers, many also wearing traje from the Cañada, Costa, Istmo, Mixteca, Papaloapan, Sierra Norte, Sierra Sur, and the Valles Centrales regions, proudly walked alongside the children. Vive Oaxaca concluded their article,
With such events from the early years of life are taught to love our Oaxacan culture, traditions, music and preserve the best legacy we have: our roots. Congratulations to the teachers and parent to correctly perform with great momentum this holiday culture. [Google translation]
Mexican Peso Converter
View From Casita Colibrí 
Wow, what marvelous pictures Shannon! Love them and love the idea of this tradition. Honoring children in this way – unheard of in the U.S.
I know… children here seem to be recognized as having roles to play, that is independent of being someone’s daughter or son.
Beautiful photos, Shannon! I echo the above poster’s thoughts (Sandi). This post evoked a lot of feelings about taking care of and honoring children. Thanks.
I love that children are present and part of life here.
Fabulous photos!
¡Muchisimas gracias!
What a great post! I’m sorry I missed this event. In thinking back about all the fiestas and celebrations of the last several months, the thing that really stands out is the public participation. These special days are events for the enjoyment of all, and enjoy them they do!
I shouldn’t make comparisons (I’m going to anyway), but here it’s “buy a present and call it good.”
Thanks, you would have loved it! And, I know what you mean about, “buy a present an call it good.” As the middle class grows, I hope they don’t look north for role models.