Día de Carnaval (aka, Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, Carnival, day before the beginning of Lent) is coming in two days and, in order to promote the varying celebrations in the state of Oaxaca, the Secretaría de Fomento Turístico (Secretariat of the Promotion of Tourism) invited delegations from various villages in the state to showcase their unique traditions in a grand parade down the city’s walking street, Macedonio Alcalá. The costumes and body paint were outstanding, but it was the masks and faces that spoke to me.
My photos were from the gathering point at the Cruz de Piedra. The route proceeded down Macedonio Alcalá, turned right onto Morelos, and ended at the Plaza de la Danza. According to the poster promoting this wild, wacky, and surreal parade, participating delegations were from Chalcatongo de Hidalgo, Villa de Zaachila, San Blas Atempa, San Pedro Amuzgos, Santa Catarina Minas, Magdalena Teitipac, Santiago Juxtlahuaca, San Bartolo Coyotepec, San Juan Cacahuatepec, Santa Maria Zacatepec, San Pedro Totomachapam, San Andrés Huaxpaltepec, San Sebastián Tecomaxtlahuaca, Oaxaca de Juárez, and Santa María Coyotepec. I’m not sure if I saw them all, but I do know San Martín Tilcajete was also there — and that’s where I will be celebrating Día de Carnaval on Tuesday.
For more from Saturday’s parade, check out video footage shot by Chris over at Oaxaca-The Year After.
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View From Casita Colibrí 
Hope to see you at Tilcajete!
It was great fun!
We were so disappointed to have missed the parade. We heard the music but thought it was a wedding. Your photos are beautiful, and thanks for sharing them.
Thank you!
What a spectacular show of creativity and culture! Thank you so much!
I know. I never cease to be amazed!
Hello!
We saw the parade and it was fantastic!! I didn’t realize the actual celebration day of Carnaval is Tuesday. Is there an event in Tilcajete and if so, what time of day will that be happening? I’d love to see more!
Yes, San Martín Tilcajete celebrates Carnaval. Much of the village is involved. It starts early in the morning and goes into the night. So, getting there anytime works and if you don’t see any merriment, ask at one of the shops where the festivities are currently happening. It moves around. Here’s a link to an old blog post I did: https://casita-colibri.blog/2018/02/19/carnaval-among-the-wood-carvers/
Thank you!
You’re very welcome!