[dropcap size=big]F[/dropcap]riday is the semi-official kick-off Oaxacan Heritage Month in Los Angeles, a period that coincides with the traditional Guelaguetza festival in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, and the corresponding Guelaguetza in L.A. The month of community-minded events — from grassroots to official — are a reminder of the depth and complexity of the Oaxaqueño community in Southern California.
Festivities begin with a proclamation of Oaxacan Heritage Month in South Central on July 20. Following that, the weekend takes off with the Indigenous Literature Conference at the Central Library. Invited writers include Irma Pineda, Francisco Lopez Barcena, Celerina Sanchez, and many others.
On Monday, the Fiesta de los Lunes del Cerro — when the Guelaguetza actually happens in Oaxaca — will be live-streamed at the Guelaguetza restaurant (July 23, 30) in Koreatown. So you can watch the spectacular pageantry of the various ethnic and cultural groups of Oaxaca in their full regalia while having your amarillo.
In L.A., the big local Guelaguetza festival takes place Aug. 4-5, at Lincoln Park in Lincoln Heights. (We were there last year, and I can tell you, if you like Oaxacan cuisine, you don't want to miss it!) Later, on Aug. 11, the Copa Oaxaca basketball tourney takes place at ELAC. The final is Aug. 12.
The Señorita Oaxaca pageant is Aug. 19, at La Brea Nightclub. And finally, the "Visualizing Language: Oaxaca in L.A." mural exhibit at the Central Library closes its extended run with an event on Aug. 26.
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