We decided to spend a few weeks in Oaxaca City (pronounced wa-hah-kah), capital of the same-named state as it’s renowned for it’s food and art. It’s about 300 miles south of Mexico City and quite high up – about 5500 feet. The mountains surrounding it and bright blue skies, low humidity and warm days/cool nights reminded me of southern California. This is another city that is heavily populated with indigenous peoples (about 50%) and the mix of traditional clothing and foods is lovely.

IMG_5030 IMG_5040

The town is very colonial with the main zocalo (main square) and big cathedral. Buildings are form the 16th Century and sport many bright colors. Walking is easy around the city but can get busy in the zocalo areas. Everywhere you turn in Oaxaca is colorful from art museums to street art and music plays everywhere. We saw multiple wedding processions with huge puppets and bands playing. Dancers with baskets on their heads encourage everyone to join in.

IMG_5039 IMG_5035

There were free ballet folklorico shows going on in outside temporary settings as well as other free dance shows in the multiple theatres around the city. It really is rich in culture.

IMG_4981 IMG_4985

 

Dancing and music and churches!

IMG_5046 IMG_5015 IMG_5016

Colonial Buildings and Color and even Mayan breastfeeding art!

IMG_4966 IMG_5019 IMG_5023

 

IMG_5057 IMG_5056