Oaxaca: Art, Food, Churches & Festivals
Artwork everywhere!
You don’t need to go into a museum to see art in Oaxaca. It is on the sides of buildings, in the parks, in the wares sold in shops and on the streets. Oaxaca is full of vibrant color depicted on the buildings and in the clothing worn in daily life and most spectacularly, clothing and costumes worn in in festivals and traditional rites.
My favorites are the murals you see gracing buildings. Sometimes you can tell from the mural what is being sold in the building, but most often I have no idea what they represent, other than that they are beautiful (sometimes scary), showcase the culture and add to the color and appeal of Oaxaca.
Street art
Art in the park
Oaxaca is full of beautiful parks with fountains and huge trees that provide shade for the many people that gather there during the day and evening. These parks are central to the way that Oaxacans live their daily lives and provide space for statues that reflect the heritage of the people who live here.
And the food!
Mole is king in Oaxaca. There are more kinds of mole than you can imagine. If you go into one of the large markets, you will find mounds of different moles that you can buy. I’ve never been a huge fan of mole, but I’ve tried some of the best here.
Churches & festivals
The man in colorful rags, known as a tiliche, is a traditional figure in Oaxacan festivals, particularly during Carnaval in Putla Villa de Guerrero. This costume originated from workers who, despite being poor, celebrated carnival by dressing in rags, which later evolved into elaborate costumes made of colorful strips of cloth.
Just for fun….
I have to say that in all of the places I’ve been over the past few years, this is the FIRST time that I’ve seen public phones in may years. There is actually a small store next to my apartment that advertises phones for public use.
It appears you can at least use a credit card, or phone card of some sort, to use them rather than carrying around pesos.
As a side note on phones, in general, I’ve noticed when I go to the parks, people are sitting around visiting, not scrolling on their mobile phones. It’s this way restaurants and cafes as well and applies to the young and the old (except for tourists). I find it very refreshing.
Even walking the sidewalks, there are few people on their phones. Of course, that could be detrimental to your health (step in a hole, get hit by a car) by not paying close attention to what’s happening around you.
Cars here seem to have the right-of-way. If you are not more than two-thirds through a cross walk, cars will likely not stop for you. . And, they will honk and yell at you in addition to trying to run you over! It’s a bit tricky.
