The culture and traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico, will be celebrated at Cal State San Marcos during the 2012 Guelaguetza Festival, 11:00am. to 5:00pm., Sun., September 30, 2012, on the campus’ Forum Plaza. This is the eleventh occasion that the Guelaguetza will be celebrated at CSU San Marcos. The annual Guelaguetza Festival is the region’s original and largest of its kind.

This family event is modeled after the yearly festival held in Oaxaca City each July, during which members of the region’s 23 indigenous groups come together to share their distinctive music, dance, dress, and food. A Zapotec word signifying offering or reciprocity, Guelaguetza traditionally was a ceremony and celebration held each year in Oaxaca to pacify the gods in return for sufficient rain and a bountiful harvest. This ceremony also symbolizes the coming together and unity of Oaxacan communities both in Oaxaca and abroad. The Oaxacan indigenous community in California is one of the newest and fastest growing.

The event, which attracts thousands of community members each year, is hosted by California State University San Marcos and is sponsored by the Coalition of Indigenous Communities from Oaxaca (COCIO) in collaboration with the Anthropology Department at CSUSM. COCIO is a community based organization in North County made up of Mixtec, Zapotec, Chinantec, Trique, Mixe, and other indigenous Oaxacan communities who work collectively to support projects that benefit the Oaxacan Community. The Anthropology Department at CSUSM specializes in collaborative research in partnership with local communities. The department has collaborated with the Oaxacan indigenous community for over 15 years in numerous research, cultural and social programs.

The celebration will include a cultural program featuring Oaxacan dance groups and musicians. Traditional foods, such as Tlayudas (corn tortillas), baked goods, Oaxacan candy, and arts and crafts will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the event and from the food and crafts sold go toward event expenses and community based projects that aim to improve the health and well being of Oaxacan communities.

The Guelaguetza at Cal State San Marcos is open to everyone, with an entry fee of $8 dollars. Children under 10, may attend for free. Parking is complimentary in Lot C. For more information online at www.cocio.org.