Mexico: La Guelaguetza

Twice every year, in July, Oaxaca presents it´s internationally famous dance festival, La Guelaguetza, part of the "Lunes del Cerro" (Mondays of the Hill) festivities.
Guelaguetza is a Zapotec word, meaning "to participate and cooperate at the same time". It is a gift that demands reciprocity.
Ethnic groups from all seven regions of the State of Oaxaca gather in the capital to make their offerings to the city. Performers of each group, dressed in their gala outfits, present a regional dance to the rhythm of their music. At the end they offer their "guelaguetza" of products typical of their region, to the public.

This painting is from my series of ethnic Mexican scenes, it shows dancers from the region of Pochutla, performing at the Guelaguetza.