Oaxaca

As promised, a post about Oaxaca, for me a much lovelier and less overwhelming city to explore than Mexico City. It has much to keep you busy in the centre with interesting architecture, a great cultural museum, churches and Cathedrals and markets to shop and grab something to eat alongside the locals. Day trips to the UNESCO site of Monte Albán; an important and extensive pre-Colombian archeological site and Hierve el Agua; stunning petrified waterfalls and mineral pools means you can easily spend a week here. In 1932 an amazing discovery was uncovered at Monte Alban, now known as the tomb 7 treasure. It was the first time pearls and turquoise mosaic tiles were found and these make for an amazing display in the museum.

Whilst I was there, the decorations for ‘Day of the Dead’ really were in full swing. There was colour around each corner, as well as traditional dancing, elaborate floral displays, parades and fireworks in the evening with music and more dancing! 

I also encountered two wedding parades known as ‘calendas,’ where giant paper mâché puppets of the bride and groom are carried with the wedding party following behind the dancers, musicians and marmotas (huge spherical lanterns) through the streets, drinking the traditional drink Mezcal. It really is quite the spectacle to see!

From Oaxaca I joined a trip to hike in the Pueblos Mancomunados in the Sierra Norte mountains. More on that in the next post.

Enjoy the photos from a magical Oaxaca.