{"id":151083,"date":"2025-08-16T17:54:11","date_gmt":"2025-08-16T17:54:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/151083\/"},"modified":"2025-08-16T17:54:11","modified_gmt":"2025-08-16T17:54:11","slug":"opbs-first-look-oaxacan-culture-celebrated-in-la-guelaguetza-festival","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/151083\/","title":{"rendered":"OPB\u2019s First Look: Oaxacan culture celebrated in La Guelaguetza festival"},"content":{"rendered":"

Subscribe to OPB\u2019s First Look<\/a> to receive Northwest news in your inbox six days a week.<\/p>\n

Good morning, Northwest.<\/p>\n

When I moved to Portland from Canada two years ago, I was blown away by how vibrant Latino culture is here.<\/p>\n

But here\u2019s the thing: Saying \u201cLatino culture\u201d is a bit like saying \u201cAsian culture,\u201d which I grew up in.<\/p>\n

Latino culture is not one big dish, but more like a colorful buffet of traditions and stories from all across Latin America.<\/p>\n

Today, I\u2019m delighted to share OPB digital producer Sukhjot Sal\u2019s story on La Guelaguetza, Hillsboro\u2019s annual festival celebrating the music, dance and food of Indigenous Oaxaque\u00f1os, whose roots trace back to Oaxaca, Mexico. <\/p>\n

One of the festival organizers put it beautifully: It\u2019s important to be intentional when describing people, especially Oaxaque\u00f1os, who often face racial discrimination within Mexico because of their Indigenous identity.<\/p>\n

And if you\u2019re more into ollies, don\u2019t miss the Rockstar Energy Open at Portland\u2019s Tom McCall Waterfront Park this weekend. <\/p>\n

Keep an eye out for 14-year-old Nels \u201cGnarls\u201d Rosen from Seattle, who returns to Portland for the second year \u2014 OPB\u2019s \u201cWeekend Edition\u201d host Lillian Karabaic has the scoop.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s your First Look at Saturday\u2019s news.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Winston Szeto<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Performers<\/p>\n

Performers with Alma Oaxaque\u00f1a toss fruit to La Guelaguetza attendees in Shute Park in Hillsboro, Ore., on Aug. 9, 2025.<\/p>\n

Morgan Barnaby \/ OPB<\/p>\n

La Guelaguetza brings more than a thousand Indigenous Oaxaque\u00f1os to Hillsboro<\/p>\n

Adorned with thick, detailed suit jackets, horned wooden masks and fur-fringed pants, the first group of dancers \u2014 representing la danza de los diablos, or the dance of the devils \u2014 stepped and stomped around Shute Park, waving whips above their heads.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s one of the most popular and anticipated dances from this gathering, attracting Indigenous Oaxaque\u00f1os across state lines to this park in Washington County.<\/p>\n

La Guelaguetza is an annual cultural celebration in Hillsboro that features traditional dances, food and crafts specific to about eight distinct Indigenous cultures from Oaxaca, Mexico. It\u2019s modeled after the La Guelaguetza festival, which has taken place in Oaxaca since pre-Hispanic times, before the 16th century.<\/p>\n

The parade was just one of the performances that happened throughout the day in the park, which included danza de los diablos (dance of the devils), danza de la pluma (dance of the feather), flor de pi\u00f1as (flower of pineapple) and more.<\/p>\n

At the end of different performances, dancers and volunteers distributed donated fruits to community members. It was a tangible reminder of what La Guelaguetza stands for \u2014 sharing resources and supporting each other. (Sukhjot Sal)<\/b><\/p>\n

Learn more<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Opera<\/p>\n

Opera a la Cart performers sing together in Pioneer Square in downtown Portland on Aug 13, 2025.<\/p>\n

Morgan Barnaby \/ OPB<\/p>\n

4 things to know this morning<\/p>\n