There is something unforgettable about Oaxaca. Maybe it is the smell of roasted cacao drifting from an open air market, or the sight of women in embroidered huipiles weaving stories into every thread. Maybe it is the first taste of mole that stops you in your tracks or the way the mountains seem to wrap around the city like a quiet protector. Oaxaca is not just a place to visit. It is a place to feel, to listen, to learn, and to connect.
Located in southern Mexico, this culturally rich state is home to some of the country’s most deeply rooted Indigenous traditions, flavors, art forms, and rituals. Every region within Oaxaca tells its own story, whether through handwoven textiles from Teotitlán del Valle, the rhythmic steps of a Guelaguetza dancer, or the earthy beauty of barro negro pottery shaped by skilled hands in San Bartolo Coyotepec. It is a land of contrast, modern yet timeless, vibrant yet grounded.
For me, this trip was more than just a chance to explore a new place. It was a reminder of everything I love about Mexican culture and how proud I am to share it through my work. What made it even more meaningful was experiencing it with my family. Seeing it all through their eyes made every meal, every moment, and every street corner even more beautiful. I hope this guide gives you a glimpse of that beauty too.
Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán: A Testament to Oaxaca's Rich History
This architectural wonder is impossible to miss and even harder to forget. The Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán is more than just a beautiful building. It is a living piece of Oaxaca’s colonial and spiritual history. Once the primary center of evangelization in the region, the church dazzles with its intricate baroque façade, gilded interiors, and the stunning Rosario Chapel, completely adorned in gold leaf.
Inside, you will find priceless works from the Viceroyalty era — paintings, sculptures, and religious relics that tell stories of resilience, artistry, and devotion. Walking through its hallowed halls feels like stepping back in time, with every detail whispering the layered legacy of Oaxaca’s past.
Guelaguetza: A Celebration of Gratitude and Community
Held every July during the Lunes del Cerro celebrations, Guelaguetza is Oaxaca’s most iconic festival. It is a powerful expression of Indigenous pride, unity, and generosity. Rooted in ancient Zapotec rituals of gratitude to the goddess Centéotl, this celebration brings together communities from across the state. Each group showcases their distinct traditions through music, dance, dress, and food.
This is not just a performance. It is a homecoming. Families reunite, artisans share their work, and dancers of all ages honor the customs passed down for generations. If you are in Oaxaca during Guelaguetza, you will witness a culture that does not just survive. It shines.
Oaxacan Gastronomy: A Culinary Tapestry of Tradition and Flavor
Oaxaca is often called the culinary capital of Mexico, and once you try a few dishes, you will understand why.
Its flavors are bold but rooted in simplicity. Ancient ingredients like corn, cacao, and native chiles meet Spanish influences introduced during colonization. From the legendary seven moles to tlayudas, tamales, and memelas, every dish tells a story of survival, adaptation, and artistry.
Oaxaca’s cuisine reflects its diverse landscape — from coastal seafood to hearty mountain stews. And it is not just about eating. It is about participating in tradition. Whether you are sipping tejate in a bustling market or learning to make mole from scratch in a village cooking class, you are tasting culture in its most delicious form.
What to Explore While You’re There
- Monte Albán: A powerful ancient Zapotec city with panoramic views and sacred energy. You can feel the weight of time in the stones beneath your feet
- Mercado 20 de Noviembre and Mercado Benito Juárez: Overflowing with handmade textiles, fragrant spices, and artisan goods. Come hungry and curious
- Textile Villages: Visit Teotitlán del Valle for weaving and San Antonino Castillo Velasco for hand embroidered dresses. These are not just crafts — they are lifeways
- Barro Negro Pottery: Explore the village of San Bartolo Coyotepec, where black clay pottery is shaped, polished, and fired using traditional methods.
5 Cultural Facts to Deepen Your Journey
- Oaxaca is home to 16 recognized Indigenous groups, each with unique languages, customs, and clothing styles
- The Guelaguetza festival stems from a pre-Hispanic tradition of reciprocal gifting and gratitude
- Barro negro, or black clay pottery, is unique to Oaxaca and known for its deep color and polished sheen achieved without glaze
- Oaxacan embroidery often carries symbolic meaning, representing elements of nature, protection, and identity
- Traditional cuisine, including mole, dates back to pre-Columbian times and was considered sacred, often prepared for rituals and celebrations
Bring Oaxaca Home: Explore the Palmita Top and Barro Negro Collection
Oaxaca does not have to stay a memory. You can bring a piece of it into your everyday life. Our Palmita Top, delicately hand embroidered in the state of Oaxaca, blends tradition with timeless, wearable beauty. Available in soft, dusty tones, each piece is crafted with care by skilled hands that carry on generations of artistry.
Pair it with our Barro Negro jewelry collection made from black clay and 18K gold plated details for a look that honors culture and tells a story. These pieces are not just beautiful. They are meaningful.
Each item in our Oaxaca Handmade Collection supports artisan families and helps preserve traditional techniques.
Ready to find something special?
Click Here to Shop the Oaxaca Handmade Collection
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