Oaxaca, Mexico architecture is praised internationally, as a fine example of a colonial city, surrounded by beauty, where modernization has not altered its historical monuments. Many of the historic buildings in Oaxaca are worthy of mention, but the loveliest and most visited are those in Oaxaca's historic center. Its colonial charm has led to recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The visit should begin at Oaxaca's Cathedral, where construction began in 1535, taking just nineteen years to complete. The Baroque style of the building changed over later centuries, with additions and new chapels, transforming it into the grand building it is today. It is also home to invaluable jewels of religious art. Next to the cathedral lies the Plaza de la Constitucion. Their Art Nouveau detail, from the Porfiriato era, creates a unique contrast with the simple Renaissance style of the Government Palace, which construction was completed in 1884. The churches are another great legacy of the colonial period. The church and former monastery of Santo Domingo de Guzman and the San Felipe Neri (St. Philip Neri) monastery are examples of Baroque Spanish style from sixteenth century and the nineteenth century. As for vice-regal architecture, the Basilica of Our Lady de la Soledad, erected in the seventeenth century in honor of the patron saint of the city, is a favorite among visitors thanks to its imposing façade and green stone walls. The cultural diversity of Oaxaca, Mexico is on show all year round, and the city is home to one of Mexico's most famous cultural festivals -- the Guelaguetza, held every July. This celebration's origins lie in the pre-Hispanic era. It began as a way to thank the deities for the harvest, but it has progressively become a celebration in honor of the Virgin of Carmen, whereby the different ethnic communities of Oaxaca show the world their most deeply rooted traditions. Another celebratory date in the Oaxaca region is the day of Las Velas (the Candles), when a very colorful celebration takes place in Juchitán, in honor of San Vicente Ferrer. During May, there is a parade and a traditional "throwing of fruits to the public." The Day of the Dead has a strong hold in Oaxaca, where the locals stream down to the cemeteries to offer food and drink to the souls of the dead. Towards the end of the year, there are two open-air festivals that take over the city streets -- Las Calendas and La Noche de los Rábanos (the Night of the Radishes). The former takes place before Christmas, with processions in which the "godfathers" of the baby Jesus figure, along with their relatives and neighbors, carry his effigy to the city's Cathedral, after passing by all the mangers set up along the way. The latter is a colonial tradition , and one of the most unusual Mexican festivals, whereby large radishes are carved. Held on December 23, this popular celebration foretells people's fortunes in the coming year: the more clay plates you break on the carved figures, the luckier your year will be. A wide range of ethnic groups live in Oaxaca. According to official Mexican institutions, there are over eighteen different indigenous communities in Oaxaca, and they are all represented in Oaxaca de Juarez. The Mazatecos, Mixtecs, Mixes, Chinantecos, Triquis, Chontales, Zapotecs, and Cuicatecos are those who are most prominently present in the region. Their Oaxaca local communities are organized to receive visitors as part of an ecotourism program. Visitors can join in the normal life of these settlements while they learn about the natural and cultural features of the groups. Santiago Apoala, Santa Catarina Ixtepeji, and San Felipe Tejalapam are a few of the communities near the capital offering this option for tourists. As well as getting to know the customs and cuisine of the communities in the surrounding areas, visitors can also observe their daily life and observe the natural treasures they protect with zealous care: waterfalls, rivers, springs, caves, woods, and viewpoints. This represents a different way of getting to know Mexico's natural and culture wealth. Oaxaca Turismo http://www.oaxaca.travel Visit Mexico http://www.visitmexico.com Live broadcast Unravel Travel TV http://www.unraveltraveltv.com Unravel Travel TV Twitter http://www.twitter.com/UnravelTravelTV Unravel Travel TV on You Tube http://www.youtube.com/UnravelTravelTV Unravel Travel TV http://www.unraveltravel.eu

Comments

1. Beautiful video. Wonderfull mexican state Oaxaca
2. Love your videos!