KAYSVILLE—It’s not often that Davis County residents can take part in a Latin American Festival that predates Columbus, but this weekend, they can do just that! Thanks to the tireless efforts of the nonprofit, 100% volunteer organization, Oaxaca en Utah. While there are plenty of Latin American events in Utah this summer, this is one residents won’t want to miss.

Oaxaca, where this festival originates, is one of the 32 states of Mexico, and resides on the southern tip of the country, with a coastline on the Pacific Ocean. Its name derives from an Aztec dialect, Nahuatl, and is very fitting, as the state holds a huge indigenous population, many of which still speak native dialects which were in use centuries before the arrival of Europeans. 

Just like these dialects, traditions and culture are extremely important, which is why Oaxaca en Utah has brought this festival here. La Guelaguetza (pronounced gell-ah-gets-ah) is derived from a Zapotec phrase that means, “and offering, or gift,” and is an integral part of not only Oaxacan culture but Mexican culture as a whole. 

“It’s a tradition to give gifts,” said, Ofelia Bazan, one of the organizers and participants of the event, “for weddings, or meals, or anything. It can even be as small as a piece of bread,” and this festival certainly promises to be a gift to the people of Kaysville. 

“We want to show what Oaxaca does,” said Norma Carver, founder and executive director of Oaxaca en Utah. “We want to show what pride people have in being Oaxacan.” Attendees will definitely be able to see that, as they witness cultural presentations from the eight different regions of Oaxaca, including traditional dress, crafts, and dance.

That’s not all either: In the third public Guelaguetza, residents will see arts and crafts like the alebrijes, made famous in Disney/Pixar’s Coco (2017), Mojigangas – 15’ tall puppets traditional in Mexican parades and festivals, traditional dances like the traditional “flor de piña” (flower of the pineapple), and of course: traditional and delicious Oaxacan food.

Visitors to the festival will be able to try some delicious dishes like Mole, Oaxacan cheese, Higado – a type of traditional chicken soup, tamales and more. With such a tremendous undertaking, it’s all the more impressive that each person involved with the organization is a volunteer. So, why go to all this trouble?

“For the children,” said Maria Luz Hernandez, another participant and organizer. “It’s so important to teach the next generation about their roots, their culture, customs and heritage so that they don’t lose that tradition.” While this festival will certainly benefit children with Oaxacan culture, Davis residents will benefit from learning these things as well, bringing together people from all different backgrounds. 

The festival itself represents well the motto of Oaxaca, uttered by native Oaxacan and revered historical president, Benito Juarez, “Respect for the rights of others is peace.” With an anticipated attendance in the thousands, La Guelaguetza promises an opportunity for people from all walks of life to learn a bit more about their neighbors. 

La Guelaguetza festival will be held in Heritage Park in Kaysville, July 22 and runs all day, from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. with music, dancing, food, vendors, crafts and much, much more. More information about both the event, and the nonprofit organization Oaxaca en Utah can be found at https://oaxacaenutah.org.