Oaxaca - the magic valley
Written: May 02 '09 (Updated May 04 '09)
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Pros: Rich culture, sunshine throughout the year, great shopping, music, numerous museums, unique cusine, cultural events.
Cons: The heat and teachers' protest in May.
The Bottom Line: Oaxaca is a great getaway from work stress. It's nearby and inexpensive.
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| vivatexas's Full Review: Oaxaca |
When I discovered Oaxaca in 1987, I immediately fell in love with this beautiful, historic valley. I retired here in 2002 and have never looked back but everyday I feel like a tourist discovering the city anew.
The political unrest a couple of years ago was unsettling but Oaxaca has since moved ahead with rebuilding and renovations which make her better than ever. Many new hotels and restaurants have opened and the government sponsors cultural events throughout the year. There are now direct flights from LA and Houston. The dollar is strong against the peso so a vacation to Oaxaca is more a bargain than ever.
Oaxaca state has no petroleum or other minerals but has a treasury of culture. Every July the city becomes Mardi Gras with Guelaguetza, an internationally recognized dance festival. Christmas starts in early December and runs through early January with colorful processions and concerts. Day of the Dead on October 31 and November 1 is my favorite. Two years ago we went to the city's major cemetery which was ablaze in candles and more flowers than a Rose Bowl parade. Bands were playing and we were invited to dance and share a drink of mezcal. Easter processions and services are filled with pageantry. Independence Day (September 16th) is spectacular with the cathedral or Government Palace (now a museum) outlined with fireworks which make it appear that it is blasting off. Fireworks in Mexico are not heavily regulated and villages throughout the valley and churches in town have super firework shows ending with 4 or 5 story towers exploding in showers of color.
Every week is special in Oaxaca. I tell friends that it is like living in Disneyland. I would advise against coming in May as it is very hot then and the teachers hold their annual protest in the zocalo, Oaxaca's principal plaza, which most guide books call the most beautiful in Mexico. The zocalo, by the way, has concerts in its bandstand almost every night and mariachis and marimbas fill the zocalo with music everyday.
Oaxaca city is a national treasure with colonial architecture and cobble stone streets but don't miss the villages and rich archaeological sites throughout the valley. Monte Alban's pyramids are on a hilltop overlooking the city. Its treasures are in the beautifully restored Regional Museum. The valley is filled with pyramids and temples. Don't miss Mitla, Yagul, and Dainzu to name a few. Oaxacans are artists and, in addition to paintings in galleries, every village has a speciality -- handwoven woolen rugs, wood carvings, unique black pottery, bedspreads and clothing, leather goods, you name it. The prices are inexpensive and you are helping the villagers.
I think you can understand why friends accuse me of working for the tourism department. I don't, but I do love Oaxaca so much. Come discover this wonderful place and I'm sure you'll come back. See my personal website http://www.oaxacaone.com for dozens of photos.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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Epinions.com ID:
vivatexas
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Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 0 members
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