OAXACA
Oaxaca is located in the southern Mexico. It is Mexico’s fifth largest state which used to be home to the Mixtec and Zapotec civilizations. The states of Puebla and Veracruz lie to the North of Oaxaca. The state of Chiapas lies to the East of Oaxaca. Guerrero is along its Western border and the Souhern border lies along the Pacific Ocean. There are also places where one can enjoy horseback riding, excellent golf courses and tennis courts.
The archaeological mountain of Monte Alban is a commonly visited place by many tourists. This is a religious center built by the Zapotecs on a deliberately leveled summit which contains a great view of the valley of Oaxaca. There are museums and galleries displaying traditional art at the summit of Monte Alban.
Along the coast of Oaxaca are eighteen miles of quiet beaches with clear water. Some activities enjoyed in Oaxacan beaches are fishing, sailing, snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving as well as cruising. One can cruise the jungle-like Puerto Escondido and the national park of Lagunas de Chacahua. Lagunas de Chacahua contains many lagoons and swamps shrouded in bamboo and mangrove.
The city of Oaxaca has numerous things to do with its many museums and cathedrals. There are many buildings made from a green volcanic stone that turns rather golden in the sunset. Oaxaca is home to the Basilica de Soledad which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Another daytime activity along the busy streets of Oaxaca is that of bargaining. Bargaining is expected among the crowded inter-city markets and is considered a God-given talent. There are different markets for what the consumer is looking for. An example of this is the Mercado de Abastos which is popular for its leather and woven products. The Mercado de Artesanias is the place to purchase textiles.
Oaxaca is a place of numerous fiestas. Each city celebrates its patron saint annually. Fiestas are considered a religious obligation. These fiestas are made elaborate no matter what the state of the economy is. Various historic organizations share the responsibilities of organizing the many fiestas that take place throughout the year. Many fiestas are thrown without people knowing about them before hand. There are often times parades and large feasts in the churchyard. Some fiestas occurring annually include the “Posadas” running from December 16 to December 24, the feast of the Virgin de Guadalupe occurring on December 12, and the feast of the Virgin de la Soledad which is an enormous fiesta occurring on December 18.