Senderos presents the 21st annual Vive Oaxaca Guelaguetza, a family friendly, Indigenous cultural festival. The Guelaguetza brings together food, music, dance, language, crafts, and community to celebrate the beautiful traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico. Local dancers from Senderos’ own Centeotl Danza y Baile will represent the eight regional traditions of Oaxaca, accompanied by Oaxacan musicians from Los Angeles. Oaxacan food and beverage specialties such as mole, tlayudas, and tejate will be sold along with crafts and souvenirs. Senderos is a partner in the new Ripple Effect Santa Cruz Arts Festival and Guelaguetza will take place on the closing day of the festival.

*Admission is $10; free for children 5 and under. No dogs, alcohol, smoking on school property. Bring blankets and lawn chairs and be transported to the sights and sounds of Oaxaca!

More information at: Vive Oaxaca Guelaguetza | Senderos

Isai Pazos, Senderos Executive Director said, “As we celebrate Guelaguetza in Santa Cruz, we affirm our commitment to passing these cultural traditions to new generations, ensuring that our heritage continues to thrive. Today more than ever this is critical. Together, through culture and solidarity, we continue to build a stronger, more connected community.” The word Guelaguetza is derived from the Oaxacan Indigenous Zapotec language and signifies giving, cooperation, and community. The Guelaguetza is the major fundraising event for Senderos, a nonprofit in Santa Cruz who has been providing free dance and music classes, education support and scholarships for Latino youth since 2001.

Guelaguetza in Santa Cruz was created by Senderos co-founders, Fe Silva and Nereida Robles- Vasquez; starting small in the Civic Auditorium, the festival moved outdoors to Harbor High School, San Lorenzo Park and attracted 2000 attendees last year at current location Branciforte Small Schools. Even during COVID, Senderos presented virtual full-length presentations with video of dancers and musicians in Santa Cruz and in Oaxaca.

This event is co-sponsored by: Santa Cruz City Schools, Arts Council Santa Cruz County, California Arts Council, Chicana Latina Foundation, Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, County of Santa Cruz, DCD Insurance and Financial Services, The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz, Kaiser Permanente, La Oaxaqueña, Latino Community Foundation, Mexican Consulate of San Jose, Maverick Mailing, Miller Maxfield, Inc., Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Ow Family Properties, Santa Cruz City Arts, Santa Cruz County Office of Education, West Coast Community Bank, and more.