Mexico City Congress Hosts “Expo Oaxaca y Calenda” to Promote Culture Amidst World Cup 2026
Mexico City, July 14, 2026 – In an effort to promote Mexico’s vibrant cultural heritage among national and international tourists visiting Mexico City for the World Cup 2026, the Mexico City Congress is currently hosting the “Expo Oaxaca y Calenda.” This week-long event, which commenced yesterday, July 13, and will run until Sunday, July 19, aims to showcase the rich traditions of Oaxaca through various activities, including a festive parade through the streets of the Historic Center.
The exhibition and sale, open to the public from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, is being held at the Zócalo building, located at Plaza de la Constitución 7, Centro neighborhood, in the Cuauhtémoc Borough. Admission to the expo is free of charge, inviting everyone to experience a slice of Oaxacan culture.
Festive Parade and Cultural Offerings
A highlight of the event is the traditional Oaxacan procession known as Calenda, scheduled to begin after noon from the corner of Gante and Madero streets. This lively parade will feature artists and dancers adorned in typical Oaxacan costumes, distributing traditional bread, tlayudas, sweets, fruits, and wicker baskets to visitors in the capital’s main square.
The Oaxacan exhibition offers a diverse array of crafts and products. Visitors can admire intricate huipiles and other textiles, illustrations, paintings, miniature art, black pottery, and various handcrafted items, as well as traditional jewelry. The expo also provides a unique opportunity to savor a wide range of Oaxacan culinary delights. This includes popular dishes such as tlayudas, chapulines (grasshoppers), tamales, mole, cheeses, and salsas. For those with a sweet tooth, there will be dark, sweet, and semi-sweet chocolate, alongside traditional beverages like tejate, mezcal, curados (flavored mezcal), and liquor creams.
Artistic Performances and Literary Readings
Beyond the visual and gastronomic experiences, the “Expo Oaxaca y Calenda” features a robust program of artistic performances. From Wednesday, July 15, to Sunday, July 19, the group “Nosotros Estudio de Actores” will perform traditional songs and dances from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, as well as sones from Santa Catarina Juquila, the Coast, and the Mixteca regions, among others. These performances will take place in the “Benito Juárez” Auditorium within the Zócalo building, with free admission for all attendees.
The artistic activities also include literary readings. The Oaxacan reciter Angela García is scheduled to perform various poetic texts on Thursday, July 16, and Sunday, July 19. Additionally, Isthmian singer Adrián Carrasco will grace the stage on Friday, July 17. These cultural presentations aim to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience into the heart of Oaxacan artistry.
Context of World Cup 2026
The timing of this cultural event is particularly significant as Mexico City prepares to welcome a large influx of national and international tourists for the World Cup 2026. By hosting the “Expo Oaxaca y Calenda,” the Mexico City Congress seeks to leverage this global event to showcase the country’s rich cultural tapestry, offering visitors a memorable and authentic Mexican experience beyond the sporting arenas.
The initiative underscores the commitment of the Mexico City Congress to not only legislative duties but also to promoting cultural exchange and tourism, enriching the experience for both residents and visitors during this momentous period.
Source: https://www.congresocdmx.gob.mx/comsoc-realiza-congreso-cdmx-expo-oaxaca-y-calenda-7671-1.html
