One of the most important events in Oaxaca is the annual Humánitas festival: The third annual Humánitas was held May 4-13, 2007. Each year, the festival celebrates the cultures of three regions: (a) a region in the state of Oaxaca (this year: the Isthmus of Tehuantepec), (b) another state in Mexico (this year: Michoacán), and (c) a foreign country (this year: Italy). The festival presents music, literature, dance, theatre, visual arts, food and handicrafts, from each of the featured cultures — with special focus on contemporary trends – and most of the festival’s events are free. The object of Humánitas is to show the world Oaxaca’s diversity and openness.

One of the main events of this year’s festival was the First Festival of Contemporary Oaxacan Gastronomy. Many of Oaxaca City’s best restaurants presented perfect blends of Isthmus, Michoacán and Italian gastronomy. The restaurants also exhibited the work of some of Oaxaca’s most important contemporary painters: Franciso Toledo, Didier López Carpio, Guillermo Olguín and Demián Flores.

Another festival highlight was the “Pinocchio Around The World” plastic arts exposition, featuring different representations of this famous Italian character. A little market called “Mercadito Humánitas” was installed downtown, where visitors were able to try the best food the three regions have to offer, and to admire the work of the Isthmus’ and Michoacán’s traditional artisans.

During the festival, Oaxaca streets were full of traditional celebrations, dancing and music. One of these was the popular “Calenda” procession, where people from several regions of the state dance together, play traditional music and even distribute treats to spectators. Other great events included book signings, poetry readings, and plays. To close the festival, acclaimed Italian singer Filippa Giordano performed to a full Guelaguetza Auditorium.

Festival Humánitas 2007 was an opportunity for Oaxaca to show off its diversity, on both the national and international stage. “Hermandad en la diversidad” (Fraternity through diversity) is the festival’s slogan, and this is the message that Oaxaca wants to deliver to the world.

Dances in the streets

Delicious gastronomical fair

Filippa Giordano’s concert

Food festival

Serving dinner at one of the festivities

Traditional dress show

Traditional singer

Women’s trick-riding show