|
Population: 3,500,000
Size: 35,964 square miles
Location: southern Mexico
Borders: Pacific Ocean and states of Guerrero,
Puebla, Veracruz and Chiapas
Important cities/sites within the state: Bahias de Huatulco, Coixtlahuaca,
Lagunas de Chacahua, Oaxaca (capital), Puerto Escondido, Tehuantepec,
Teposcolula, Yanhuitlan and the archaeological zones of Mitla and
Monte Alban
Major airports: Xoxocotlan Intl aka Oaxaca Intl.
(OAX), Puerto Escondido International Airport (PXM), Bahias de Huatulco
Airport (HUX)
Time zone: Central Standard Time
Website: www.oaxaca.gob.mx
Oaxaca (pronounced "Wah-HA-Ca") is located along the Pacific
coast in the southern part of Mexico. Its landscape is diverse –
ranging from the mountain ranges of Sierra Made Oriental and Sierra
Madre del Sur to the Nudo Mixteco and lush central valleys. As a
result of its diverse nature, Oaxaca’s climate is extremely
varied. The northern part of the state features tropical climates;
the ravine areas and Yautepec consist of dry, desert-like weather
and La Mixteca relies on cool temperatures.
Oaxaca was previously inhabited by the rivaling
Zapotec and Mixtec indigenous peoples, and their ancient cities
represent two of the most important archaeological sites in the
country. Monte Alban, which was the capital of the Zapotecs and
reached its peak in 800 A.D., is located just six southwest miles
from Oaxaca City. Two centuries later, the Mixtecs conquered the
Zapotecs and used Monte Alban as an elaborate cemetery. Today, only
10 percent of the site has been excavated. Mitla is the second most
important ceremonial center in the region, and is located 30 miles
east of Oaxaca City. Its structures show influence from both the
Mixtecs and the Zapotecs.
After the fall of the ancient civilizations, Spanish
Conquistador Hernan Cortez arrived in Oaxaca and used the strategic
location and geography to distribute produce from local farms along
the coast. Huatulco gradually became an extremely active port; however,
the vigorous trading activity attracted violent pirates during the
second half of the 16th century causing local residents to flee
in fear. Following years of struggle, the territory was divided
into the capitals of the valley and the isthmus, and in 1983 the
Mexican government began developing the site as a tourist complex.
Oaxaca City is the state’s capital and is
one of the largest cities in Mexico's southern region, sitting in
a valley surrounded by the rugged and breathtaking Sierra Madre
del Sur Mountains. While the city's economy relies on modern industry,
Oaxaca's colonial charm has remained intact and was named a UNESCO
World Heritage Site in 1987. Oaxaca features a variety of cultural
landmarks including the Museo Rufino Tamayo and the Museo de Arte
Contemperaneo, as well as the historic temple and convent of Santo
Domingo de Guzman, among others.
Huatulco is located on the Oaxacan coastline and
has average temperature of 82 degrees and clear skies all year round.
It is known for its nine bays of cerulean waters, beautiful sand
and unique and private landscapes spanning 21 miles. The surrounding
vegetation ranges from lush forests, sheltering herons, pelicans
and falcons, to mangrove swamps with skunks, raccoons and armadillos.
The city’s breathtaking vegetation, coupled with the unspoiled
beaches of Chachacual, Cacaluta, El Organo and Conejos, make it
one of the most beautiful destinations in Mexico.
Also located in the state of Oaxaca is Puerto Escondido,
a traditional Mexican fishing village known as the Emerald Coast
for its magnificent jade-green waters. The city attracts tourists
from all over the world for its remarkable surfing, natural scenic
beauty, extraordinary bays and pleasant tropical climate. It is
located 200 miles south of the city of Oaxaca and 65 miles west
of Huatulco Bay.
Among the many handicrafts found in Oaxaca, the
black clay pottery (“barro negro”) is one of the most
popular, representing a tradition that dates back to prehispanic
times and spans generations. The black clay used to make this pottery
can only be found in Oaxaca with most of the artisans concentrated
in the town of San Bartolo Coyotepec, about eight miles south of
city of Oaxaca. Another popular handicraft in Oaxaca is the colorful
“alebrije,” creatively hand-carved or paper mache figures,
usually depicting monsters and hand-painted.
The regional cuisine is also an important aspect
of Oaxacan life as the state is famous for its mole (a sauce made
containing over 20 different spices) and the native types of chiles.
In October, Oaxaca hosts their Food of the Gods Festival which,
among other things, celebrates chocolate which comes from the state.
Oaxaca is also home to several important regional
and national festivals including Guelaguetza in July which celebrates
with traditional song and dance and dates back to prehispanic times
when the cultures wished to please the gods in hopes of a bountiful
harvest. Although a national holiday, the Day of the Dead is not
celebrated more passionately than in Oaxaca. The famous skeletons
of Jose Guadalupe Posada can be seen throughout the city as people
celebrate their dead relatives. And December 23 welcomes the annual
Night of the Radish Festival in Oaxaca City, where radishes are
transformed into elaborate nativity scenes.
From World Heritage sites to stunning beaches and
lush scenery, Oaxaca is a culturally rich state that offers variety
and class. |
