Gala-Guetza

This fall, join us for Mi Oaxaca’s Gala-Guetza, a gathering taking place at the close of Hispanic Heritage Month. While the broader month often uplifts Latine stories, our Gala-Guetza shines a light on the often-overlooked existence and contributions of Indigenous peoples of Oaxaca within and beyond the diaspora.

Our Gala-Guetza is inspired by the spirit of Guelaguetza—a Zapotec practice that embodies Indigenous lifeways and worldviews through the exchange of gifts, services, and care. For centuries, it has been a celebration of reciprocity, mutual support, and communal joy. Carrying that spirit forward, we invite you to gather, give, and celebrate with us as we honor tradition while welcoming new beginnings.

We’re thrilled to celebrate two big moments with you:

• Our new 501(c)(3) designation—marking an important chapter of growth that strengthens Mi Oaxaca’s ability to sustain programs and amplify Indigenous voices across borders.
• The first public sharing of our Community-Based Research Project, launched in fall 2023. Using a decolonial approach, we’ve listened to Oaxaqueñ@/x in Oaxaca and in the diaspora to gather stories about identity, belonging, migration, foodways, and the effects of the mezcal boom on Indigenous communities. Now, we get to share these findings with you through an exhibit-style format that immerses you in lived experience and collective memory.
  

• An exhibit-style environment featuring stories, interviews, and perspectives from our research
• Mezcales to sip on and Oaxacan bites
• A silent auction and mini-mercado—all supporting Mi Oaxaca’s growth and future projects
• A celebration that brings together Oaxaqueñ@/x, allies, and friends in solidarity and community
  

Come ready to learn, celebrate, and co-create Mi Oaxaca’s next chapter. Whether you attend, bid in the auction, bring friends, contribute to our campaign, or simply share our event with your networks—you’re helping sustain our purpose of making visible Indigenous and Native Oaxacan people’s cultural and culinary contributions.

Host or Publisher Mi Oaxaca