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Celebrate Oaxaca Week in Poughkeepsie

Date Published: June 30, 2023

Come and be a part of a week-long celebration of Mexican culture and traditions during Oaxaca Week in Poughkeepsie! Oaxaca is a state in southern Mexico whose customs and cuisine date back hundreds of years to its indigenous inhabitants.  

Oaxaca Week aims to celebrate and educate through exhibits and workshops. Throughout the week of July 29–Aug. 6, there will be programs in various locations in Poughkeepsie featuring Mexican artwork, crafts, food and so much more. The events all build up to the climactic La Guelaguetza festival at Waryas Park on Aug. 6! 

Here's what to expect during Poughkeepsie's fun and vibrant Oaxaca Week festivities:

Photo by Eric Mindling
Photo by Eric Mindling

The Oaxacan Photography of Eric Mindling

July 6 – August 10 at various locations

Photographer Eric Mindling has dedicated his life to "Celebrating the Art of Rooted Humanity" through long-term photography projects. He lived in Oaxaca for 25 years and became immersed in the region's ancient culture and traditions. His wonderful pictures document the day-to-day lives of the strong, dynamic Oaxacan women, their faces marked by years of hard work in a rugged, mountainous territory along the southern coast of Mexico. These pictures will be on display at Convey/er/or Art Gallery in Poughkeepsie (July 6–Aug. 10, Monday–Friday, 12–4 p.m.) and at Greig Farm in Red Hook (July 25–30, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.). There will be an opening reception at Convey/er/or Art Gallery on July 8 from 3–5 p.m. and free, bilingual artist talks at Greig Farm (July 30, 2–4 p.m.) and Convey/er/or Art Gallery (July 31, 2–4 p.m.). His book, "Oaxaca Stories in Cloth," will be available for purchase.


Related: "One County. For All Stories." Highlighting diversity, accessibility and inclusivity in Dutchess County. Click here.


A Taste of Oaxaca/Una Probadita de Oaxaca

Saturday, July 29, 1–3:30 p.m. at the Mid-Hudson Library System Auditorium, Poughkeepsie

Enjoy an afternoon full of Oaxacan history, art, music, dance and language, along with savory foods from authentic Oaxacan restaurants, including La Cabañita de Oaxaca in Poughkeepsie; La Catrina in Hyde Park; La Charla in New Paltz; and Zaachila's Bakery in Poughkeepsie. Eric Mindling will present a photography workshop from 1–3 p.m. The festivities will culminate with a presentation of the Goddess Centeotl, the goddess of maize. Click here to complete the required registration for this bilingual event.


La Guelaguetza Poughkeepsie
La Guelaguetza, Waryas Park, Poughkeepsie

La Guelaguetza 

Sunday, Aug. 6, 1–7 p.m. at Waryas Park, Poughkeepsie 
La Guelaguetza festival brings everyone together on the banks of the Hudson River for a celebration which includes traditional Oaxacan dances and costumes, live music, artwork and crafts, kids' activities and, of course, a lot of authentic Oaxacan food!  

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