The Guelaguetza of Poughkeepsie 2025

This year, over 200 participants, including dancers, musicians, and singers, will bring the festival to life, which is expected to welcome more than 8,000 people, according to Felipe Santos, director of the Grupo Folklórico de Poughkeepsie (GFP). The 17th edition in 2025 will feature familiar groups such as the Grupo Folklórico de Poughkeepsie and the Ballet Folklórico Guadalupano, along with new additions like the band Maquis Music, composed of young musicians traveling from Los Angeles, California.

“Guelaguetza is a form of resistance. Celebrating our roots is also a way of affirming who we are and what we contribute,” said Santos. For him, the Guelaguetza not only represents cultural heritage for Oaxacans but is also a direct contribution to the cultural enrichment of the entire Hudson Valley.

Guelaguetza originates in the traditions of the Indigenous peoples of the state of Oaxaca, dedicated to the Goddess of Young Corn, Centeotl, goddess of abundance. Guelaguetza is a word from the Zapotec language that means “to share” and it represents a way of life. The spirit of mutual gift-giving is at the heart of this festival, which showcases the culture and traditions of the eight regions of Oaxaca, Mexico, highlighting traditional dances, village music, flavors, and the majestic colors of Oaxacan attire.

Since thousands of attendees are expected, guests are encouraged to arrive early to find parking near the park, wear hats and light clothing, and bring water to stay hydrated. Attendees are also encouraged to bring folding chairs or blankets, as there won’t be enough seating for everyone, and to support local businesses through the food and beverage vendors.

Although August weather is unpredictable, the event will take place rain or shine. Parking is limited, so it is recommended to use public lots in downtown Poughkeepsie or to arrive on foot or by taxi.

The Guelaguetza is, above all, a family event. “We want it to be a space for dancing, joy, and celebration. Alcohol is not permitted,” emphasized Santos. The call is to respect the peaceful and cultural spirit of the festival. “Everything has its place, and the Guelaguetza is for happiness, not for getting drunk.”

For Ernestina Martínez, secretary of the Grupo Folklórico de Poughkeepsie and a Guelaguetza dancer, the main goal of the event, for both herself and GFP, is culture: “The most important thing is preserving the culture for the children. That they know where they come from and that they can share the culture of the eight regions of Oaxaca.” Martínez has attended the Guelaguetza of Poughkeepsie for over 10 years and, once her children were older, she finally had the opportunity and time to join the Grupo Folklórico as a secretary and dancer, because she felt it was important to contribute to the event.

As in previous years, the festival will include the sale of traditional Oaxacan food, crafts, live music, children’s activities, and much more. “As for me,” Martínez says excitedly, “I was assigned one of my favorite dances, which is Pinotepa.”

The organizing committee of the Guelaguetza, consisting of the Grupo Folklórico de Poughkeepsie, La Voz magazine, the Poughkeepsie Public Library, Sun River Health, and Revolución Radio, invites the entire community to join them on Sunday, August 3, from 12:00 to 7:00 PM at Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie, NY.

For sponsorships and more information, write to [email protected] or visit their Facebook page @pokguelaguetza.