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The 17th Celebration of the Guelaguetza Comes to Poughkeepsie

Por Mariel Fiori
July 2024
Now with the status of a city heritage event granted by the same city of
Poughkeepsie, and even with a resolution approved by the Senate of the state of
New York, La Guelaguetza of Poughkeepsie returns to Waryas Park, in front of
the Hudson River.

This event is free and welcomes all ages, not to be missed! It will happen on
Sunday, August 4, from 12 to 7 p.m.
Guelaguetza is a word from the indigenous Zapotec language that means "sharing" and is a way of living. The meaning of sharing of mutual gifts is the spirit of the festival where more than 100 artists, dancers, musicians, and singers present the culture and traditions of the eight regions of Oaxaca, Mexico. Thus, highlighting the typical dances, the music of the towns, the flavors, and the majestic colors of the costumes of Oaxaca.

All year round, in “Oaxakeepsie”, the Oaxacan community becomes increasingly present in Poughkeepsie with its traditions and culture, bringing the culture of Oaxaca to schools, parks or city hall. Since the end of May, Oaxaca is more present than ever in the state of New York. On Tuesday, May 28, Senator Rob Rolison introduced a Senate resolution officially recognizing the annual Poughkeepsie Guelaguetza Festival on the first Sunday in August, which was unanimously approved by the upper house of the legislature, cementing the binational bond that the city of Poughkeepsie has the diverse, vibrant and proud citizens of the Mexican state of Oaxaca.

The festival will be held on Sunday, August 4, 12 to 7pm at Waryas Park facing the Hudson River. This is a free event for the whole family, rain or shine. There will be dances and live music with: Grupo Folklórico de Poughkeepsie, Ballet Folklórico Guadalupano, Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Nueva York, Banda la Picosa Hernández, Grupo de Danza Natashuy, Grupo Folklórico NISA NABANI’, Grupo Media Noche, and Zaadxil Danza de los Zancudos. Starting at noon, there will be a pre-show with Grupo Media Noche  and the Chirmiteros musicians with drums and reed flutes who will announce the festival and welcome the Goddess Centéotl 2024, Jocelyn Rojas Antonio. After the presentation of the eight regions of Oaxaca of La Guelaguetza, there will be music and dance for the attendees traveling from Oaxaca, with La Picosa Hernández banda.

There will be free workshops for children with the Children's Museum, HIV testing stations, as well as the health, education, and documentation windows from the Mexican Consulate of New York. The Guelaguetza will be streamed live on Facebook from the Guelaguetza page by Grupo Crea, with the purpose of sharing the Guelaguetza with those who cannot attend or are going through a difficult time. There will also be food and crafts for sale from restaurants and shops from the region, a free children's activities tent, and information from local nonprofits.

Some tips to enjoy this event to the fullest are: come early, make sure to park in a safe spot and avoid being ticketed, bring water and sunscreen, wear light colored clothing, and be prepared to learn with all your senses. Please, leave non-service dogs at home.

The organizing committee for La Guelaguetza de Poughkeepsie 2024 consists of Gualberto Agustín, Grupo Folclórico de Poughkeepsie; Ixmucane Vuh, Hudson Valley Patriots for Immigration Reform; Mariel Fiori, La Voz, Elba Margarita Corbaton and Jessica Sherman, Poughkeepsie Public Library, Felipe Santos, Revolución Radio; and Wilfredo Morel, Sun River Health, with fiscal sponsorship by the Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center.

For more information, to volunteer or sponsor: [email protected], facebook.com/pokguelaguetza

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COPYRIGHT 2024
La Voz, Cultura y noticias hispanas del Valle de Hudson

 

Comments

Comentario: Apologies: dogs should stay home for everyone's safety, including the dogs. This event brings over 8000 people.
Posted: 7/29/2024
Comentario: hi, can you bring dogs? mine is very small
Posted: 7/26/2024
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Posted: 7/25/2024