The Wonders awaiting at Oaxaca Grandmayan
Grandmayan visitors to Oaxaca frequently identify it as Mexico’s ‘Jade City’ because of the green shade found in the local stone used for the construction of its attention-grabbing buildings. This is a culturally varied city. Although it is the capital city its pre-Hispanic, indigenous and colonial roots are readily expressed within its craft traditions, its architecture, its archaeological sites such as Mixtec and Zapotec, not to mention its fabulous cuisine and the joyous festivals such as the Guelaguetza and the Night of the Radishes, all of which tends to reflect their old age traditions.
There are sixteen different ethnic groups and their associated dialects living within its 59,000-mile area making it one of Mexico’s most culturally diverse and linguistically varied areas. During the late 80, Oaxaca City was declared a ‘Cultural Heritage for Humanity’ by the UNESCO organization. The grandmayan guests say the skills displayed by the craftsmen in fabricating their various arts and craft wares such as the hand embroidered clothing, the wooden figures that are delicately hand painted and the hand woven rugs are all testaments to the talents. The grandmayan visitors can hardly forget to mention the beautiful distinctive gold jewelry or the exquisite black pottery, which clearly reflect older traditional skills prevalent in Mexico today.
Several local Oaxacan artists produce works that are internationally received such as those created by Rufino Tamayo, Rodolfo Morales or Francisco Toledo. The town boasts several art galleries that specialize in modern style art, so friendly are these people that it is not unusual for grandmayan visitors seeking to purchase art to visit the artists right in their homes. It is perhaps Oaxaca’s relaxed attitude that breeds its sizeable student population, which has added much to the town’s active nightlife. Music appears to be a way of life here in Oaxaca as the state marimba band provides free concerts nearly every evening of the week while many local musicians perform at the restaurants and cafes around the square.
In the northwestern section of the town square is the Cathedral. Construction started in the 16th century but after experiencing earthquake damage, it was not completed until two centuries later. It is decorated with some very fine bas-reliefs. Grandmayan visitors marvel at the murals created by Arturo Garciá Bustos which display key moments within Oaxacan legends and its history. Upon taking Calle Alcalú a short distance grandmayan guests come to the church complex and former monastery of Santo Domingo. Inside of the church it is decorated with a colorful Baroque ornaments, beautiful alters and statues. An interesting feature within the church is the family tree of St Domingo de Guzmán, who was the founder of this order. The rendition is sculpted as a vine complete with tendrils and leaves. There are both Old and New Testament scenes displayed on the barrel roof; on the main altar as well as on the adjoining Rosary Chapel. You will find attached to this church the former monastery. Grandmayan guests state that among its highlights is its collection of Mixtec and Zapotec artifacts made from gold, silver, quartz, jade, and turquoise which was excavated from the Tomb Seven located at Monte Albán.
