A place recently scarred by riots, protests and anger due to the political unrest caused by the teachers strikes, Oaxaca holds it's head high and continues to offer a rich variety of culture, history and unimaginable beauty. Home to some of the deepest caverns in the world, hidden jungles, undiscovered beaches and luminous valleys Oaxaca, located in the South East of Mexico, is the historic home of the Zapotec and Mixtec peoples, and contains more speakers of indigenous languages than any other Mexican state. Also shaping Oaxacan culture are Spain and colonialists from Europe. Together, this interesting blend of cultures and inhabitants creates a modern day Oaxaca that is bursting with history, fascinating people and traditions.
The archaeological ruins at Monte Alban and Mitla (together with the smaller sites in the Central Valley) are reason enough to visit Oaxaca. The sights are breathtakingly, spectacular. The ruins have been designated by the United Nations as one of the most significant cultural zones on the planet. People venture to the ruins to gaze in wonder, climb and explore. For many, it can be a powerful experience.
Feeling the influence of Western influence, due to the close proximity of the USA, many Oaxacans are keen to preserve their culture and have thus developed museums over the years. With constant archaeological research they have become real traditional, community museums, with staff genuinely keen to preserve their culture and display to the world the splendors of Oaxaca. Here, one can only marvel at the meticulous patience that goes into the hand-made production of typical, intricately embroidered Mexican garments that are sold on for pittance and the careful, painstakingly whittled ornaments, carved to perfection. One can also only be gob smacked by the laborious work of a young potter who travels high up a mountain to collect special materials required for the hand-made mixture - it's no wonder that Oaxaca is revered for having some of the finest hand crafts in the world!
Despite boasting an affluent culture and colourful existence, sadly Oaxaca has been weakened by recent political strife and animosity reducing its number of usual annual visitors and making its economy frail. Although the situation has calmed greatly over the past year, the city is marred by the presence of federal police and graffiti scrawled angrily across walls. The residents of Oaxaca however, have become accustomed to this and continue with everyday life as normal. Like the citizens, one should not be put of visiting for it is generally safe and the experience far surpasses the present reminders of recent turmoil. With so much to offer, one will not be disappointed.
