Hundreds enjoy Mexican dance festival

Rasheed Oluwa. The Poughkeepsie Journal. Poughkeepsie, N.Y.: Jul 26, 2009.

Copyright 2009 - Poughkeepsie Journal NY - All Rights Reverved

Not even worries about the rain was enough to stop the organizers of the Guelaguetza Festival in the City of Poughkeepsie from moving forward Sunday.

Hundreds of people converged onto Waryas Park for the festival, which was

modeled after a festival of the same name in Oaxaca, Mexico. A parade of

folkloric dancers in elaborately designed costumes marched onto the park's

amphitheater and entertained the crowds with dances representing communities

in Oaxaca.

"We want to show the people here that we're happy to share our culture and

that we are good people," said Felipe Santos, one of the organizers of the

event.

Santos said Guelaguetza, which is also known as Lunes del Cerro, celebrates the formation Oaxaca state in Mexico. He said the event is

celebrated every year, usually on the first two Mondays after July 16.

People representing the seven regions of Oaxaca travel to Oaxaca City and

bring gifts typical cultures to exchange, according to Santos. The groups

also showcases music, dances, food and other aspects of their respective

cultures.

Sunday's event was hosted by the Cultural Folkloric Group, which meets at

St. Mary's Church in the city.