Oaxaca (pronounced
) is a city developed over three centuries of
colonisation. This influence is visible in the stunning
architecture of the buildings, a solid style adapted from European
methods to stand up to occasional earthquakes. The buildings are
distinctively green, made of a particular stone mined in local
quarries, and give Oaxaca its nickname, The Green Antequera.
In 1987, Oaxaca was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in
recognition of its treasure of historic buildings and monuments.
The city also offers a number of museums in town worth visiting,
including those dedicated to local history, art ranging from
ancient to contemporary times, railroads, stamps, and prominent
citizens like former President of Mexico Benito Juarez. Oaxaca is
also near the archaeological site of Monte Alban, site of one of
the earliest cities of Mesoamerica dating back to 500 BC.
Oaxaca is known as the culinary capital of Mexico, and its
gastronomic traditions go back to the Mayan civilisation. The
street food is excellent, and often better than what is available
in the more cosmopolitan fine dining establishments. Local
specialties include spicy
sauces,
(fried grasshoppers with chilli), and
(corn tortillas piled with meat and vegetable
fillings). However, the real specialty of Oaxaca is chocolate. The
heart of chocolate production in Mexico, some say Oaxaca was where
the treat was invented centuries ago by ancient Mesoamericans.
Visitors are spoiled for choice with restaurants, cafes and
factories all offering mouth-watering options, but the town's
specialty is its hot cocoa. Visitors also have the opportunity to
take a chocolate-making class and learn to make their own treats
through traditional methods.
Oaxaca is also known for its festivals, including the large Day
of the Dead celebration each October, which lasts for three days.
One of the most unique celebrations is the Night of the Radishes,
held just before Christmas each year and featuring the distinctive
red and white root carved into nativity scenes and other artistic
creations.
Deep in the south of Mexico, Oaxaca is in one of the country's
poorest areas and tourism development is not as sophisticated as
that of the more popular destinations. However, a holiday in Oaxaca
allows visitors to experience a more authentic side of Mexico that
most tourists do not see.
