Oaxaca Week in Poughkeepsie
Melissa Dvozenja-Thomas, Director, Development & Marketing, Arts Mid-Hudson for The Poughkeepsie Journal
The Hudson Valley is fortunate to have such incredible culture and traditions that are observed by the community. Each year, Grupo Folclorico de Poughkeepsie recognizes the community of Oaxaca, Mexico with La Guelaguetza at Waryas Park.This year’s celebration goes farther to honor the culture, art, craft, cuisine, and community of Poughkeepsie’s “sister city” with Oaxaca Week. Oaxaca Week is sponsored by the Poughkeepsie-Oaxaca Friendship Committee, Oaxaca y sus Culturas Hermanas del Mundo, and the Poughkeepsie Public Library District. It will not only celebrate the community but also educate attendees through exhibits and workshops. Starting July 29, there will be programs in various locations throughout Poughkeepsie featuring Mexican textiles, artwork, crafts, food and much more. The events all build up to the climactic La Guelaguetza festival on August 14.
Kicking off the celebration is the opening reception for two exhibitions. One of authentic Oaxacan textiles called, “Tlazotl, Weaver’s Wings,” showcasing indigenous clothing, on display at the Trolley Barn Gallery located at 489 Main Street, Poughkeepsie. The sister exhibit, “Art in a Suitcase: Women Creators of the World” features six Oaxacan female artists in a variety of media including photography, ceramics, oil and watercolor painting on display at the MASS Design Group located at 289 Main Street, Poughkeepsie. All are welcome to attend at the Trolley Barn Gallery on Friday, July 29 from 4 to 6 p.m., where food will be served that highlights the diverse culinary traditions of the Oaxacan region.
Next on the schedule is “Journey to Oaxaca: An Educator's Perspective.”Join Poughkeepsie City School District teacher Blanca Calderon on July 31 at 2:30 p.m. in a stimulating discussion of the Mexican region, its connection to Poughkeepsie, and Calderon's recent journey to see Oaxacan schools in action.
Moving further into the week, enjoy an Artist Talk on Tuesday, August 2 at 6:30 p.m. with former executive director of Arts Mid-Hudson and curator Linda Marston-Reid as she presents a discussion of the Oaxacan crafts and sculpture collected by her and Eleanor Charwat, on display in the Adriance Memorial Library cases.
On Thursday, August 4, guests can attend La Cabañita as the Pinelo family offers a Oaxacan lunch and a talk on mezcal, tequila, and other spirits. All who are interested in attending should call and ask for Elvis. Later that evening, Fall Kill Creative Works will be hosting an artist talk with Isabel Velasco Gomez with artisanal wares for sale following the event.
The culminating La Guelaguetza festival takes place on August 14 starting at 1 p.m. at Waryas Park, where more than 100 artists, singers, musicians, and dancers will perform. Arts and crafts are available for purchase, as well as free activities for kids to enjoy. Singers include Alberto Ojeda, Mariano Cerza, Selines, and Araceli Mendoza. Some other notable groups include New York Folkloric Ballet, Triquis Without Borders, Costa Oaxaca Folkloric Group, Grupo Folclórico de Poughkeepsie, Guadalupano Folkloric Ballet, Natashuy Day House, and Banda Azul de Oaxaca. This festival would not be complete without the incredible Oaxacan food that will be available to share with family and friends.
If you go:
Oaxaca Week
Various Locations throughout Poughkeepsie
July 29 - August 5, 2022
Contact: 845-485-3445