Guelaguetza Festival Profits to Aid Recovery from Hurricane Erick

• Oaxaca’s Guelaguetza festival profits will aid hurricane recovery efforts.
• Governor Jara aims to direct ticket sales toward rebuilding affected areas.
• The state anticipates substantial profits from this year’s cultural festivals.
• Hurricane Erick caused significant destruction across western Oaxaca.
• Community efforts and local authorities are crucial in providing aid to those impacted.

Guelaguetza Festival to Fund Hurricane Recovery Efforts

Oaxaca Governor Salomón Jara announced major plans regarding the Guelaguetza festival during a social media briefing on Friday. This festival is a crucial Indigenous cultural event held throughout July, and all profits will be directed towards the rebuilding efforts in regions devastated by Hurricane Erick. Jara is setting up a special Guelaguetza fund, declaring that revenue from ticket sales for the iconic “Mondays on the Hill” will contribute to hurricane cleanup and reconstruction efforts.

Cultural Events to Generate Funds for Rebuilding

The Guelaguetza festival is not just a celebration; it represents Oaxaca’s vibrant cultural tapestry encompassing dance, music, cuisine, and crafts from its diverse regions. Jara anticipates that this year’s festival could yield up to 40 million pesos, roughly equivalent to US $2.1 million. Additionally, the state will also channel proceeds from the upcoming Mezcal Fair, occurring from July 18-29, which is expected to engage around 132,000 visitors, generating more than 31 million pesos, which amounts to about US $1.6 million. However, the Governor acknowledged that the costs of rebuilding the affected areas would likely surpass the funds generated from the festivals.

Aftermath of Hurricane Erick and Local Response

Hurricane Erick, which reached a Category 4 level before making landfall as a Category 3 storm, caused extensive damage across western Oaxaca. Reports show landslides, blocked roads, and power outages that left approximately 277,000 homes without electricity. Tragically, about 25% of the 10,000 homes in the vicinity were completely destroyed. Jara commended the collaboration of local and federal authorities, as well as community members, in restoring essential services, clearing roads, and delivering aid to those impacted. State workers were seen installing tarps on homes and distributing food, illustrating the collective response to this natural disaster.

In summary, the Guelaguetza festival is stepping up, as all profits from the event will support recovery from Hurricane Erick. With additional funding from the Mezcal Fair, the state is seeking to rebuild despite the significant damages faced. The collaboration of local services and community efforts is vital in this challenging time, as Oaxaca strives to restore normalcy.