Oaxaca: The Heartbeat of Culture and Color in Mexico

• Hello¡Hola!
  [O-la]
• Goodbye¡Adiós!
  [Ah-dee-ose]
• YesSí
  [See]
• NoNo
  [No]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [Por fa-vor/De na-da]
• Thank youGracias
  [Gra-cias]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [Per-don/Lo see-en-to]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [Ko-mo es-tas]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [Bee-en. Ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [A-blas in-gles]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [No en-tien-do]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [Me gus-ta-ree-a ver el me-noo, por fa-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [No ko-mo kar-ne]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [Sa-loo-d]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [Me gus-ta-ree-a pa-gar, por fa-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [A-yu-da]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [Ve-te]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [Ya-ma a la po-lee-see-a]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [Ya-ma a un dok-tor]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [Es-toy per-di-do]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [Es-toy en-fer-mo]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [Me gus-ta-ree-a kom-prar]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [So-lo es-toy mee-ran-do]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [Kwan-to kwe-sta]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [Es-to es de-ma-sia-do ka-ro]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [Pwe-de ba-har el pre-si-o]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [Ke o-ra es]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [Es la oo-na]
• Half past (10)Y media
  [Y me-dee-a]
• MorningMañana
  [Ma-nya-na]
• AfternoonTarde
  [Tar-de]
• EveningNoche
  [No-che]
• YesterdayAyer
  [A-yer]
• TodayHoy
  [Oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [Ma-nya-na]
• 1Uno
  [Oo-no]
• 2Dos
  [Dose]
• 3Tres
  [Tres]
• 4Cuatro
  [Kwa-tro]
• 5Cinco
  [Seen-ko]
• 6Seis
  [Says]
• 7Siete
  [Syete]
• 8Ocho
  [O-cho]
• 9Nueve
  [Nwe-ve]
• 10Diez
  [Dee-eth]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está un/el...?
  [Don-de es-ta oon/el]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [Kwal es la di-rek-sion]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [Pwe-des mos-trar-me (en el ma-pa)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [Kwan-do es el pro-ksi-mo (au-to-bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [Un bo-le-to (a)]

Oaxaca's history dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human habitation as early as 11,000 BCE. The region is particularly notable for the rise of the Zapotec civilization around 500 BCE. The Zapotecs, known for their complex society and impressive architectural achievements, built the ancient city of Monte Albán, which became a major political and cultural center. The city features grand plazas, pyramids, and a remarkable system of terraces and irrigation.

Following the decline of the Zapotecs, the Mixtecs rose to prominence in Oaxaca around the 10th century. They were skilled artisans, leaving behind intricate gold jewelry, codices, and pottery. The Mixtecs also took control of Monte Albán and other key sites, integrating their culture with the existing Zapotec heritage. Their influence is still evident in the region's rich tradition of craftsmanship and artistry.

The Spanish conquest of Oaxaca began in 1521, led by the adventurer and conquistador Hernán Cortés. The region was incorporated into New Spain, and the Spanish imposed their culture, religion, and social structures on the indigenous populations. Oaxaca City was officially founded in 1532 as Antequera. The Spanish introduced Christianity, building numerous churches and monasteries, which remain significant historical and architectural landmarks today.

During the colonial period, Oaxaca became an important center for trade and agriculture, particularly known for its production of cochineal, a red dye derived from insects that was highly valued in European markets. The city evolved architecturally, with the construction of baroque churches, convents, and public buildings. The Santo Domingo de Guzmán Church and its adjacent monastery are prime examples of this period's architectural splendor.

Oaxaca played a significant role in Mexico's struggle for independence from Spain, which was achieved in 1821. The region produced several key figures in Mexican history, including Benito Juárez, the first indigenous president of Mexico, who initiated major reforms and fought against foreign intervention. The 19th century was a period of political upheaval and social change, with Oaxaca at the heart of many significant events.

The early 20th century saw Oaxaca embroiled in the Mexican Revolution, a complex and multifaceted conflict that began in 1910. The revolution brought profound social and economic changes to the region, with land reforms and shifts in power dynamics. Revolutionary leaders like Emiliano Zapata had a lasting impact on the agrarian landscape of Oaxaca, advocating for the rights of peasants and indigenous communities.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Oaxaca underwent a cultural renaissance, celebrating its indigenous heritage and vibrant traditions. The Guelaguetza festival, a major cultural event held annually, showcases the diverse customs, music, dance, and cuisine of Oaxaca's various indigenous groups. The city's historic center, with its colorful colonial buildings and bustling markets, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, drawing visitors from around the globe.

Oaxaca is accessible via the Xoxocotlán International Airport (OAX), located approximately 7 kilometers south of the city center. Direct flights are available from major cities in Mexico, such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. International travelers can connect through Mexico City. Alternatively, long-distance buses from Mexico City's TAPO terminal offer a scenic route to Oaxaca, typically taking around 6 to 7 hours.

Within Oaxaca, taxis are a convenient option and can be hailed on the street or booked via apps. The city also has a comprehensive bus network, with routes covering most areas of interest. For a more local experience, consider using colectivos (shared taxis) that operate on fixed routes. Renting a car is an option for those looking to explore the surrounding regions, but be aware of local driving conditions and traffic regulations.

The official currency in Oaxaca is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. However, it is advisable to carry cash for transactions in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, but inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card transactions.

Oaxaca is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is wise to take standard precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and not displaying valuables openly. While the city center and tourist areas are usually safe, neighborhoods like Colonia Reforma and Santa Rosa Panzacola have higher crime rates. Always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for police, medical, or fire assistance. The main hospitals in Oaxaca, such as Hospital General Dr. Aurelio Valdivieso, provide comprehensive medical services. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues, and many pharmacists speak basic English.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting churches and historical sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs, and remove hats and sunglasses when entering religious sites. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly nod. Use formal titles like 'Señor' or 'Señora'. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Oaxaca like a local, visit the bustling markets such as Mercado Benito Juárez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre to sample traditional foods and crafts. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share insights about the city's culture and history. Don't miss the Guelaguetza festival if visiting in July, and consider taking a cooking class to learn how to make Oaxacan specialties like mole. Exploring the nearby archaeological sites of Monte Albán and Mitla offers a deeper understanding of the region's rich heritage.