Centro Histórico: The Heartbeat of Oaxaca

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pair-dohn/loh see-en-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [bee-en. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, pohr fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gahr, pohr fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs dee-ehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl ma-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Centro Histórico is built upon a rich tapestry of history that dates back to the Zapotec and Mixtec civilizations, which flourished in the Oaxaca Valley. The archaeological site of Monte Albán, just a short distance from the city, served as a major urban center and political hub around 500 BCE. The ruins reflect the advanced society that developed complex hierarchies, agriculture, and trade networks.

The arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century marked a significant transformation for the region. In 1521, the Spanish established the city of Oaxaca, constructing the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, which still stands as a central landmark. The colonial architecture of Centro Histórico, characterized by baroque facades and cobblestone streets, exemplifies the fusion of indigenous and Spanish influences.

During the early 19th century, Oaxaca played a pivotal role in Mexico's struggle for independence from Spanish rule. Centro Histórico served as a backdrop for revolutionary activities, with figures such as José María Morelos, a leader of the independence movement, advocating for the rights of the indigenous population. The city became a symbol of national identity and resistance.

The 20th century saw a cultural renaissance in Centro Histórico, with a renewed focus on indigenous traditions and arts. The establishment of various museums and cultural institutions, such as the Museo de Arte de Oaxaca, highlighted the area’s commitment to preserving and promoting Oaxacan culture. This period also witnessed the revitalization of traditional crafts, including weaving and pottery.

In 1987, UNESCO recognized the historical significance of Centro Histórico by declaring it a World Heritage Site. This designation underscored the neighborhood's unique blend of colonial architecture, indigenous culture, and vibrant local traditions. The preservation efforts that followed have helped maintain the area's cultural integrity and attract tourists from around the globe.

Centro Histórico in Oaxaca is easily accessible from various neighborhoods. If you're coming from the airport, you can take a taxi or a pre-arranged shuttle, which typically takes about 20-30 minutes. Buses from nearby towns, such as Monte Albán and Mitla, also connect to the city center. For those staying in other neighborhoods, local taxis and rideshare services are readily available, or you can walk as many areas are within a reasonable distance.

Centro Histórico is a pedestrian-friendly area, making walking the best way to explore its streets. Public transport options include buses and microbuses, which connect to other neighborhoods. Biking is also a popular option, with several rental shops available. However, note that not all streets are bike-friendly due to cobblestones and pedestrian traffic. Taxis are available for longer distances or late-night travels.

Centro Histórico is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone late at night in less crowded areas, particularly around the outskirts of the neighborhood. While violent crime is rare, petty theft can occur, especially in crowded markets or tourist hotspots. Areas to be cautious of include the outskirts near the bus terminal after dark.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Keep the contact information of your country's embassy or consulate handy. There are several hospitals and clinics in the area for medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues, and many pharmacists speak basic English.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Don’t wear flashy jewelry that may attract unwanted attention. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially during religious events. Don’t take photographs in churches without permission. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to the elderly. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Hola' and a smile. Don’t forget to be courteous. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes, particularly mole. Don’t drink tap water; opt for bottled water instead.

To experience Centro Histórico like a local, visit the markets early in the morning for fresh produce and local crafts. Attend cultural events at the Zócalo, where you can enjoy live music and traditional dance performances. Engage with local artisans and ask about their crafts. For a unique experience, try a cooking class to learn about Oaxacan cuisine or participate in a mezcal tasting to appreciate local spirits.