Latest News

Press Release Guelaguetza 2026

The Guelaguetza Returns to San Diego

The Coalition of Indigenous Oaxacan Communities (COCIO) proudly celebrates 26 years of bringing the Guelaguetza to San Diego County. This important cultural celebration continues a tradition built through decades of community work, collaboration, and intergenerational participation.

The Guelaguetza brings together thousands of attendees for a day that evokes the spirit of Oaxaca through traditional cuisine, dance, music, textiles, and art. This family-friendly celebration welcomes both local residents and visitors while highlighting the cultural richness and diversity of Oaxaca’s eight regions.

At the heart of the event is an intergenerational Oaxacan community committed to preserving, practicing, and sharing its cultural traditions. Children and youth play an especially important role, participating in the dances, music, and artistic expressions that help carry these traditions forward for future generations.

COCIO invites the public, community partners, and members of the media to join us for this year’s celebration and experience the cultural traditions, artistry, and community spirit that bring the Guelaguetza to life.

Event Information

Guelaguetza 2026
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Palomar College
North San Diego County, California

The celebration will feature traditional Oaxacan dance, music, food, textiles, arts, and cultural presentations representing communities and traditions from across Oaxaca.

Media & Community

Members of the media are invited to cover the Guelaguetza and help amplify the voices, artistry, and cultural contributions of the children, youth, families, artists, dancers, and community members who make this celebration possible.

Through the Guelaguetza, COCIO continues its commitment to strengthening the visibility of Indigenous Oaxacan communities and celebrating the cultural and linguistic diversity that enriches San Diego County.

About COCIO

The Coalition of Indigenous Oaxacan Communities (COCIO) is a community-based organization dedicated to strengthening, preserving, and promoting the cultural heritage, traditions, and voices of Indigenous Oaxacan communities in San Diego County.

COCIO works through cultural programming, community collaboration, youth participation, education, and events such as the Guelaguetza to create spaces where Oaxacan traditions can be practiced, shared, and carried forward by future generations.

Learn more: cocioguelaguetza.com
Instagram: @guelaguetzasd

Email: cocio.org@gmail.com