Oaxaca to Use Guelaguetza Profits for Hurricane Recovery Efforts
- Oaxaca Governor Jara dedicates Guelaguetza profits to rebuild after Hurricane Erick.
- A Guelaguetza fund has been set up to support hurricane clean-up efforts.
- The festival highlights Oaxaca’s rich cultural diversity with traditional dances and music.
- The Mezcal Fair will also contribute funds to the rebuilding process.
- Total rebuilding costs are expected to surpass funds gathered from festivals.
Profits from Guelaguetza festival for hurricane recovery
Oaxaca Governor Salomón Jara has taken decisive action following the devastation caused by Hurricane Erick. As part of a recovery initiative, he announced that the profits from this year’s Guelaguetza festival, an iconic Indigenous cultural celebration, will be exclusively allocated to help rebuild areas affected by the hurricane. The festival, occurring annually in July, showcases traditional music, dance, and crafts from Oaxaca’s diverse regions, making it a key cultural event in the state.
Guelaguetza fund established for reconstruction efforts
In a recent social media update, Jara shared details about a newly created Guelaguetza fund aimed at funding reconstruction efforts. The entire revenue from festival ticket sales, particularly from the celebrated ‘Mondays on the Hill,’ will be funneled into hurricane clean-up initiatives. “Our sisters and brothers are not alone, and we will not abandon them,” Jara stated emphatically. He also reassured citizens that the state government would be taking active steps to restore the coastal areas, emphasizing the strength and resilience of Oaxacans.
Concerns over rebuilding costs amidst hurricane damage
In addition to the expected 40 million pesos (approximately US $2.1 million) from the Guelaguetza festival, officials will also divert funds from the state’s upcoming Mezcal Fair. Taking place from July 18 to 29, the fair aims to attract around 132,000 visitors, projecting earnings exceeding 31 million pesos (around US $1.6 million). Despite this promising influx, Jara expressed concerns that total rebuilding costs could exceed funds raised through these events, highlighting the significant challenge ahead for the state. Hurricane Erick had originally strengthened to a Category 4 storm before making landfall as a Category 3, causing severe damage, such as landslides and power outages affecting hundreds of thousands of residents.
In summary, the Guelaguetza festival will direct all profits towards rebuilding efforts following Hurricane Erick’s destruction. Governor Jara has emphasized a community-focused approach to recovery, promising support to affected regions. Additionally, efforts are being made to assist those displaced and restore essential services as the state grapples with extensive damage.
