One of Oaxaca, Mexico’s most unique and fun traditions is the “calenda” — a public procession that follows wedding ceremonies. It’s a celebration that’s free, lively, and filled with mezcal, music, and sometimes even turkeys, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich culture. This tradition is unlike anything seen in the U.S. and is an integral part of Oaxaca’s wedding celebrations.
The calenda takes place outside the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, just a few blocks from Oaxaca’s main town square. It begins after the wedding vows are exchanged, and depending on the timing, you might witness multiple calendas happening at the same time.
A calenda is a lively, blocks-long dance party that winds from the church to the reception venue. It typically includes the bride and groom, the wedding party, and any passersby who decide to join in. Traditional music blares from a band, and women in colorful dresses carry baskets of flowers or religious symbols, with some even carrying papier-mâché turkeys, which symbolize abundance and prosperity. The procession also features giant puppets of the bride and groom, spinning balls, and a few whimsical jester-like characters who hand out booze.
These celebrations, described as “peak Oaxaca” by locals, have the feel of a cross between a New Orleans Mardi Gras parade and a Caribbean conga line. They are an exuberant and inclusive celebration of life, capturing the vibrant spirit of Oaxaca.
Oaxaca, located in southern Mexico, is a region rich in diversity, both in its people and landscapes. While it is one of the poorest states in Mexico, it is a hub of cultural and natural variety. The state boasts everything from tropical jungles to pine forests, beaches, and coastal plains. This diversity is mirrored in its flora and fauna, with over 750 species of birds and more than 10,000 plant species recorded.
Oaxaca is home to 16 indigenous groups, each with its own distinct customs, languages, and traditions, including those surrounding weddings. One example of this is the practice of carrying live turkeys during the calenda. In some of the more traditional areas of Oaxaca, these turkeys are set free, and people chase them as part of the celebration, according to Alba Tzatzil Reyes, a local student of language and culture.
In addition to the calenda, Oaxaca’s indigenous communities may also include the “baile de los regalos,” or “dance of the wedding gifts,” in which guests carry gifts like refrigerators, beds, or food items to the reception while dancing. Guests typically leave the wedding with bags of food, ensuring no one leaves empty-handed.
This sense of community extends beyond weddings. Oaxaca is divided into over 550 municipalities, more than any other Mexican state, and is governed by a system of “usos y costumbres,” or community traditions. In these communities, all families are expected to participate in local assemblies where decisions are made about everything from security to infrastructure. Additionally, parents are expected to help maintain schools, and adults assist with the local elections.
Reyes emphasizes that weddings and calendas are not just about the individuals involved. They serve as vital social events that strengthen community bonds. “A calenda isn’t just my celebration,” she says. “It’s part of our social life and community building. It’s about bringing two families together and making our social bonds stronger.”
