Profits from Guelaguetza Festival to Help Oaxaca Rebuild After Hurricane Erick

• All profits from Guelaguetza festival will support Hurricane Erick recovery efforts.
• Governor Jara has established a fund specifically for rebuild efforts after the hurricane.
• Ticket sales from iconic ‘Mondays on the Hill’ will fund hurricane clean-up initiatives.
• Mezcal Fair profits will also contribute to the reconstruction of affected regions.
• Hurricane Erick caused extensive damage, impacting approximately 277,000 homes.

Guelaguetza Festival Profits to Support Hurricane Recovery

Oaxaca’s Governor Salomón Jara has made a significant announcement regarding the Guelaguetza festival. This year, all profits from this much-celebrated Indigenous cultural event will be dedicated to aiding the reconstruction efforts following the devastation left by Hurricane Erick. Social media has become a platform for Jara’s declaration, where he revealed the establishment of a Guelaguetza fund, emphasizing that all ticket sales from the festival’s famous ‘Mondays on the Hill’ (Los lunes del cerro) would go directly toward hurricane recovery efforts.

Supporting Reconstruction Efforts with Additional Funds

In his Friday post, Jara reaffirmed the commitment to support those affected by the hurricane, stating boldly, “Our sisters and brothers are not alone, and we will not abandon them.” The festival is set to run from July 18 through July 29 and, traditionally, it showcases the rich tapestry of Oaxaca’s cultural heritage through vibrant dance, music, and culinary delights. Besides the expected 40 million pesos, which is about $2.1 million, from Guelaguetza, Jara mentioned that revenues from the state’s Mezcal Fair will also be allocated for rebuilding efforts. The Mezcal event is projected to pull in an additional 31 million pesos, attracting around 132,000 visitors.

Hurricane Erick Causes Extensive Damage to the Region

Despite the promising financial boosts from these festivals, Jara cautioned that the total rebuilding costs would surpass the money generated this July. The toll of Hurricane Erick was severe—it initially roared in as a Category 4 storm but weakened to a Category 3 before hitting land on June 19, bringing winds up to 125 mph and inflicting substantial damage, especially in western Oaxaca. With countless landslides, flooding, and power outages impacting about 277,000 homes, the scale of the destruction was staggering, with approximately 25% of the local houses reported as completely lost.

The Guelaguetza festival stands as a beacon of hope, with profits earmarked for rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Erick’s destructive path. Governor Jara’s initiative highlights the community spirit and resilience of Oaxaca’s people. While the financial aid from festivals is vital, the true cost of recovery may be much higher, necessitating ongoing support and assistance.