Guelaguetza Festival Profits to Support Recovery from Hurricane Erick
- Profits from the Guelaguetza festival will support hurricane recovery in Oaxaca.
- Governor Salomón Jara announced a fund to direct ticket sales to rebuilding efforts.
- Hurricane Erick caused significant destruction, affecting thousands of homes in the region.
Guelaguetza Festival Profits to Aid Hurricane Recovery
The Guelaguetza festival, an esteemed cultural celebration in Oaxaca, will have all its profits put toward rebuilding efforts in areas ravaged by Hurricane Erick. Governor Salomón Jara announced this decision in a social media post, stating that ticket sales from the festival’s renowned “Mondays on the Hill” (Los lunes del cerro) will directly funnel into a newly created Guelaguetza fund. By prioritizing the reconstruction efforts, Jara emphasized the community’s commitment to not leaving anyone behind, declaring, “Our sisters and brothers are not alone, and we will not abandon them.”
Mezcal Fair Expected to Contribute to Relief Efforts
This year’s Guelaguetza festival runs from July 18 to July 29, showcasing the vibrant cultural heritage of Oaxaca and expects to bring in approximately 40 million pesos, equivalent to around US $2.1 million. Additionally, profits from the state’s Mezcal Fair, also slated for this summer, will be redirected for the same cause, with expectations of generating more than 31 million pesos (roughly US $1.6 million). However, despite these amounts, Jara has indicated that the total costs needed to rebuild impacted communities will exceed any funds gathered during these summer events.
Devastation Reported Following Hurricane Erick
Hurricane Erick made landfall as a Category 3 storm on June 19, wreaking havoc in western Oaxaca. The system had initially intensified to a Category 4 before hitting the coast, resulting in catastrophic effects such as landslides, flooding, and power outages that affected over 277,000 homes. Governor Jara noted that approximately 25% of 10,000 homes in the area were completely destroyed, highlighting the extensive damage. While the state works diligently to restore basic services and accessibility, community support has been crucial. Emergency workers from the Potable Water and Sewage Services Operating System are actively assessing and addressing water supplies, providing temporary shelter and food to dozens of families.
In summary, the Guelaguetza festival’s profits are being dedicated to crucial hurricane recovery efforts in Oaxaca, with significant funds anticipated from both the festival and the Mezcal Fair. The community’s solidarity and dedication to recovery efforts are evident despite the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Erick. As the restoration work unfolds, ongoing support and involvement from both locals and various government entities remain vital to rebuilding affected regions.
