Guelaguetza Festival Profits Dedicated to Rebuilding Post-Hurricane Erick

• Profits from the Guelaguetza festival will aid hurricane reconstruction efforts.
• Governor Salomón Jara emphasizes solidarity with affected communities.
• Anticipated festival revenues may not cover total rebuilding costs.
• Hurricane Erick made landfall as a Category 3 storm in Oaxaca.
• Authorities are currently addressing widespread damage and providing aid.

Guelaguetza Festival Profits to Aid Hurricane Relief

Oaxaca Governor Salomón Jara has made a significant announcement regarding the Guelaguetza festival, a major Indigenous cultural event occurring every July. All profits generated from the festival will be channelled directly into rebuilding efforts for those communities devastated by Hurricane Erick. In a post shared on social media, Jara expressed his commitment to support these affected regions, stating, “Our sisters and brothers are not alone, and we will not abandon them.” His message emphasizes the determination to revive coastal areas hit hard by the hurricane.

Anticipated Funds from Festivals

The Guelaguetza, celebrated for its vibrant showcase of Oaxaca’s cultural heritage—such as dances, music, and traditional foods—will contribute an anticipated 40 million pesos (equivalent to about US $2.1 million) to the recovery fund. Additionally, profits from the state’s upcoming Mezcal Fair, scheduled for July 18-29, are also being allocated for this purpose, with expected revenues of at least 31 million pesos (around US $1.6 million). However, Jara acknowledged that the total cost of rebuilding could far exceed the festival proceeds, raising concerns about the financial burden facing the region.

Hurricane’s Impact and Recovery Efforts

Hurricane Erick, which intensified to a Category 4 storm, made landfall on June 19 as a Category 3 storm, landing in western Oaxaca with winds reaching 125 mph. The hurricane wreaked havoc, leaving behind landslides, flooding, and extensive power outages—affecting approximately 277,000 homes. Jara reported that around 25% of the homes in the region were utterly devastated. Local government agencies have been working tirelessly to address these challenges, restoring essential services and supplying aid to those in need, including deploying water and sewage service crews to assist in clean-up operations.

In light of Hurricane Erick’s devastating impact, the Oaxaca government is wisely directing Guelaguetza and Mezcal Fair profits towards reconstruction efforts. Governor Jara’s statements underline a clear message of solidarity with affected communities. While recovery efforts are underway, the scale of the destruction highlights the long road ahead, presenting a significant challenge for local authorities and residents alike.