Somos Cultura Viva · We Are Living Culture

Our story · Nuestra historia

A piece of Oaxaca, carried forward in Utah

Learn Oaxaca en Utah's community-led story, mission, values, 501(c)(3) status, and documented milestones across Utah.

Oaxaca en Utah participants in embroidered blouses and colorful skirts at the 2026 Fashion Show

Why we gather

Culture becomes stronger when it is shared

What began with seven families has grown into a welcoming cultural community reaching neighbors from Logan to Springville.

Oaxaca en Utah brings the traditions of Oaxaca's eight regions into public life through dance, traditional clothing, food, art, language, education, remembrance, and the spirit of Guelaguetza: an offering shared with others.

For families with roots in Oaxaca, these gatherings create a sense of home and help younger generations build identity and pride. For every Utah neighbor, they offer an open invitation to learn, celebrate, and build lasting connections.

Read the reported origin story on KSL

2020First Utah Guelaguetza, created by seven families
≈7,000Reported attendance at the 2022 celebration
2022Recognized as a 501(c)(3) public charity
2025Mayor's Artist Award recipient

Growth with roots

A young organization with a public record of impact

These milestones are grounded in organization records, public grant documents, and independent reporting.

  1. 2020

    Seven families create the first gathering

    The first Utah Guelaguetza began as an intimate community celebration and a way to keep Oaxacan identity close to home.

  2. 2022

    Community growth becomes nonprofit stewardship

    Oaxaca en Utah became a recognized 501(c)(3) public charity. KSL reported an estimated 7,000 people at that year's Guelaguetza.

  3. 2024–25

    Public support helps remembrance continue

    Weber County RAMP awarded $3,000 in 2024 and another $3,000 in 2025 for Día de los Muertos cultural programming.

    View the 2025 public award record

  4. 2025

    Oaxaca en Utah receives a Mayor's Artist Award

    The honor recognized the organization's cultural festivals, workshops, exhibitions, and community collaborations.

    Read the award profile

What guides us

Rooted in authenticity. Open to everyone

01 · Living culture

Tradition is something we practice

Dance, clothing, music, food, language, and remembrance remain meaningful when people can learn and share them together.

02 · Belonging

Every generation deserves a sense of home

We create spaces where Oaxacan families can recognize themselves and younger people can strengthen their roots.

03 · Welcome

Our celebrations are invitations

Neighbors of every background are welcomed with generosity, curiosity, respect, and joy.

04 · Stewardship

Trust is earned through care

We value accurate storytelling, thoughtful partnerships, public accessibility, and responsible nonprofit service.

There is a place for you

Help carry the culture forward

Attend a celebration, share your time, or build a partnership that keeps public cultural experiences welcoming and accessible.