Why Oaxaca Captures the Soul: Culture, Cuisine, and History in Mexico’s Most Fascinating City

This March brings me back to ‍Oaxaca, the most ethnically and linguistically diverse state in México. It is home to one of Mexico’s most vibrant and diverse indigenous populations, with 16 formally recognized groups. They maintain distinct languages, traditions, and communal governance systems (usos y costumbres), while facing challenges related to poverty and migration.

Oaxaca is often called one of Mexico’s food capitals and it’s easy to see why. The city is known for its rich cooking traditions, colourful markets, and recipes that have been passed down for generations. Oaxaca is also home to Michelin star restaurant Levadura de Olla, where traditional flavours are given a thoughtful, modern touch.

The city is especially famous for its seven moles: Rojo, Coloradito, Almendrado, Verde, Amarillo, Manchamantel, and my favourite, the deep, smoky Mole Negro.

Many visitors from around the world come to Oaxaca to experience its colour, culture, and quiet sense of history. It is a place that invites curiosity. One of the great museums in Oaxaca is Museum of Cultures of Oaxaca. Located in the heart of the city, it offers relics from some of Oaxaca’s earliest civilizations. This calendar is called “Los Portadores de los Años,” (the Bearer of the Years.) It was a calendar developed by the Zapotecans and adapted by the Mixtecos.

The neurologist Oliver Sacks chose Oaxaca as a personal and lighthearted escape. He travelled there to immerse himself in a different, ancient culture and to step outside his scientific world for a while. His reflections from that journey were later published in his 2002 book, Oaxaca Journal. The journal reflects on the "healing" power of travel, botanical study, and connecting with a new environment.

New Artwork Alert!

This month’s featured Fine Art Print captures the magnificent Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman in Oaxaca, Mexico. Built between the 16th and 18th centuries, this extraordinary church and former monastery is one of the finest examples of New Spanish Baroque architecture, famous for its richly detailed interior covered in luminous gold leaf. Located in the Historic Centre of Oaxaca, it is also part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This striking image is the third release in our Fine Art Prints Artwork Series, celebrating remarkable places through art.

I’m never alone in Mexico unless I want to be. Whether I’m in Oaxaca, Mexico City or in Zacatecas. Ramón López Velarde, the Mexican poet, and I sit together on a bench in Plaza de Armas de Zacatecas.

I love Oaxaca. I will be exploring more and I'll tell you all about my new discovers in food, culture, history and art. .

Until next time amigos, keep moving.

Courage Drifter