Oaxaca

Lore & Background

The name Oaxaca comes from the Nahuatl word Huaxyacac, referring to a tree (Leucaena leucocephala) found around the capital city. The name was originally applied to the Valley of Oaxaca by Nahuatl-speaking Aztecs and passed to the Spanish during the conquest. The pronunciation evolved from [waˈʃaka] in Medieval Spanish to [waˈxaka] or [waˈhaka] in present-day Spanish.

Reader's Guide

Oaxaca is significant for its enduring Indigenous cultures, which have survived better than most others in Mexico due to the state's rugged and isolating terrain. The state is one of Mexico's most biologically diverse, ranking in the top three for numbers of reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and plants. Its Central Valleys region is economically important for tourism, attracting visitors to archaeological sites such as Monte Albán and Mitla, as well as native cultures and crafts. The coast features major resorts like Huatulco and beaches such as Puerto Escondido, Puerto Ángel, Zipolite, Bahia de Tembo, and Mazunte. The state's system of usos y costumbres allows nearly three-quarters of its municipalities to govern through recognized local customs, preserving traditional self-governance. The legacy of Oaxaca lies in its rich pre-Hispanic history, including the Zapotec and Mixtec civilizations, and its role as a center of biological and cultural diversity in Mexico.

Did You Know?

• The name Oaxaca comes from the Nahuatl word Huaxyacac, referring to a tree (Leucaena leucocephala).
• The state is one of Mexico's most biologically diverse, ranking in the top three for reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and plants.

Gallery