Regional Organization of Oaxaca
Oaxacan arts and culture
The Regional Organization of Oaxaca-Organización Regional de Oaxaca (ORO) is a community-sustained organization whose mission is to promote and preserve indigenous Oaxacan culture in Los Angeles. For over 30 years, ORO has organized cultural events and artistic activities, such as the Guelaguetza Festival, in collaboration with the indigenous community groups and dance ensembles with whom they are affiliated. A free annual event with an attendance surpassing 15,000, ORO’s Guelaguetza Festival brings together Oaxacan traditional artists from within and outside of California in a celebration of Oaxacan culture, including music, dance, crafts, and food. Throughout its history, ORO has also organized other cultural events including the exhibit Altares de Muerto (Day of the Dead Altars) at the San Gabriel Mission and at Plaza Mexico in Lynwood.
As a grantee in ACTA’s Living Cultures Grant Program, ORO has received support for its artistic and cultural programming.
2021
The organization received a grant to support a series of workshops on the traditions, foods, and crafts that are practiced as part of the Day of the Dead celebration.
2019
A Living Cultures grant supported Creatividad sin Limites (Creativity Without Limits), a series of craft workshops for children and youth led by expert Oaxacan artisans.
2017
Grant funds supported the production of a youth Guelaguetza for children ages 4-12.
2015, 2014, 2013
The organization received a grant to support their annual Guelaguetza Festival, the largest Oaxacan event in California.
