The Zapotec Goddess Centéotl, Francisca Pérez Bautista, from the delegation of Santa María Zacatepec welcomed more than 11,000 people in the Rotunda of the Azucena on the last ‘Los Lunes del Cerro’ for 2018. Alas we couldn’t get tickets for the main events in the Rotunda – all sold out weeks in advance, and I can see why.

It’s been tremendous fun here in Oaxaca during this incredible ‘must see’ festival. We have been so lucky to have timed our trip during these hot few weeks in July. The streets have been filled with happy smiling faces, vivid native costumes and above all, the constant presence of traditional live music, from marching bands to stand-up wooden xylophones to 30-piece orchestras and everything (and I mean everything) in between. And all along, we’ve been protected by two gorgeous Chihuahuas, Yoko (pictured) and her rather nervy son, Michael.

If you ever get the chance to come to Oaxaca then there’s only one time to come, the last two Mondays in July.