OAXACA, MEXICO — As part of the highly anticipated Guelaguetza 2026 festivities, the mountaintop community of Santa Martha Latuvi is gearing up to host its 10th annual Apple Fair (Feria de la Manzana). Announced by the Oaxaca Secretariat of Tourism (Sectur), the regional festival will take place on July 18 and 19, offering visitors an immersive blend of eco-tourism, local gastronomy, and deep-rooted Zapotec traditions.
Nestled in the Sierra Norte region about 53 kilometers from Oaxaca City, Santa Martha Latuvi is one of the celebrated Pueblos Mancomunados (Commercially United Towns). The eco-tourism haven is famous for its stunning natural features, including the Molcajete waterfall, trout farms, and the historic “Camino Real” prehistoric path. The upcoming Apple Fair serves as a vital platform for local farmers to showcase their seasonal apple harvest alongside handmade preserves, pastries, and regional goods.
According to the official event program, the fair kicks off on Saturday, July 18 at noon with drawing and painting contests, paired alongside guided tours of the community’s lush apple orchards. At 3:00 p.m., organizers will present a unique award for the “Heaviest Apple” gathered from the harvest. The evening shifts toward athletic events, featuring a “Apple Challenge” relay race at 5:00 p.m. and a night run starting at 6:30 p.m., all accompanied by live traditional brass band music.
Sunday, July 19 begins early with the expo market opening at 8:00 a.m. Educational offerings take center stage mid-morning with a specialized fruit-growing workshop at 10:00 a.m. and a local product panel. Guests can also witness a traditional wood-splitting competition at 11:00 a.m. The fair’s cultural climax will occur at 3:00 p.m. with a vibrant Calenda (traditional parade) and a regional Guelaguetza dance performance, leading up to the official closing ceremony at 6:00 p.m.
To facilitate travel for domestic and international tourists, the state is deploying its specialized “BinniBus” mass transit system. The public transit service will offer completely free round-trip transportation between Oaxaca City and Santa Martha Latuvi on both days of the festival, running from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Source: El Heraldo de México
