Walkway Talks: Oaxaca Over the Hudson

Presented by Felipe Santos, Heric Eloy Martínez, and dancers from Grupo Folclórico de Poughkeepsie at the Ulster Welcome Center in Highland (87 Haviland Road) from 2:30-3:30 p.m.

This Walkway Talks event will explain a little of the history of La Guelaguetza, the music, dances, and food of the region of Oaxaca and provide visitors with a taste of the event and a costumed dance demonstration by members of Grupo Folclórico de Poughkeepsie. 

Felipe Santos, Festival Head Organizer, and members of La Guelaguetza committee, a diverse group of dedicated volunteers who work behind the scenes year-round to bring this vibrant, cultural event to the Hudson Valley. 

Heric Eloy Martínez, 45, is originally from Zaachila, Oaxaca, Mexico, the cradle for the Dance of the Feather enthusiasts. He began performing the Dance of the Feather over 20 years ago under the tutelage of the dance instructor Jose Guadalupe Villareal. Heric participated in the La Guelaguetza celebrations in Oaxaca for five consecutive years, from 1990-1995. His passion for Mexican culture brought him to Grupo Folclórico de Poughkeepsie several years ago. Since then, he has been an important member of the group. To this date, Martínez keeps in contact with Jose Guadalupe Villareal, his former teacher, for advice and techniques in the performance of Oaxacan dance.