Oaxaca Colonial Streets

Oaxaca was laid out with a grid street pattern in 1529 by the Spanish. It is one of the best preserved and, many would say, the most charming of all Mexico's colonial cities. The photos were taken during Easter week (Friday to Sunday, March 29-31), so all the churches were decorated with white flowers and on Easter Friday, all the statutes were covered with purple cloth.

 In the northern part of the city, the Santo Domingo church (built from 1575 to 1731) glows with gold covered ceilings and art works. This neighborhood has fine restaurants, cafes, and craft shops in well preserved colonial buildings. A former convent has been converted into a four-star hotel, the Hotel Camino Real -- one courtyard is a cafe and restaurant and another, has a swimming pool! 

Other topics to view: 
Permanent and Periodic Markets; Folk Dancing; Easter Procession; Mescal; Weaving Villages