The 2026 Serrana Guelaguetza was celebrated in Oaxaca, presided over by Governor Salomón Jara Cruz, highlighting the cultural resilience and identity of the region's indigenous communities. Accompanied by Irma Bolaños Quijano, the honorary president of the Oaxaca DIF System, the event showcased the deep sense of community and cultural pride through music and dance, marking a significant occasion for unity and expression among the participants. The festival began with a performance of 'Dios nunca muere,' setting an emotive tone as the crowds celebrated with a lively procession through the streets of Betaza. Patricia Casiano Zaragoza, the 2025 representative of the goddess Centéotl, welcomed attendees and underscored the festival's role as a symbol of fraternity and cultural exchange among the participants, embodying the essence of giving and receiving through cultural traditions. Before the dance performances commenced, local authorities inaugurated an artisanal exhibition that highlighted the immense talent and creativity of Oaxaca's artisans. This showcases how the Guelaguetza not only serves as a festival of dance but also as a platform for promoting indigenous craftsmanship and preserving traditional arts and culture against modern challenges.