El Barrio de La Soledad is located in the Isthmus region of the state of Oaxaca. Its river geography, a historic hacienda, and the festival traditions of the municipal seat offer different perspectives on the area. When planning your trip, you can first consider whether you are especially interested in local cultural history, the landscape, or a possible festival date.
Rivers and Landscape
The RĂo Chiquito comes from the neighboring municipality of Santa MarĂa Petapa and crosses the town of El Barrio de la Soledad in the southern part of the municipality. The RĂo Almoloya is a perennial river within the municipality. The two rivers are therefore located differently: the RĂo Chiquito is explicitly associated with the town, while the RĂo Almoloya is associated with the municipal area.
A municipal plan also describes areas with typical lowland jungle characteristics. It places observations of wild mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibians in areas in the west and east of the municipality that are less affected by agriculture and livestock farming. At the same time, the plan notes that natural resources and wildlife as a whole are under pressure.
Getting to the Municipal Seat
The 2008–2010 municipal plan describes the municipal seat as 12 km from the turnoff to Lagunas on the TransĂstmica highway between Salina Cruz and Coatzacoalcos; the route follows a public road. This information helps you understand the approach, but it comes from a historical plan. Check the route and road conditions locally before setting out.
Cultural History and Afro-descendant Identity
A historic hacienda in the municipality was connected to other estates. These grew or produced indigo, cinnamon, and cotton, among other things. The history of the hacienda offers a particular perspective on the local past, alongside the area’s present-day cultural connections.
In 2022, a Semillero Creativo for dance, photography, and video in El Barrio de la Soledad organized a photo session for people from the municipality and the town of Almoloya who identified as Afro-descendant. The group representing El Barrio de la Soledad at the Guelaguetza also identifies as Afro-descendant. The SecretarĂa de Cultura directory lists a Semillero Creativo in El Barrio called “Danza afro”; MarĂa Guadalupe Castillo Cruz is named as the instructor.
An older municipal plan describes traditional Sones Istmeños performed at saint’s day celebrations and municipal government festivals. It also names several specific festival customs and dates for the municipal seat. According to the plan, the November celebration honoring the deceased includes traditional offerings, visits to cemeteries, and a dance. The celebration in honor of the Virgen de la Soledad begins on December 17; a thanksgiving Mass is listed for December 18. According to the plan, the Vela Aurora includes a procession along the town’s main streets on January 24, with fruit distributed in front of the church. A vigil is listed for the Santa Cruz celebration on May 2.
As these festival details come from an older municipal plan, it is advisable to check current dates and arrangements before traveling.
Discover more destinations: Niza LimĂłn, Santos Reyes Nopala, Santa MarĂa del Tule, San AgustĂn Etla, San Pablo Etla, Santo Domingo Yanhuitlán, San Pablo Etla.
Go to the main travel overview: Oaxaca.
