A boy wearing a traditional Oaxcan costu

A boy wearing a traditional Oaxcan costume pose before entering the stage during the celebrations of the Guelaguetza in Los Angeles, 03 August 2003. The Guelaguetza, a zapotec word signifying offering or offertory, was the term used to describe the ceremony and celebration held each year to propitiate the gods in return for sufficient rain and bountiful harvest. More than three thousand years ago, the indigenous people in what is now the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, began cultivating plants to augment hunting, fishing and gathering as sources of food. This evolved into a very rich gastronomy for whichs the people celebrate with music and dance. AFP PHOTO / Hector MATA (Photo credit should read HECTOR MATA/AFP via Getty Images)