The Oaxacan chilena is a vibrant musical and dance tradition rooted in the coastal regions of Oaxaca, particularly in areas such as San Juan Mixtepec and the broader Mixteca region. While the chilena has historical ties to South American rhythms introduced by travelers and sailors in the 19th century, communities in Oaxaca have made it entirely their own, shaping a style that is distinct, local, and deeply tied to community identity.

At its core, the chilena is a social music—performed at weddings, patron saint festivals, and community reunions. Traditional chilenas are characterized by their lively rhythms and melodic structures, typically performed with guitar, violin, and sometimes additional modern instruments. While traditional chilenas were acoustic, contemporary musicians often create recreaciones — new versions of the chilena using electric bass, keyboard, drums, and amplified guitar, blending traditional styles with contemporary sounds. This innovation reflects the evolving lives of migrant communities in California while honoring the roots of the tradition.

Dance remains central, but there is variation: while handkerchiefs (pañuelos) were once more common in traditional chilena dances, many contemporary performances focus more on the energy and footwork rather than strict formal gestures. The dance can be both festive and playful, emphasizing community togetherness rather than rigid structure.

Throughout California’s Central Valley—at festivals like the Fiesta de San Juan in Arvin and the Festival de Chilenas in Madera—chilena groups like Los Hijos de San Juan, Los Llaneros de Agua Blanca, and others have carried this tradition forward. Artists such as Erik and Gerardo Ramírez, Juan Martín and Pedro Ramírez, and youth musicians from family bands are now writing new chilenas, sometimes even in Mixteco, as a way to keep both their musical and linguistic heritage alive.