Cervantino International Festival Guanajuato Mexico
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As it is said that roughly between 16-20,000 years ago humans once traveled from Eurasia to the Americas over a land bridge during the Ice Age where Mexico was then inhabited in and around the Valley of Mexico and further into South America. As the last ice age ended some 10-11,000 years ago it took with it the land bridge connecting the old world and the new world continents separating human populations that once shared so much.
This story is not that of tales of the suggested history of lost land and separated peoples, but rather the reunion of the merging of cultures to share each other’s love for art, literature, dance, music, and more. For Cervantino, they would meet again in 1972 and this is a story of what it looks like today as the Cervantino International Festival in Guanajuato, Mexico. This is where our story starts and I invite you along with me. Vamos…
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Cervantino International Festival in Guanajuato Mexico - Cervantino Festival - Guanajuato Mexico Festival - Dia de Muertos in Guanajuato - Things to do in Guanajuato - Cervantino Performances - International Cervantino Festival - History of Cervantino - Universidad de Guanajuato - Guanajuato travel tips for Cervantino Festival - Top things to do at Cervantino Festival - Cervantino Festival history and origins - Where to stay for Cervantino Festival - Things to do in Guanajuato
Where History Whispers and Art Sings: Cervantino in Mexico
Guanajuato, my favorite colonial town in Central Mexico, cloaked in the warmth of Mexican sunshine, nestled in mountain slopes, holds secrets whispered in cobblestones, and sung in every vibrant splash of color of the buildings within countless plazas. And nowhere does this melody come alive more than during the Festival Internacional Cervantino, affectionately known as Cervantino. In these weeks in October, the city transforms into an international stage, a canvas, a beating heart of global arts, and I, an avid adventurer and traveler, was lucky enough to witness its magic firsthand. Let me share my experience with you!
History and Origins
Cervantino isn’t just a festival; it’s a living legacy picking up from the past and carrying it into the future.
Born in 1972 as a tribute to Professor Enrique Ruelas from the humble origins at the University of Guanajuato in 1953, it has blossomed into a celebration of all things artistic. Amazing how one little local spark lit an international artist wildfire.
Imagine cobbled streets pulsing with traditional ballet alongside circus performances, or stumbling upon a master painter’s masterpiece nestled next to a vibrant street mural. This is a haven for music and art lovers, where locals and international visitors share in the feast of creativity.
But Cervantino’s story goes deeper. From its early days honoring Cervantes to its current role as a platform for established and emerging artists from every corner of the globe, it’s a testament to the enduring power of creation. 🎭🎨🎶📽️📚
What You Need to Know about Cervantino
The Rundown: What, When, Where, Why, and How of Cervantino.
The Cervantino International Festival, also known as El Cervantino, is a celebration of arts and culture happening annually in the beautiful colonial city of Guanajuato, Mexico. Here’s some information about it:
What it is:
- A major international cultural festival in Mexico, celebrating all forms of artistic expression.
- Named after Miguel de Cervantes, the author of Don Quixote, with Cervantes-related events still playing a role.
- Features a diverse range of performances and displays, including:
- Music (opera, orchestral concerts, traditional music, world music, etc.)
- Dance (ballet, contemporary, folklore, etc.)
- Theatre (classical plays, modern dramas, experimental pieces, etc.)
- Street performances, concerts, and parades
- Visual arts exhibitions
- Film screenings
- Literature readings and conferences
- Welcomes artists and performers from all over the world, showcasing a global mix of talent. You will see much more than I can explain here and some things I’m still wondering what it was.
When and Where:
- Typically takes place in October, lasting for about 2 weeks across the forty-nine theatres, plazas, and other venues in the city. Not to mention in the streets, corners, and alleys.
- The 51st edition was held in 2023, with the United States and the Mexican state of Sonora as guests of honor. I was there and loved it. Each year there is a new International and Mexico State Partner.
- Official website: https://festivalcervantino.gob.mx/
Keep in mind that many events take place on the streets of Guanajuato, however, among some of the main formal venues of the Cervantino Festival (check the numerous maps posted within the city):
- Teatro Juárez
- Teatro Principal
- Patio de la Facultad de Relaciones Internacionales
- Teatro Cervantes
- Auditorio del Estado
- Plaza San Roque
- Explanada de la Alhóndiga de Granaditas
- Ex-Hacienda de San Gabriel de Barrera
- Templo de la Valenciana
- Teatro de Minas
What It’s Like:
- A lively and colorful event, filling the streets of Guanajuato with food, music, dance, and artistic energy.
- A great opportunity to experience Mexican and international culture in all its richness.
- It starts in the mornings and goes well into the night with varied scheduled agendas daily. But keep in mind – you will see many pop-up musicians and artists at any time or place while exploring.
Want to Know More?
- You can browse the official festival website for information about past and future editions, including programs, schedules, and ticket details.
- There are many online resources and articles about the festival, where you can learn more about its history, traditions, and what to expect if you attend.
- If you’re planning a trip to Guanajuato, attending the Cervantino Festival is definitely something to consider!
A Global Symphony Where Cultures Collide and Collaborate
Interesting facts – UNESCO declared the city of Guanajuato as a Cultural Heritage of Humanity, over 50 guest countries have participated and counting, over 400,000 attendees during the two-week celebration, and Cervantino also attracts prominent figures and performs alongside the yet-to-be-discovered in the humblest of settings. I can only imagine that the professor from 1953 never could have imagined what his idea for his students has transformed into today.
Cervantino isn’t just about the artists; it’s about the audience. I was swept away by the sheer diversity, a melting pot of cultures where Mexican melodies twirled with international rhythms.
Think of Cervantino as a cultural chameleon, constantly changing and growing! What started as a local theater event in Guanajuato has blossomed into a vibrant global celebration.
For two magical weeks, Guanajuato becomes a music and art playground. Theatres and museums open their doors, but the party spills out onto streets, squares, and even parks. It’s a non-stop buffet for your senses, with theater, dance, music of all kinds, film, literature, and so much more!
The best part? You’re not just a spectator! Let the rhythms of Cervantino guide you, and discover the endless possibilities that bloom when cultures collide and creativity takes flight. It’s two weeks of pure magic, waiting to be experienced!🎨🌎🎶
Resources
Google Flights – Trip.com – Travelocity – Hotwire – Trivago – Kiwi – TripAdvisor – Wayaway – Verbo – Cheaptickets – Booking.com – Hostelworld – Skyscanner – Expedia – Babbel –
During Your Travel
Tours: Viator and Get Your Guide – We use to book our tours
Insurance: EKTA and Visitors Coverage – Travel Insurance Abroad
Walmart – Amazon –Best Buy – Canva – Skull Shaver –
But Hold On, How to get to GTO and where to stay
For this 3-week adventure, I stayed in an Airbnb close to the local baseball stadium and right in the middle of a colonial with the locals. I had no intention of pampering myself in one of the many amazing hotel accommodations that GTO has to offer. Although, I love to do that and did so at a later time. I have recommendations! But, how to get to Cervantino? You either fly into the Leon airport (which I did) and travel by bus, uber, or taxi to Guanajuato which is a short 30-minute ride. Or, if you are coming from San Miguel de Allende or Queretaro it is also a short ride seeing many of the beautiful vineyards and sites. Side note – I highly recommend a stop in Dolores Hidalgo a famous Pueblo Magico must-see.
Cervantino Awaits! My Experience
My Mexico experience started many years ago which is another story – but allow me to share my personal Cervantion Festival experience so that perhaps you can soon find your own unique moment.
I can still feel the energy of the collaborative performance I witnessed, where a Mexican mariachi band, Sonora musicians, and Estados Unidos performers created a rhythm that pulsed through and around every street and corner of Guanajuato. It was a reminder that art transcends borders, uniting souls through shared emotions and experiences. Each year Cervantino selects an international country to highlight along with one state of Mexico.
But the magic extends beyond the festival venues. The most profound moments, for me, happen in the smallest and most unexpected places. A local artist sitting in a plaza selling her beautiful art pieces, a local opera singing in the alley with the most beautiful voice I have ever heard, or a voice I kept hearing, followed only to find it coming from the most unexpected source. Sitting on the Teatro steps soaking in all the sounds, smells, and energy thinking how lucky I am to be here right now having an appreciation for people I didn’t fully have before in literally the most beautiful colonial city in Mexico.
Beyond the Stage: Guanajuato's Cultural Experience
Guanajuato itself is a treasure trove of artist expression long before Cervantino and after.
I wandered through the historic Alhondiga de Granaditos, its walls whispering tales of battles won and cultural revolutions. I lost myself in the enchanting Callejón del Beso, a narrow alley where lovers steal kisses under a suspended stone bridge. At the Diego Rivera House Museum, I stepped into the vibrant world of one of Mexico’s most celebrated artists. Every corner of this city is a story waiting to be told, a perfect complement to the artistic feast served up by Cervantino.
Cervantino might be the main event, but Guanajuato itself is a hidden gem waiting to be unearthed. A trip to Guanajuato City in itself is a magical experience but when you add Cervantino which is immediately followed by my favorite holiday in Mexico, Dia de Muertos, you have a truly unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. Or, as in my case, compel you to want to live there.
Farewell, but Not Goodbye: Echoes Linger
I still can’t forget the experience of culture overload. A month of international art, literature, dance, and music followed immediately by the awe-inspiring Dia de Muertos week. Mexico knows how to throw a party! As I reflect, echoes will continue along cobble streets and down alleyways until next October but, I leave you with this… the story doesn’t end here. Your journey begins, your memories are made, and what about Guanajuanto’s Cervantino International Festival will you take with you for a lifetime?
Let’s remember our position as a quest in another country and do our best to speak and walk humbly with dignity and respect for our surroundings: we’re the ones coming here to visit or live our best lives, and we, like many people trying to get in another country – are appreciative of the opportunity. Thank you for having me, Guanajuato!
As always, we appreciate you, and… Live Con Todo
Sources:
- Guanajuato Tourism Board
- What Guanajuato
- Official Cervantino Website
- My Personal Experience
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Calvin L Miller II
Mexico Travel Writer / Blogger / Vlogger
Creator of the Con Todo Brand