Cervantino Festival in Guanajuato (El Festival Cervantino)

Guanajuato is located in Central Mexico, east of the State of Jalisco and south of the State of Zacatecas. Its name comes from joining the words Kuanasi and Uato, of Purépecha origin translated as “hill of frogs”. It was given this name because the hills surrounding Guanajuato seemed like frogs to the Purépecha people. Guanajuato is divided into five regions; its northern zone stands out the most and is known as Llanos del Norte, a dry region with predominating plains, plateaus and solid rock mountains. Also outstanding is the Guanajuato Mountain Range, where gullies and slopes of difficult access mix with prolonged plateaus.
Guanajuato is especially excellent for livestock, of fertile soil and amiable climate, it is one of Mexico’s most important zones. Recent studies show that the first residents of this State were the Chipícuaros, who were present upon the arrival of the Spaniards. However, there is also evidence of Otomí and Chichimeca people inhabiting the zone.

Founded in 1546, the city of Guanajuato has colonial jewels and architectural manifestations of unparallel beauty. Of mining origin, the veins of gold and silver during the XVII century made it the most important region for the New Spain. Famous for its history, its mummies and typical candies, it was the capital of the country during the mandate of Benito Juarez, birthplace of singer and actor Jorge Negrete and artist Diego Rivera. Guanajuato was declared world cultural heritage in 1988.

It hosts the most important artistic and cultural event of Mexico and Latin America: Festival Internacional Cervantino. As homage to Miguel de Cervantes, this festival promotes artistic creations in Spanish and Guanajuato’s university theater plays, as well as diverse contemporary cultural concepts, making it a place of cultural reciprocity. On a world level it is considered one of the four most important festivals, making it a member of the European Festival Association together with Asia’s Scenic Arts Festival Association.

There have been 35 editions of the event, gathering a great number of cultural presentations from around the world. During nineteen days thousands of artists with their different expressions from around the world provide the opportunity to enjoy dance, music, visual arts, films and theater expressions. During the last edition the People’s Republic of China and the State of San Luis Potosi were present. During this year Mexico, Guanajuato and the festival will receive as guests of honor, among many others, Catalonia and the State of Campeche.

Artículo Producido por el Equipo Editorial Explorando México.
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Foto: Semar.gob.mx