Top 5 - San Miguel de Allende Festivals
San Miguel de Allende is a Mexican city known for its rich history, colonial architecture, vibrant arts and cultural scene. The city is home to numerous festivals and events throughout the year, many of which are very popular with locals and tourists.
1.- Locos Parade (Desfile de los locos)
June 13
The Fiesta de los Locos is one of the most colorful and lively events in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. It is held annually on the last Friday before Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the Carnival festivities. The fiesta is a mix of pre-Hispanic and Spanish traditions, with extravagant costumes, music, dancing and a parade through the streets of the city.
The Fiesta de los Locos has its origins in pre-Hispanic celebrations honoring the god Tlaloc, who was the god of rain and fertility. The indigenous peoples celebrated the arrival of the rainy season with music, dance and rituals. With the arrival of the Spaniards, elements of Carnival and the Catholic religion were added.
Today, the Fiesta de los Locos is a vibrant celebration that attracts tourists and locals alike. Participants dress in colorful and extravagant costumes, ranging from masks and hats to full disguises. The Fiesta de los Locos parade begins at the Plaza Principal and winds through the streets of San Miguel de Allende's historic center, with dancers, musicians and acrobats entertaining the crowds.
During the party, candy, fruit and other foods are handed out to the crowd, and fireworks displays are performed. The Fiesta de los Locos is a joyful and fun celebration that reflects the rich history and culture of San Miguel de Allende. If you have the opportunity to visit the city during Carnival season, don't miss this unique experience.
2.- GIFF (Guanajuato International Film Festival)
July 20
GIFF (Guanajuato International Film Festival) is one of the most important film festivals in Mexico and Latin America. It is held annually in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico, and attracts filmmakers and film lovers from around the world. The festival has become a platform for independent film, creativity and innovation. GIFF was founded in 1998 in Guanajuato, Mexico, and has since grown in size and scope. The festival is held in San Miguel de Allende, a beautiful colonial city in central Mexico, known for its architecture, art and culture.
GIFF presents a selection of films by filmmakers from around the world, in a variety of genres and formats. The festival is divided into several sections, such as feature films, documentaries, animation and short films. It also includes a special section for Mexican cinema, which highlights the best films of the year.
In addition to film screenings, GIFF also offers workshops, conferences and panels with filmmakers and industry experts. These events are an opportunity to learn about the latest trends in film and to connect with other film professionals and fans.
3.- Soul Divas (International Jazz & Blues Festival)
March 18
The Soul Divas Blues and Jazz Festival is one of the most anticipated events of the year in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Held annually in August, it pays tribute to some of the greatest blues and jazz singers of all time. The festival features a wide variety of music, dance and entertainment, and attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.
The Soul Divas Blues and Jazz Festival was created to honor the great blues and jazz singers, such as Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Bessie Smith, and many others. The festival is held at various venues throughout the city, including plazas, theaters, and bars, and features live performances by musicians and dancers from around the world.
The festival offers a wide variety of events, from live concerts to dance classes, singing workshops and art exhibitions. Special events such as theme parties and gala dinners are also organized. One of the most exciting parts of the Soul Divas Blues and Jazz Festival is the Soul Divas Fashion Show. During this event, local designers showcase their latest creations inspired by blues and jazz divas. Attendees can enjoy a live fashion show while listening to live music and enjoying the festival's lively atmosphere.
4.- La Calaca Festival
November 1st
La Calaca Festival is an opportunity to celebrate life and death through art and culture. During the festival, you can find altars honoring loved ones who have passed away, decorated with cempasúchil flowers, candles and offerings of food and drink. These altars are a fundamental part of the Day of the Dead tradition and are believed to help the spirits find their way back to the world of the living.
In addition to the altars, the festival features a variety of cultural events, such as skull parades, traditional Mexican music concerts and folkloric dances. Attendees can also enjoy art exhibits, craft workshops and traditional Mexican food.
The skull parade is one of the most exciting moments of the festival. During this parade, participants dress up in skull costumes and walk through the streets of the city dancing and singing. The parade is a mix of tradition and creativity, as participants create their own costumes and masks, and each one is unique and different.
The Calaca Festival is a unique opportunity to experience the rich Mexican culture and celebrate life and death through art and tradition. If you are in San Miguel de Allende in November, don't miss the opportunity to participate in this exciting festival and learn more about the fascinating Mexican culture of the Day of the Dead, guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience!
5.- Barra México (Festival of Cocktails and Gastronomy, Spirits and wines.)
March 21
Barra Mexico is a festival of cocktails and gastronomy, spirits and wines held in the beautiful city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. This festival brings together the best bartenders, mixologists and beverage experts from around the world, and offers a unique opportunity to discover the latest flavors and trends in the world of beverages and gastronomy.
During the festival, attendees can enjoy a wide variety of drinks and dishes from around the world, as well as workshops, lectures and presentations by beverage industry experts. There are also cocktail and beverage tasting competitions to discover new flavors and innovative techniques.
The festival features leading experts and personalities from the beverage industry and gastronomy, who offer workshops and presentations. Attendees can meet the mixologists and bartenders behind some of the world's most popular cocktails, and learn how to make their own creations.
In addition, Barra México also has a section dedicated to sustainability, which promotes the use of local ingredients and sustainable food and beverage production. This section includes workshops and presentations on sustainable practices in beverage and food production.