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The most important summer arts festival in town. From August 1 to 17, enjoy over 100 cultural activities including concerts, exhibitions, theater, workshops, lectures, and literary presentations at various venues throughout the city. It features international collaborations and participation from local institutions such as the National Institute of Fine Arts, Museo La Esquina, Instituto Allende, Fábrica La Aurora, and the Public Library. For the full program, click here.

Date: August 1-17 
Location: Instituto Allende, Teatro Santa Ana, Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez, etc…
Cost: Depends on the event

Art Walk 

Fábrica La Aurora invites you on Saturday, August 2, to celebrate the traditional Art Walk, where you can mingle with artists and their works in an extraordinary atmosphere. Don’t miss live music at the factory’s restaurant either!

Date: Saturday, August 2, 5–7 p.m.
Location: Fábrica la Aurora s/n 
Cost: Free 

Zandunga: Gil Gutierrez and Friends

Zandunga is a charming countryside venue about 15 minutes from San Miguel de Allende, featuring live jazz and blues with guitarist Gil Gutíerrez and his wife, Rebecca. Much of the ranch was hand-built by Gil and friends, offering a delightful open-air setting blending indoor and outdoor spaces. Zandunga also hosts art exhibits, concerts, and private events, making it perfect for unique gatherings near San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato. Buy tickets at Hernández Macías 129 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 am to 3 pm.

Date: Sunday, August 3, 1–5 p.m.
Location: Rancho Zandunga
Cost: 800 pesos

The 8 Seasons of Vivaldi

A must for chamber music lovers, Casa Europa México presents “The 8 Seasons of Vivaldi and Piazzolla” featuring Adolfo Alejo and the Kukulkán Kamerata. Alejo, a leading figure in classical music in Mexico and recognized by Forbes as one of the “most creative Mexicans in the world,” captivates audiences with impeccable technique and deep expressiveness.  Tickets available online or at the Casa Europa México box office.

Date: Thursday, August 7, 7 p.m.
Location: Casa Europa México, San Francisco 23
Cost: 400 pesos

Folkloric Dance

If you love Mexican traditions and art, celebrate half a century of dance, color, and tradition with the Ballet Folklórico Representativo de San Miguel de Allende, founded in 1975 by Maestra Gloria Rodríguez Navarrete and officially recognized in 1998 as a representative group of the Casa de la Cultura. The troupe features three generations — children, youth, and adults — and has performed hundreds of shows in Mexico and abroad.

Date: Thursday, August 14, 6 p.m.
Location: Casa Europa Mexico, San Francisco 23 
Cost: 200 pesos 

Tribute to Mercedes Sosa

Get ready for an extraordinary and emotional night with Liliana Medrano in “Tribute to Mercedes Sosa” at Casa Europa México. Join on August 21, 2025, at 7:00 PM for a moving journey through the timeless music of “The Voice of Latin America.” Liliana Medrano is an acclaimed vocalist known for her powerful and authentic interpretations, reviving Mercedes Sosa’s legacy with talented musicians, promising a touching and unforgettable experience.

Date: Thursday, August 21, 7 p.m.
Location: Casa Europa México, San Francisco 23
Cost: 450 pesos

The Young Actors of San Miguel proudly present: Alice in Wonderland

Dive into a world of wonder with this charming theater adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland,” performed by young actors of San Miguel de Allende. Follow Alice on her whimsical journey after the White Rabbit, meeting eccentric characters like the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts. This family-friendly English show features imaginative costumes, magic, and fun for all ages. Presented Friday and Saturday, August 22 and 23 at 6 p.m. at Teatro Santa Ana de La Biblioteca. Entry by donation of 220 pesos. Don’t miss it!

Date: Friday and Saturday, August 22 and 23, 6 p.m.

Location: Teatro Santa Ana de La Biblioteca

Cost: 220 pesos 

Literature Seminar

Mexican writer Julián Herbert presents his book Overol. Notes on recent Mexican narrative in conversation with Carmen Rioja as part of the Literature Seminar at the Public Library.

Date: Saturday, August 23, 1 p.m.

Location: Teatro Santa Ana de La Biblioteca

Cost: Free

Viva la vid

The grape harvest season begins. Save the date for Saturday, August 30, for an unforgettable experience in San Miguel’s vineyards. Enjoy delicious food, live music plus a DJ, unlimited wine, a welcome kit, and participate in the traditional grape stomping. Buy tickets soon, as space is limited.

Date: Saturday, August 30 
Location: Viñedo San Miguel, Carretera Comonfort San Miguel de Allende #1, 38206 Comonfort, Gto
Cost: 2,700 pesos

The post What’s on in San Miguel de Allende in August? appeared first on Mexico News Daily

I have mixed feelings about the foreign community living in the city. On one hand, I believe that having foreigners live in San Miguel has enriched the community enormously. But I also feel deep sadness at not being able to imagine the house of my dreams in San Miguel because the costs are extremely high. So are food, services and other products that you  find cheaper elsewhere. In some ways, living in San Miguel is like living in a golden cage. 

Gentrification in San Miguel has pros and cons alike. Let’s delve into them.

The negative

Displacement of traditions

Those of us who live in San Miguel know the tradition of Friday of Sorrows, the Friday before Holy Week, when owners of San Miguel’s houses open their doors to the public, set up an altar dedicated to the Virgin of Sorrows and give visitors flavored water, popsicles and ice cream. But every year, I have watched as fewer and fewer houses set up their altars downtown. 

The typical altars I remember from my childhood have gradually disappeared. Why? Because San Miguel natives no longer live downtown. The people who live there now are foreigners who do not participate in these traditions. San Miguel natives, displaced to neighborhoods and areas farther from the center, have taken the city’s classic traditions with them.

Racism from Mexicans towards Mexicans

Although foreigners are not to blame for this, but rather the Mexican mentality of inferiority, I have witnessed countless times racism or bad treatment of Mexicans by other Mexicans, and the preference some have for foreigners, especially in restaurants where they prefer to serve foreigners rather than their own people. Sometimes I feel that some Mexicans perceive ourselves as second-class and that foreigners are at a higher level — perhaps because the idea of a caste system is still deeply rooted in our subconscious.

Exorbitant housing prices

This is what annoys me most about how beautiful and popular San Miguel is: housing prices have skyrocketed. Outside real estate offices, it’s normal to see house listings priced in millions of dollars. It’s unthinkable to imagine that, with my Mexican salary, I could afford a house in the city I grew up in. The saddest part of this reality is that those houses once belonged to the grandparents of someone I know. It was once normal to go to your aunt’s house two blocks away, but now most people living downtown are foreigners, and San Miguel natives are increasingly displaced to small, expensive homes on the city’s outskirts. All I ask of the government and developers is to create nice, nearby, and affordable subdivisions for San Miguel’s middle class.

Foreigners who do not adapt

San Miguel is a city full of festivities: fireworks here, noise there, music and dancing everywhere, especially during the feast of Saint Michael, the famous Alborada. Many foreigners enjoy and take part in this excitement, but others don’t adapt and complain about the noise. Without its fiestas, San Miguel would lose its identity and essence. Rather than complain, I think foreigners who decide to live in San Miguel should learn why there is that noise and the meaning of the festivals.

Along the same lines, some people have not adapted to Mexican culture. Many expect things to be done exactly — or very similarly — as in their home countries, but Mexico is a completely different country from the U.S. or the countries of Europe when it comes to bureaucracy. I’m not saying I love it; there are many things I wish were different, but you can’t get upset because things aren’t done exactly how you expect. Mexico teaches you patience, enjoying the journey, and slowing down. My recommendation is that before deciding to live in Mexico, you get to know it and accept it — with all its positives and negatives.

“Se habla español”

Since I was a child, I wondered, why do Mexicans have to learn English to communicate with foreigners in our country if we live in Mexico and speak Spanish? Speaking English opens doors worldwide and because it is the lingua franca of our times, but it strikes me that we as Mexicans make a great effort to communicate with foreigners in English, and even feel ashamed if we don’t speak it well, while a percentage of foreigners living in San Miguel don’t even make the minimum effort to learn Spanish — and instead get upset and frustrated if you don’t speak English to understand them. Friends, the least you can do if you are in this country is to learn some basic Spanish to communicate with your neighbor or market vendors. With MND Tutor, you can learn easily and in a fun way. I’m sure that by learning Spanish you will discover a new and interesting worldview.

There are also positive aspects of foreigners concentrating in San Miguel, and this community has made important contributions to the city.

The positive

Rentals and businesses benefit from foreigners

On the one hand, I complain about the high housing prices, but on the other, I see that the sale and rental of houses have benefited hundreds of San Miguel natives, including my family, which has rented a house to Americans for more than 20 years and thanks to that rent, my three siblings and I were able to cover university expenses. Those who invest in restaurants, hotels, rent their houses, offer their services have benefited from the arrival of foreigners to the city and helped the economy move.

New festivals

Some traditions have been displaced, like Friday of Sorrows, but others are born from the union of Mexicans and foreigners, like the GIFF film festival, initiated by Sarah Hoch, a foreigner residing in San Miguel. I have practically grown up with this festival, and since I was little, I remember the excitement of watching open-air films. Participating in this festival allowed me to meet film directors from other countries at El Gato Negro — a famous bar in San Miguel — watch short films and feature films that inspired me to create art as well, and discover very interesting projects. There are also music festivals like Jazz & Blues, the Chamber Music Festival, Opera San Miguel, organized by foreigners or Mexicans from other parts of Mexico, enriching those who enjoy them.

Newcomers promote arts and culture

As I mentioned before, San Miguel has benefited from foreigners living here by having various festivals, but not only that — it has become an art mecca. This city attracts many artists, some more well-known than others, such as Joy Laville, an English artist, Leonora Carrington, Leonard and Reva Brooks, and Mexican artists like Rufino Tamayo, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Diego Rivera. What city in the world can boast of having seen such figures pass through at different times? It is very inspiring to see galleries everywhere, streets with beautiful murals, and cultural events everywhere.

The generosity of foreigners crosses borders

The vast majority of foreign residents in San Miguel are retired Americans and Canadians who come to Mexico for a second lease on life. With enough time and resources, they have created dozens of nonprofit organizations that help those in need, such as Patronato Pro Niños, which offers medical, dental, and psychological services to low-income children. Or the Special Education School of San Miguel de Allende (EEESMA), which provides quality education to children with hearing problems.

Recently, I met Dr. Billy Williams from Kids First Orthopaedics, and I was moved to hear what he does for children born with orthopedic problems. A group of volunteer doctors comes twice a year from the United States to treat and operate on children born with malformations, transforming their lives forever.

The Biblioteca Pública A.C. is another clear example of foreigners supporting the San Miguel community. Helen Wale, a foreign resident of San Miguel, found that the city needed a library, so she decided to found one. This library has operated for over 70 years with the help of foreign and Mexican volunteers who give their time, money and effort to keep it running. And it isn’t just a library—it also offers art workshops, English classes, scholarships for youth and children, and many recreational activities.

San Miguel’s prominence as an arts center has much to do with the fact that in the 20th century, the American Stirling Dickinson promoted art in San Miguel together with Felipe Cossio del Pomar, a Peruvian. Simply put, the city would not be the same without the collaboration of all these foreigners and many others who have been part of the city’s history.

Mexico News Daily

I have a job thanks to foreigners in San Miguel. Travis and Tamanna Bembenek decided to come here and invest in a newspaper whose mission is to show how incredible Mexico is. Without these foreigners, I probably wouldn’t be enjoying life with my family here; I would instead be in a big city as part of my career. It is an honor for me to be part of this project that highlights the most beautiful aspects of Mexico, teaching that Mexico is not just violence and drugs but culture, tradition, good people, investments, joy, family, unity, gastronomy, and many things that make me proud to be Mexican.

Without a doubt, San Miguel de Allende is what it is thanks to its people. Mexicans from Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Querétaro and León. Foreigners from the United States, Canada, Spain, England, China and Germany. We all make this small place the best city in the world. Everyone is welcome — you just have to open your eyes and connect with the city that hosts you.

María Ruiz is the Director of Digital Marketing at Mexico News Daily. She enjoys photographing her hometown of San Miguel de Allende in her spare time.

The post The ‘golden cage’ of San Miguel de Allende: A local perspective on gentrification in the world’s best city appeared first on Mexico News Daily

The Jam – Fundraiser for LARF and ABBA House Celaya

In these challenging times the world is facing, it is more important than ever to stand together and remember that no human being is illegal. Join us on July 4th at 2 p.m. to support our migrants going through difficult circumstances. Admission is by voluntary donation, and 100% of all contributions will go directly to the immigrant shelter. While you help, enjoy live music and delicious food provided by Paprika Restaurant. Reserve your spot by calling 415-124-2338.

Date: July 4, at 2 p.m.

Location: Abba House

Cost: Suggested donation: 400 pesos

Independence in the Vineyards – Barrica de Fuego

Celebrate the United States’ Independence Day in a unique and family-friendly way at the Barricas de Fuego vineyard. From 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., enjoy live music, traditional Fourth of July flavors, and a magical experience among the vineyards under the stars. To reserve your spot, call (415) 689 0090. An unforgettable adventure awaits you!

Date: July 4, at 5:30 p.m.

Location: Barrica de fuego

Cost: 1,500 pesos per person, teens 900 pesos, children under 12, 500 pesos

Art Walk in Fábrica la Aurora 

Every first Saturday of the month, Fábrica la Aurora, a beautifully renovated former textile mill in San Miguel de Allende, hosts its celebrated Art Walk. This vibrant event transforms the art center into a lively gathering place where art lovers can explore a diverse array of galleries, mingle with local artists, and enjoy live music and delicious food in a unique, creative atmosphere. The Art Walk is renowned for its welcoming community spirit and the chance to discover new talent, making it a must-visit for anyone in town seeking inspiration or meaningful conversation. Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply curious, you’re sure to meet fascinating people who share your passion for creativity.

Date: July 5, at 5 p.m.

Location: Fábrica la Aurora, Calzada de la Aurora S/N

Cost: Free

Darbukanos Dance Concert presents: Bellydance Night

The Santa Ana Theater invites you to enjoy an evening of Bellydance with the Darbukanos Dance Concert on Friday, July 11 at 6 p.m. This enchanting evening will showcase pure Arabian-style dance with the incredible Viri Reyes and the talented darbuka player Moises Ponce from Querétaro. Accompanying them are Guanajuato’s own Aurora Artemisa on flute, Saúl Taboa on violin and Héctor Gaona on oud. Produced and creatively led by Fridha Gitana, the show blends ancient and modern instruments, creating a mesmerizing fusion of tradition and contemporary rhythm. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of music and dance in San Miguel de Allende.

Date: July 11, at 6 p.m. 

Location: Teatro Santa Ana 

Cost: 420 pesos

Pride march 

The LGBT+ Pride March will take place on July 12, starting from Benito Juárez Park and ending at the Main Garden. Various groups from the municipality will participate, representing the 4.7% of San Miguel’s population belonging to the community.

Date: July 12

Location: Starting at the Parque Juárez

Cost: Free

Patronal feast of Jesus the Nazarene

If you want to experience an authentic San Miguel de Allende tradition, the festival honoring Jesús Nazareno is waiting for you. From Friday, July 18 to Monday, July 21, the charming village of Atotonilco — located just 12.2 km from downtown San Miguel — comes alive with live music, Mexican food stalls, dancing, performances, fireworks, traditional dancers, and plenty of fun. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to visit the famous “Sistine Chapel of the Americas,” the Sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco. Every year, locals from San Miguel embark on a 12-km pilgrimage to reach the Sanctuary. Don’t miss this deeply Mexican celebration that blends faith, culture, and community spirit.

Date: From July 18 to 21, all day 

Location: Atotonilco, Guanajuato (12 km from San Miguel) 

Cost: Free

Festival de Blues

From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., enjoy an incredible blues concert at Foro el Obraje. Featuring Radio Blues from Mexico City, New Zealand-born pianist and soulful singer Steven Jaymes—renowned for his captivating voice and masterful blend of blues, soul, and Americana—and the local band Sunset Blues, this promises to be a magical and vibrant night for all blues lovers. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience world-class live music in San Miguel de Allende. Reserve your tickets now by calling 446-259-4821.

Date: July 19, at 5 p.m.  

Location: Foro del Obraje, Calzada del Obraje #50

Cost: 524.33 pesos

GIFF

This month marks the arrival of the most important festival of the year in San Miguel de Allende: the Guanajuato International Film Festival. From July 25 to August 3, short and feature films in various categories will be screened at different venues across Guanajuato City, San Miguel de Allende, and Irapuato. This year, in its twenty-eighth edition, the festival pays tribute not only to the aesthetic and suspense of Vertigo, Alfred Hitchcock’s acclaimed film, but also to the primal emotion that pulses in our hearts during this uncertain stage of human history. It evokes a sense of vertigo that is not just individual, but social and global—a feeling that represents us all in our shared vulnerability.

Date: Starting in Guanajuato capital, on July 23, all day 

Location: Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez “El Nigromante”, Teatro Ángela Peralta, Cinemex, Panteón municipal 

Cost: Free

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The “Art of Eight Limbs”

Originating in Thailand, Muay Thai is a martial art that transforms the human body into a weapon. Fighters wield fists, elbows, knees, and legs, earning it the nickname “the art of eight limbs.” It’s a sport of precision, power, and relentless discipline. As you watch a match, the sound of gloves hitting pads, the smell of spirulina juice wafting through the air, and the sight of fighters preparing backstage all combine to create an unforgettable experience.

Though Muay Thai first arrived in Mexico in the 1980s, it wasn’t until Thai instructor Supakit Malisorn’s arrival in 2004 that the sport truly took off. Through TV appearances and exhibitions across the country, Malisorn ignited a spark that has since grown into a flame, solidifying Mexico’s reputation in combat sports. But what makes Muay Thai so appealing to Mexicans? Is it the blend of physical strength and mental resilience, or something deeper?

A championship of grit and glory

On March 15, 2025, King Sport Combat made its debut in San Miguel — a national championship featuring 20 Muay Thai, K1, and kickboxing matches across multiple divisions. Over 50 competitors, from children to adults, traveled from Mexico City, San Luis Potosí, León, and beyond to test their skills in the ring. The event, sanctioned by the International Kickboxing Federation (IKF), was a spectacle of discipline and heart. Behind the scenes, fighters prepared meticulously, their focus unshaken. The venue buzzed with activity — massage therapists tended to injuries, spirulina juice stands fueled exhausted athletes, and the crowd’s energy never waned.

José Rafael Hernández from Egida Reyes Gym in León, one of Mexico’s four IKF representatives and a seasoned kru muay (instructor), oversaw the event with authority. With 25 years of experience, he embodies the sport’s deep-rooted respect for technique and tradition. As he watched the matches unfold, he reflected on the growth of Muay Thai in Mexico: “It’s not just about winning; it’s about the journey, the discipline, and the respect for the art.”

The two major highlights of the night were Cristian Lombardo’s victory for the IKF Regional Belt and Paola Estrada facing off against Fernanda Valledo for the woman’s edition of the same honor in a semi-pro fight. Fighters from across Mexico descended on Ak Fit Pro to test their mettle and show a rapturous audience why Mexico is falling in love with Kickboxing. Indeed, the event was so prestigious that training schools from across Mexico — including Tavizon Muay Thai, Contragolpe, Estigio, Hit Back Combat and more — put their fighters into the ring to prove their worth.

Ak Fit Pro: San Miguel’s fighting Mecca

Hosting the championship was Ak Fit Pro, a gym founded by Oscar Delsante, an Italian expat and coach with a lifelong love for fitness. After the pandemic, Delsante brought his vision to San Miguel, starting with outdoor classes before establishing his academy. Today, Ak Fit Pro offers everything from calisthenics to Muay Thai, emphasizing holistic wellness. Delsante observes key differences between Italian and Mexican athletes: Italians lean on structured, scientific training, while Mexicans bring fiery passion and resilience. Yet, he believes blending these strengths could redefine athletic potential.

Since opening in 2024, Ak Fit Pro has welcomed over 70 students, from 7-year-olds to seniors. Beyond physical training, the gym offers nutrition plans, ice baths, and physiotherapy, tailoring programs to individual needs. The gym is a community hub fostering mental and physical well-being. As Gael, a 16-year-old fighter, noted, “Muay Thai teaches respect, camaraderie, and mental fortitude—lessons that extend far beyond the ring.”

Personal stories of triumph

Between matches, fighters shared their stories. Esmeralda, 17, sees Muay Thai as more than a sport — it’s a source of confidence and stress relief. Despite Mexico’s societal biases against women in combat sports, she’s determined to prove strength knows no gender. Her journey is a testament to the transformative power of Muay Thai. Luis Manuel, a youth fighter from León, credits his victory to discipline and perseverance. His story highlights the impact of Muay Thai on young lives, teaching valuable life skills that go beyond the sport itself.

A sport on the rise

Muay Thai’s growth in Mexico is undeniable. From grassroots training camps to international championships, fighters like Laura Burgos — who clinched bronze at The World Games — inspire a new generation. With federations nurturing young talent and gyms like Ak Fit Pro fostering community, the future of Mexican Muay Thai shines bright. But what role do you think Muay Thai should play in Mexican sports culture? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

For those eager to step into the ring—or simply embrace a healthier lifestyle — Ak Fit Pro awaits. Contact Oscar at 415-111-8898 or visit his Facebook or Instagram pages to begin your journey. The story of Muay Thai in Mexico is still being written, one fight at a time. And if the passion in San Miguel is any indication, the best is yet to come.

What do you think makes Muay Thai so appealing to Mexicans?

María Ruiz is the Director of Digital Marketing at Mexico News Daily. She enjoys photographing her hometown of San Miguel de Allende in her spare time.

The post Why Mexico is falling in love with Muay Thai appeared first on Mexico News Daily

Recently, the two countries collaborated on a piñata in the shape of the Hindu mythological character Ravana, highlighting Indian culture at the hands of Mexican artists.

 

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On Dec. 20, authorities in Acolman, México state — located right outside of the Teotihuacán pyramid complex — unveiled a piñata modeled after the Hindu demon king Ravana.

The piñata was created with the support of the Gurudev Tagore Indian Cultural Center in Mexico City, and the Municipality of Acolman, Mexico. Made by local papier-mâché artisan Alberto Alejandro de la Cruz Morales, the piñata participated in Acolman’s annual International Piñata Festival, which ran from Dec. 19 through Dec. 22.

According to the project’s collaborators, the piñata merges the worldviews of both cultures. In Mexico, breaking the piñata symbolizes overcoming obstacles to earn a reward. Traditionally, the piñata has seven spokes, representing the seven deadly sins, and breaking it symbolizes defeating temptations and the struggle between good and evil.

In contrast, Ravana is a central figure in Hindu mythology, primarily known as the antagonist in the epic Ramayana. This complex character plays a crucial role in Indian culture, representing various aspects of tradition and folklore. Ravana is depicted with 10 heads and 20 arms, demonstrating his power and wisdom.

 

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Taking these characteristics into account, Alejandro de la Cruz Morales created the 1.8-meter-tall piñata featuring Ravana and his 10 heads, each symbolizing a vice to overcome.

Indian Ambassador to Mexico Pankaj Sharma participated in the piñata’s reveal ceremony, along with Abhinaw Raj, director of the Gurudev Tagore Indian Cultural Center, and the artists behind the piñata’s creation.

According to Raj, the piñata project is the fruit of a larger effort by India to promote academic and cultural exchange with Mexico.

Educational programs and Mexico-India exchange opportunities

Raj told the newspaper Crónica that the Embassy of India in Mexico City has implemented several scholarship programs that cover airfare, accommodation and a monthly stipend, enabling Mexican students to pursue undergraduate, master’s or doctoral degrees in India.

In addition, through India’s bilateral assistance program ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation), Mexican professionals and public officials can enroll in short-term courses in India in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, technology, education and culture.

Officially launched on Sept. 15, 1964, this India-led program extends to residents of 158 countries and has invested more than US $2 billion in training professionals worldwide.

With reports from Crónica

The post Mexican craftsmanship meets Hindu mythology in unique piñata creation appeared first on Mexico News Daily

The history of the Virgin of Guadalupe dates back to Dec. 9, 1531, when according to Catholic tradition, the Virgin Mary first appeared to Juan Diego, a converted Indigenous man, on the hill of Tepeyac.

The apparitions

• First Apparition (December 9): The Virgin asks Juan Diego to request the bishop to build a temple in her honor.
• Second Apparition (December 9): The Virgin insists that Juan Diego return the next day to see the bishop.
• Third Apparition (December 10): The bishop asks for a sign; the Virgin promises to give it the next day.
• Fourth Apparition (December 12): The Virgin sends Juan Diego to collect roses as a sign for the bishop.
• Fifth Apparition (December 12): The Virgin appears to Juan Diego’s sick uncle, healing him.

The miracle of the tilma

When presenting himself to Bishop Fray Juan de Zumárraga, Juan Diego unfolded his tilma (a cloak), letting the roses fall. At that moment, the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe miraculously appeared printed on the ayate (the cloth).

10 interesting (and quirky) facts about the Virgin of Guadalupe

1. Origin of the name: The etymological origin of Guadalupe is a subject of controversy. Some experts suggest it comes from the Arabic “Wad-al-luben” or “Wuad al luben,” meaning “hidden river” or “river of black stones.” Another theory suggests a combination of Arabic and Latin: “Wad” (river) + “lupus” (wolf), resulting in “river of wolves.” Finally, a third theory indicates that the origin of the name is actually Nahuatl, from the word “Coatlaxopeuh,” which sounds similar to “Guadalupe” and means “the one who crushes the serpent.”
2. Details about the mantle: On the mantle of the Virgin, there are 46 stars distributed asymmetrically, reflecting the constellations of the winter sky on Dec. 12, 1531, the day of the apparition. The pupil of the Virgin’s eyes has also been studied by many; it reflects the image she sees when she reveals her mantle to Juan Diego and Bishop Fray Juan de Zumárraga, although this topic has been — understandably — controversial among the scientific community.
3. A miracle? Juan Diego’s tilma is a typical cotton garment made with maguey fibers, which was used to cover much of the body during the era. The average lifespan of this material is 20 to 25 years; therefore, it is surprising that almost 500 years later it remains intact despite the adverse conditions it faced for more than 100 years — without any type of protection and exposed to heat from candle flames, wind and humidity.
4. Number of pilgrims: The Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the most visited Marian sanctuaries in the world; it even surpasses the Vatican in terms of pilgrims, attracting more than 11 million Guadalupans annually.
5. Followers of Guadalupe: Some internationally recognized public figures are faithful to Guadalupe. An example is former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Christopher Landau, who previously shared on his X account that he believes the Virgin of Guadalupe granted him the miracle of becoming an ambassador in Mexico. Other personalities include famous guitarist Carlos Santana, Saint John Paul II, actor and tenor José Mojica, among others.

   

6. A devotion that crosses borders: Guadalupan devotion has spread throughout the world. In places like St. Peter’s Basilica in Italy, Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City and Santa María Basilica in Seville, we can find altars dedicated to the Virgin.
7. Three churches: After the fifth apparition in 1531, the bishop ordered a small temple to be built on Tepeyac Hill. Later, in 1695, architect Pedro de Arrieta constructed the old basilica. Due to the instability of the ground and the frequency of earthquakes in Mexico City, we can see today that this basilica started to lean and sink over time. Because of this, in 1974 architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez built a new basilica with a modern design and greater capacity to accommodate the thousands of pilgrims who visit.
8. A television program: Devotion to the Virgin is so popular today that Televisa created a program titled “La Rosa de Guadalupe” in 2008, which addresses social themes and challenges such as drug addiction, alcoholism and bulimia, among others. Its goal is to convey a positive message and a lesson in each episode.
9. A symbol of freedom: During the Independence movement, Father Miguel Hidalgo took a banner of the Virgin of Guadalupe and used it as an emblem of his struggle.
10. Lupes and Lupitas: In Mexico, the name Guadalupe is very popular among both men and women: José Guadalupe or María Guadalupe. Surely you know many Lupitas or Don Lupes. So now you know, on December 12, hug a Lupita to congratulate her.

With reports from BBC, ADN40 and Gaceta UNAM

María Ruiz is a resident of San Miguel de Allende. She works full-time as an Assistant Editor at Mexico News Daily and enjoys taking photos in her free time.

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San Miguel de Allende is a great example of this, where people of different nationalities and cultures arrive in search of the “Mexican dream” to undertake and create their own success stories. Such is the case of Bety González and Alejandro Valladares, a Mexican-Argentine couple who decided to share a little piece of Argentina with the people of San Miguel.

How it all began

Bety González, a Mexican from Tampico, Tamaulipas, gradually became attracted to Argentine culture. When she saw the opportunity to move to the South American country to study for a master’s degree, she didn’t think twice. An industrial engineer by profession, Bety always had a passion for cooking. The Argentina-born Alejandro Valladares – Ale – is a lover of craft beer and gastronomy. In 2019, destiny joined their paths in Buenos Aires.

Connected by their love for food, they decided to start a business together. Bety was already running Cualli, a gourmet taco business named for a Nahuatl word meaning  “good.” Ale, on the other hand, had his own brand of beer that he was looking to sell. There was no better combination: tacos and craft beer.

Everything was going well… until the pandemic hit. Like so many others, Bety and Ale had to change their plans. They decided to move back to Bety’s home country. Where before Bety had brought Mexican food to Argentina, this time she and Ale were bringing Argentine cuisine to Mexico. 

The couple decided to settle in Querétaro, where they ran their business for nine months without much success. One day, they visited San Miguel de Allende, fell in love with the city and without a second’s hesitation decided to move their business.

Right from the start, their business, called Viento Sur, was welcomed with open arms by both the Mexican and foreign communities. Bety and Ale immediately felt at home because of the kindness of the sanmiguelenses and their interest in trying food from around the world.

The most popular empanadas in town

Viento Sur makes typical Argentine empanadas, with more than a dozen kinds of fillings, from spicy beef to corn (choclo). For Bety and Ale, homemade flavor is very important. To keep them fresh, Bety prepares fillings from scratch every day, as well as discos – the empanada dough.

In Argentina it’s as easy to find empanada discos as it is to find tortillas in Mexico; getting your hands on discos in Mexico, however, is a different story. The pre-made empanada dough sold here isn’t fresh and is full of preservatives. To maintain the quality they’re known for, Bety and Ale decided to make their discos from scratch to keep the quality that identifies them.

In addition to empanadas, Viento Sur sells plates of pasta with an Argentine touch, salads, and alfajores, made with authentic Argentine ingredients.

A perfect duo 

Being spouses and business partners is not easy, but Bety and Ale have learned to maintain a balance between work and marriage. From the beginning, each of them has had their own tasks: Bety prepares the fillings like an authentic Argentine, while Ale is in charge of hand-folding each empanada, as well as administration and delivery service.

Ale says that he’d never made an empanada before opening Viento Sur. One day, watching Bety struggle to fold an empanada, Ale decided to take the initiative; with natural talent and great skill, he folded the pastry as if he’d been doing it all his life. Nowadays, Ale is in charge of stuffing the empanadas with filling and giving them their finishing touches.

Both recognize the difficulties but have enjoyed the process of starting a business together. Every day, they say, they get to know each other a little better and to be the best team.

The next step 

Bety and Ale have many plans for the future. They want to get a bigger place to offer an authentic Argentine experience in San Miguel: Argentine music and decoration and a larger menu with asado and picadas. They also plan to offer a space for cultural exchange, where Mexicans and foreigners can dance, sing and share. 

You can find Bety and Ale at Viento Sur, at Calzada de la Luz 90, in downtown San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato. Reachable on Facebook as Viento Sur Empanadas and by phone at 442 171 5586, they’ll be happy to meet you and maybe even share a mate with you.

Rosario Ruíz writes for Mexico News Daily

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