Our city was named Best City in the World by Travel + Leisure again, and news broke that a new airport may be on the horizon. These developments add to a surge of international attention and expansion, from another luxury hotel opening its doors soon to major cultural events like the GIFF film festival starting this month.

But as San Miguel continues to grow, so do the questions. How do we preserve the soul of the city we love? What does all this development mean for locals, long-time residents and visitors?

San Miguel was named the World’s Best City, but what do you think makes it truly special?

San Miguel has earned global praise for its iconic architecture, vibrant arts and rich traditions. But as Ricardo Ferro Baeza, president of the local Congress Tourism Commission, put it, what truly sets it apart is its people, the ones who bring it to life.

So now we want to hear from you. Whether you live here full time, visit often, or have been here once:

Tell us what you love most about San Miguel and how you feel about all the international attention the city’s been getting.

Time's up

Your responses may be featured in an upcoming story exploring how the people who know San Miguel best — you, its residents and visitors — feel about the growth and changes shaping the city.

GIFF 2025 brings global cinema to San Miguel

The 28th Guanajuato International Film Festival (GIFF) has returned. Until July 31, San Miguel will shine as a key venue, offering not only screenings but also a tribute to legendary artist Verónica Castro, an undeniable symbol of Mexican pop culture. 

In San Miguel, Castro will receive two major honors: the Women in Film and Television Mexico Award and the silver Más Cine award. After years away from the spotlight, her return promises to deeply move audiences who grew up watching her tenovelas, dramas and comedies.

While the full GIFF 2025 lineup includes over 200 films from 61 countries and events across Guanajuato city, Irapuato and San Miguel, the San Miguel portion stands out for its tributes, open-air screenings and cultural venues like Jardín Principal, Teatro Ángela Peralta and the Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez “El Nigromante.”

For the full schedule of screenings and events, check out the GIFF 2025 program here. 

San Miguel de Allende’s tourism sector expands once again

Tourism in San Miguel de Allende continues its upward trajectory, with new hotel developments and infrastructure projects signaling increased international interest. Notably, the highly anticipated Pueblo Bonito Vantage San Miguel de Allende is set to open on Aug. 15, promising to bring a fresh wave of ultra-luxury hospitality to the city.

Located in the tranquil and strategically developed Distrito Corazón area, Pueblo Bonito Vantage will offer 111 suites and 45 private residences designed in elegant neo-colonial style, blending San Miguel’s historic charm with modern comforts. Guests will be able to enjoy five distinct dining venues ranging from gourmet experiences to casual poolside lounges, as well as an expansive spa and wellness center. Pueblo Bonito’s event spaces will also make it an ideal venue for weddings, conferences and other high-profile gatherings.

Alongside Pueblo Bonito’s arrival, Meliá Hotels International has announced plans to expand into San Miguel by 2028, further confirming the city’s appeal as a destination for luxury and international tourism. Meanwhile, discussions about establishing a regional airport near San Miguel could enhance accessibility, potentially drawing more visitors and boosting the local economy.

San Miguel native rescued from Texas floods

A 19-year-old from San Miguel de Allende has survived the devastating floods in Texas that tragically claimed the lives of his father, stepmother and younger brother. Leonardo Jr., known as “Leo,” was found alive after being swept away by the Guadalupe River last week. He remains hospitalized as he recovers from the traumatic event.

In response, San Miguel de Allende mayor Mauricio Trejo Pureco confirmed that the municipal government has a dedicated support fund for migrants to support families like the Romeros. “Over a year ago, I said San Miguel had a fund to help our migrant brothers and sisters in case of tragedy or deportation,” Trejo stated. “It’s there to help ease the financial burden during already difficult situations like this one.”

The mayor also recently highlighted San Miguel’s broader migrant support initiative. Since the onset of more aggressive U.S. immigration policies, the city has activated a temporary employment program designed to welcome deported residents back with economic opportunity and community reintegration. “Here in your homeland, you are wanted. Here in your homeland, you are needed,” Trejo said. “Here you will find work… where you can bring all the skills or trades you learned in the United States to teach them here.”

One recent example: A deported Sanmiguelense received municipal funding to start a carpentry business and now plans to run a skills workshop for local youth.

Heavy rains trigger controlled release at Allende dam

In response to the season’s heavy rains, authorities began a controlled release from the Presa Allende dam on July 17 at 5 p.m., discharging water at a rate of 50 cubic meters per second after the reservoir reached over 93% capacity. This is a stark contrast to the same time last year, when the dam sat at 30%. Officials have issued flood alerts across San Miguel de Allende and nine other municipalities, asking residents to stay alert and avoid rivers. 

The Presa Allende is a vital resource for San Miguel de Allende, supplying much of the city’s water for homes, agriculture and businesses. It also helps regulate river flow to reduce flood risks during heavy rains and supports local ecosystems. Because of its central role, changes in the dam’s water levels have a direct impact on the community’s water security, economy and safety.

Did you know?

San Miguel de Allende is the current setting for “Leche Roja” (Red Milk) a poetic and experimental vampire mini-series based on the story of Eva, a 300-year-old vampire. Structured as a trilogy of short episodes, the first has already been filmed, while the second — set in San Miguel — draws on the city’s cinematic allure, from its cobblestone streets to its dramatic architecture. The final episode is planned for filming in Morelia, Michoacán.

So far, there’s no official word on which platform will distribute “Leche Roja.” The creators plan to debut it on the festival circuit before exploring online release options.

Mexico News Daily

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SMA again eyes World’s Best Small City title

San Miguel de Allende continues to shine on the global stage as a finalist for the 2025 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, competing once more for the title of Best City in the World. The city last won this prestigious honor in 2024. 

San Miguel is also distinguished by multiple accolades from Condé Nast Traveler, including being named the No. 1 Small City in the World in years 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022. Additionally, San Miguel was named the Best Wedding Destination in Mexico earlier this year by Mexican magazine, México Desconocido, further cementing its status as a top choice for travelers worldwide.

San Miguel is one of two final cities in the running. Results are expected in the coming days. 

FASMA 2025 brings 2 weeks of arts and culture 

From August 1 to 17, the Festival of the Arts San Miguel de Allende (FASMA) returns for its third edition, bringing more than 100 events featuring opera, jazz, ballet, and visual arts to venues across the city. 

Festival highlights include concerts at the historic Angela Peralta Theatre, such as a Cuban jazz evening with 13-time Grammy winner Chuchito Valdés and prize-winning classical pianist Gile Bae. Casa Europa will host events like The Eight Seasons by violinist Adolfo Alejos and a Lyric Gala by Operísima México, while Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez “El Nigromante” will present a retrospective of Leonard Brooks’ collage work. An exhibit of paintings by Enrique Guillén Sáenz also opens at Fábrica La Aurora during the festival.

Running alongside the festival is “The Diary of Anne Frank: Notes of Hope,” now open at Casa de la Cultura, offering an immersive exhibit with replicas of Anne’s personal belongings.

Festival president Eduardo Adame Goddard says FASMA was born from a desire to unify the city’s diverse artistic offerings into one annual celebration.

“We realized we didn’t have a festival that brought all the arts together. FASMA is a celebration of the fine arts and a way to give even more relevance to the city’s cultural life.”

FASMA brings together 25 of the city’s leading cultural organizations, from the Biblioteca Pública and the Opera of San Miguel to the San Miguel Writers’ Conference and many others representing the city’s diverse artistic community.

San Miguel gears up for month-long Pride celebrations

COSMA (Colectivo Orgullo San Miguel de Allende) has announced the return of its LGBTQ+ Pride March, set for Friday, July 12 at 4 p.m. The march will begin at Parque Juárez and conclude in the Jardín Principal, anchoring a monthlong series of events centered on visibility, inclusion, and structural change.

This year’s march is both a celebration and a call to action in a state that continues to face barriers to equality for LGBTQ+ individuals. 

“Visibility is not enough if it isn’t accompanied by guarantees,” COSMA emphasized in a statement. “Our fight is not for symbolic inclusion but for structural justice. We thank our sponsors and allies. All people are welcome to march, regardless of their gender identity or expression.”

Rafael Cabrera, cofounder of COSMA, added that this year’s march will highlight demands for structural reforms supporting LGBTQ+ rights in San Miguel. Key issues include ending oppression in public spaces, securing proper funding for the city’s diversity office and promoting ongoing sensitivity training for public officials.

City government to raise bus fares

After 13 years without changes, San Miguel de Allende’s municipal government has approved a public transportation fare increase from 8 pesos to 10 pesos (about US $0.50). The previous 8-peso fare had been the lowest in the entire state of Guanajuato, according to Mayor Mauricio Trejo.

The decision comes after weeks of negotiations between the mayor’s office and transportation operators, who had initially proposed raising the fare by as much as 7 pesos, with some reports speculating a jump as high as 18 pesos. 

As part of the process, the mayor emphasized that although transportation operators have the right to request a fare adjustment, citizens also have the right to demand improved service. Among the conditions being discussed are a cleaner, more professional appearance for drivers and the removal of tinted windows. 

The fare will remain discounted at 50% for students and seniors. Before taking effect, the increase will undergo a feasibility study and must be approved by the city council.

SMA strengthens public safety measures 

Local officials are stepping up prevention efforts in response to shifting crime patterns in the region. Mayor Mauricio Trejo acknowledged the increasing pressure on the city as organized crime groups move north within the state.

“The worst thing a mayor can do is deny a problem. San Miguel de Allende is not an unsafe city, but there’s pressure coming from all sides, and it’s taking a lot of work to keep it secure,” Trejo said.

He added that the issue is not exclusive to San Miguel but rather the result of being surrounded by some of the most insecure municipalities in the country.

In response, the city has doubled the capacity of its C4 surveillance center (now the most advanced in the state), which coordinates emergency response and monitors activity across the city. Officials have also invested in better-equipped patrol units and expanded police training. 

San Miguel is hosting a state-level coordination meeting this week, bringing together security leaders from across Guanajuato, including the National Guard (GN) and state officials. This meeting will address the issue of criminal group migration. 

Did you know?

Ignacio Ramírez Calzada, known as “El Nigromante” (the necromancer), was born in San Miguel de Allende in 1818. A fierce defender of human rights, secular education and free speech, his legacy remains strong in the city through the Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez “El Nigromante.” Last month, San Miguel honored his 207th birthday with a ceremony at the Jardín Principal and a tribute at his historic home, celebrating his lasting influence on Mexico’s values and culture.

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On a friend’s recommendation, I visited Canteras Querétaro — one of over 300 local workshops — and quickly saw what set it apart: Amid the dust and towering sculptures of archangels, columns and fountains, I met Hugo Uribe, a young engineer, entrepreneur and sculptor blending tradition with technology. 

Like the cantera, or quarry stone, his team shapes, Hugo’s story is built on resilience, history and a drive to innovate.

This is the third installment of Hecho en México, a series celebrating the people behind Mexico’s vibrant creative traditions. From weavers and painters to entrepreneurial stoneworkers like Hugo, we explore the traditions, challenges and triumphs that drive Mexico’s artisans to share their talent while preserving Mexico’s rich artistic heritage.

From engineer to artisan entrepreneur

From an early age, Hugo was destined to build more than stone sculptures. 

While his father and uncle carved cantera in Toluca, young Hugo played at being a businessman. In his uncle’s workshop, he’d collect payments from real customers and pretend to invest the money, dreaming up profits and growth just for fun.

Childhood games evolved into a more technical path when, in college, he chose to study metrology, the engineering science of measurement. After graduation, he landed a well-paying job at Stellantis, one of the world’s largest automakers.

“I didn’t know what I wanted,” Hugo admitted. “I was always good at math and physics, and I just knew I wanted something challenging. Easy things put me to sleep.”

Though short on experience, he earned a leadership role in the corporate world by promising discipline, responsibility and honesty. But the so-called dream job didn’t satisfy his entrepreneurial spirit.

“I kept thinking, I have so many projects, so many dreams. I wanted to help my mom, my dad. It was a good salary, enough for me, but not enough to help others. I’ve always loved helping people, even since kindergarten.”

Hugo ended up staying at Stellantis for five years. Meanwhile, his parents moved back to his hometown of Escolásticas, a village of 3,000 where, since the 1950s, residents have mastered the art of cantera sculpting at every stage — from quarrying locally to carving to finishing. With over 60% of the population working in the artisan trade, driving into Escolásticas feels like stepping into an open-air sculpture museum. 

Hugo learned the craft of cantera from his father and uncle, sanding and polishing stone by the time he was six. The work was in his blood, and he pursued it as a hobby, even during his corporate years. 

“When I work with cantera, I never feel the passing of time. I love sculpting, but I love business more — meeting people, building relationships. That’s what drives me.”

Hugo followed his entrepreneurial calling and built a side hustle, selling cantera online on behalf of workshops in Escolásticas. Many of his deals were done in the middle of the night as sleepless customers browsed his products.

“My dreams kept me awake,” he said. “I’d spend hours running numbers, testing ideas. At first, I kept it quiet. I didn’t want people to think I was doing it just because of my dad.”

But the business grew. He tested workshops by giving the same order to four and comparing their quality, reliability and timelines. He narrowed it down to a few he could trust and began placing consistent orders.

In 2020, when the pandemic hit and he was offered a severance package from Stellantis, the choice was clear: It was time to go all in.

Hugo’s family studio is located in his hometown of Escolásticas, a village in Querétaro known as “The Land of Cantera” due to the high number of cantera studios there.

Blending tradition with technology

Taking a bold leap of faith, Hugo founded Canteras Querétaro, now one of the region’s most respected workshops. At first, he partnered with local sculptors while he managed sales and marketing. But as the business grew, misaligned visions caused those early partnerships to dissolve.

So he turned to the two people he trusted most: his brother José, a systems engineer with a sharp eye for automation, and his father, a master craftsman with decades of cantera experience. Together, they built something unique: a family-run workshop blending tradition with innovation.

As demand surged during the pandemic, especially with more people investing in home renovations, the team needed to adapt.

“There was little workforce, sales were high and our processes were too slow,” Hugo explained. “And the truth is, fewer people want to do this kind of work.”

Curious about CNC (computer-controlled cutting) technology, Hugo heard about a new machine arriving from China. When the owner wouldn’t let him use it, Hugo offered to fix a problem with the machine, something even expert technicians from Monterrey couldn’t solve. 

“‘I’ll solve it,’ I told the owner,” he said. “He was skeptical, but for me, there was never such a thing as an obstacle. If you don’t take the leap, you don’t learn.”

So he and José got to work, studying manuals and  rewriting code. Through trial and error, they finally got it running. Impressed, the owner let them use it — and asked Hugo to train his team.

That experience sparked a bigger idea: With some of his severance pay, Hugo traveled to Guadalajara and ordered two CNC machines, despite only having enough money for one.

“We’ll figure it out,” he told his brother. 

They sold two more machines for the manufacturer, used the commission toward their own, and secured a loan for the rest that they owed the manufacturer.

Today, those machines are essential tools in their workshop, alongside newer additions like 3-D printers and digital modeling — thanks to José’s tech expertise. But, as Hugo says, the soul of the work is still human.

“CNC can take a design maybe 40–60% of the way,” he explained. “The rest is craftsmanship — polishing, finishing, adding the detail that gives a piece life.”

For example, they’re currently producing a five-meter mural of galloping horses and a series of San Miguel Arcángel (St. Michael) sculptures. The machines handle the initial form, but it’s human hands (often his father’s) that complete the artistry.

“I’m convinced we shouldn’t lose the tradition of handcrafting,” Hugo told me. “It’s something beautiful, it’s art. But if you want to grow and survive, you simply can’t do everything by hand.”

The team’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Canteras Querétaro is currently bidding on a luxury hotel project in Mexico City, poised to be one of the most exclusive in the country.

The team has also earned top honors at local and regional competitions, including a recent cantera sculpture contest that brought together workshops from across the state. Hugo submitted a personal piece he carved in his spare time — a woman that symbolized freedom and abundance, qualities he sees reflected in his craft and his life.

But for Hugo, these milestones are just the beginning. His next big goal is to expand the workshop’s reach by opening dedicated cantera supply stores in Mexico and abroad, spaces that offer not only carved pieces but also raw stone, tools and materials like sealants and moldings.

“Sourcing cantera can be slow and fragmented,” he explained. “If someone urgently needs a specific molding for a construction project, I want them to be able to walk into a store and find it ready to go.” 

Beyond business, Hugo is committed to creating opportunity. Canteras Querétaro partners with Jóvenes Construyendo el Futuro, a government program that connects unemployed youth (ages 18-29) with yearlong apprenticeships and paid training.

Hugo also mentors many of the young people who come through the workshop, sharing not just technique, but life lessons. He speaks openly about living free of addictions, a challenge that affects many in the region, and emphasizes the importance of knowing what you want. 

“If you don’t know what you want in life, life will give you whatever, and you won’t be satisfied or in the right place, with the right people, doing what truly matters.” 

His advice: Start by asking yourself what you really want.

A legacy in the making

Hugo attributes the success of his business to prioritizing quality, investing more time and money than competitors to perfect details, especially in realistic features like faces. 

On the personal front, Hugo credits his achievements to fearlessness, a willingness to try anything, and, above all, the support of his family. 

He speaks with deep respect for his parents: his father, from whom he learned the value of hard work, and his mother, who championed education. Together, they instilled values that now shape the family business: growth over jealousy, long-term impact over short-term gain.

“We don’t spend just to spend,” he said. “There’s a dream behind it. It’s a seed we planted. Right now, it’s a medium-sized tree, but the more we water it, the more people it will feed and shade. That’s the goal: to grow a team and through that, be able to help others.”

To learn more about Hugo and the work of Canteras Querétaro, visit www.canterasqro.com or reach out to the team directly at +52 442 675 1945.

Hecho en México is a series written by Karla Parra, a Mexican-American writer born and raised in Mexico. While working on her memoir, Karla writes on Substack about home, creativity, and identity. She also works with the team behind the annual San Miguel Writers’ Conference. You can find her on Instagram @karlaexploradora.

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El Charco del Ingenio hosts 2nd Biocultural Plant Fair

On June 21-22, El Charco del Ingenio, San Miguel’s beloved botanical garden and nature preserve, will host the Second Biocultural Fair of Semi‑Desert Plants, a celebration of the region’s resilient native flora. The event is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring workshops, guided tours, live music, and art exhibitions. 

Beyond just a plant sale, this fair is an invitation to “listen to the land and its voices”. Talks and workshops throughout the weekend will cover topics such as designing pollinator-friendly gardens, using native plants for natural pest control, and exploring the agave plant’s deep cultural and ecological significance. A session on native trees will spotlight their critical role in strengthening ecological balance and resilience in the face of climate change.

This event will be an homage to the living knowledge of the land and to the resilient species that flourish in the desert, like huizaches, yellow-flowered fraile plants, cacalosúchiles, and dozens of local succulents. 

California glamor meets Mexican cuisine in the park

San Miguel de Allende’s premier Food & Wine Festival, San Miguel y sus Sabores, returns to Parque Juárez from June 27 to 29, bringing together flavors from across the region. Many of the city’s top local restaurants will offer signature tastings for under 70 pesos, with live music, DJ sets, and a laid-back, open-air setting in the park. 

This year, the festival also becomes a stage for international collaboration. As part of San Miguel’s Sister Cities partnership with Palm Springs, California, a high-level delegation, including Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte, city officials, hospitality leaders, and six College of the Desert culinary students, will travel to San Miguel to participate in the event.

The students will train with San Miguel chefs and receive college credit through a first-of-its-kind culinary and hospitality exchange program in partnership with the Universidad Tecnológica de San Miguel de Allende (UTSMA). In return, UTSMA students will intern alongside visiting Palm Springs chefs at local restaurants, culminating in a collaborative culinary showcase.

This exchange builds on a growing partnership: earlier this year, Palm Springs hosted San Miguel de Allende chefs during the Palm Springs International Food & Wine Festival. That collaboration sparked a spirit of exchange, and this summer, the cross-cultural learning deepens as the U.S. contingent travels south. 

With free entry, affordable tastings, and cultural activities, San Miguel y sus Sabores offers a delicious way to celebrate local flavors, and, this summer, global friendships as well. 

Preserving San Miguel’s 125-Year-Old Clock 

Perhaps you’ve noticed the jardín principal (the main plaza) is quieter than usual. That’s because San Miguel de Allende’s iconic clock tower is paused for restoration.

Installed in 1900, this cherished timepiece has kept time for 125 years. Its manual mechanism requires winding every eight days and careful maintenance every three years. The bells, tuned to “Re” on the hour and “Sol-La” on the quarter-hour, have become part of the city’s rhythm.

To preserve it for future generations, the local government has launched a restoration project, with clockmaker Daniel Vázquez (who inherited the role from his father, Raúl Vázquez), overseeing the work. During this rare month-long pause, the clock has fallen silent, offering a chance to reflect on its deeper meaning, according to city mayor, Mauricio Trejo: “This clock not only gives the time; it gives identity, history, and community.”

Bus fare increases in San Miguel under discussion

Bus riders in San Miguel may soon see a fare increase, the first in thirteen years. While transportation operators (concesionarios) have proposed raising the fare by up to 5 pesos more (from the current 8 peso fare). Reports have circulated about a possible jump to 18 pesos. Mayor Mauricio Trejo Pureco has firmly denied an 18 peso figure, saying any increase would be very minor.  

A fare increase may be in store, nonetheless, with the mayor advocating for bus users and insisting that any increase be tied to tangible service improvements. These include eliminating window tinting and spoilers, standardizing the color of all vehicles, requiring drivers to wear uniforms and maintain a clean appearance, and banning music with lyrics that glorify crime to ensure a safer and more respectful ride.

A final agreement is expected this month.

San Miguel de Allende inspires Mexican Actor Diego Boneta’s debut novel 

San Miguel de Allende plays a central role in The Undoing of Alejandro Velasco (La perdición de Alejandro Velasco), the debut novel by Diego Boneta, a Mexican actor best known for portraying iconic Mexican singer Luis Miguel, in Netflix’s biopic. Set against the city’s historic and artistic backdrop, the psychological thriller explores themes of privilege, rivalry, and long-buried secrets within Mexico’s elite, steering away from the narco narratives that often dominate portrayals of the country.

In choosing San Miguel, Boneta described it as “the Florence of Mexico”, adding, “I really wanted it [the book] to feel like it came from my heart. So I had to write about things I’m truly passionate about, and San Miguel is one of them,” he said. “It’s truly a magical town.”

The story follows Julian Villareal as he navigates the aftermath of his tennis rival’s death and uncovers the secrets of the wealthy Velasco family. The novel, released May 1, 2025, is available in both English and Spanish, with Boneta narrating the audiobook versions. A TV adaptation is already in development with Amazon Studios, and Boneta will star as Julian.

Karla Parra is a Mexican-American writer based in San Miguel de Allende. She writes the MND series Hecho en México, authors Coloring Across Lines on Substack and helps organize the annual San Miguel Writers’ Conference. You can find her on Instagram as @karlaexploradora. 

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Día de los Locos Returns June 15 with colorful traditions

Prepare for San Miguel de Allende to be transformed by joy, mischief and costumes.

This year, the beloved parade honoring San Antonio de Padua takes place on Saturday, June 15, at 10 a.m.

Known locally as the “Convite de Locos”, which roughly means “Parade of the Crazies”, this San Miguel festival is a playful, lively procession where participants wear imaginative, colorful costumes ranging from clowns, devils and animals to politicians and everyday items like mops.

The tradition dates back to the dances held by gardeners in honor of Isidore the Laborer, the patron saint of farmers, and Paschal Baylón, patron of cooks. During these celebrations, they’d distribute the fruit of their orchards, an act that explains today’s handing out of candies. Originally, dancers would wear scarecrow costumes to surprise onlookers but by the 19th century, the costumes evolved into clowns and masks. These locos take part in many festivities, with the Convite de Locos in honor of San Antonio de Padua becoming one of the most important, a joyful expression of cultural identity, community, and creativity. 

The procession will begin at the historic Church of San Antonio and travel through the streets of Zacateros, Hernández Macías, Insurgentes, Aparicio, Núñez and San Francisco before culminating at the Jardín Allende. Arrive early, bring a chair, stay hydrated and don’t be surprised if a few lollipops rain down on you!

International Book Fair returns in early June

San Miguel is hosting its second Feria Internacional del Libro, a week-long celebration of literature and community. You can attend this free, family-friendly event from June 2 to 8, at the Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez. 

The fair will feature 23 book-selling booths showcasing a range of editorial offerings for all tastes and ages. Authors and readers will get to meet and greet, teen writers can narrate their own stories, and children can participate in interactive activities that nurture their love of reading. As organizers explained, the goal is for every participant to connect with new voices, amplify perspectives, and expand their reading universe. 

Sponsored by the National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature (INBAL) and the municipal government of San Miguel, this event promises to delight bibliophiles and casual readers alike. 

Concerns over timely completion of Bulevar La Libertad

The ambitious modernization of Bulevar La Libertad, a 30.5-kilometer road connecting Dolores Hidalgo with San Miguel de Allende, is reportedly about 71% complete. Officials recently toured the site, highlighting progress in the concrete paving on both sides of the road, with 1.6 km still to be completed under the current construction contract. Guanajuato’s Secretary of Public Works, Juan Pablo Pérez, emphasized the project’s complexity, citing over eight kilometers of retaining walls, pedestrian bridges and ongoing topographic and hydraulic work.

Despite the advances, Morena deputy Luis Ricardo Ferro Baeza warned that the latest July 31 completion date — a ten-month extension from the original timeline — may be too optimistic. Key elements, like lighting, signage and bike lanes are still pending. Ferro stressed the boulevard’s importance to tourism and mobility, noting that local businesses have also been negatively impacted during construction, with several closing along the route.

One major complication is a land dispute with the community of La Cieneguita, which led to the removal of nearly three kilometers of road as part of the project. That section, Deputy Ferro explained, will likely never be fully completed as originally designed. Still, the project promises to bring much-needed improvements to enhance urban mobility and safety on this important route. 

San Miguel student ranks top 3 globally in math contest

 

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Sebastián Bustamante Cano, a nine-year-old third-grade student at San Miguel’s Instituto Latinoamericano Bilingüe, has achieved international recognition by securing third place in the Mathematics Challenge of the Mexican Association of Schools (AMCO) Summit 2025. The May 24 event, held in Guadalajara, brought together over 11,000 students from more than 12 countries, challenging participants in mental calculation and problem-solving skills under tight time constraints. 

Sebastián stood out for his exceptional speed and precision, advancing through five hours and eight rounds among 60 finalists in his category. His outstanding performance not only earned him a spot among the top three but also placed Mexico in the international education spotlight.

Cleviá Hotel opens in San Miguel, blending luxury with local art and legend

Last April, San Miguel de Allende’s hospitality scene welcomed Cleviá San Miguel, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection and the city’s first-ever Marriott hotel. Located on Josefina Orozco, this boutique hotel offers 74 rooms and 42 residences, all centered around a picturesque courtyard with a mirror-like pool. 

Cleviá opened its doors with a focus on art, culture and community. An on-site gallery showcases works by local and national artists, and guests can dine at Ayolí, the hotel’s signature restaurant led by acclaimed Chef Eduardo Osuna. Diners can expect traditional Mexican fare with a “cosmopolitan twist” reflective of Mexico’s rich culture and complexity. 

One of the hotel’s standout touches is the Jardín de los Olivos, where guests receive a decorative brass key to personalize and hang on olive trees to commemorate their stay. Guests can also write down their discoveries of San Miguel alongside their keys, such as new traditions they experienced, or the beauty of the sunset from the hotel’s rooftop. 

“As we open our doors, we are not just bringing a new hotel to the city,” said Brian King, President of Marriott International’s Caribbean and Latin America region, “we are embracing the opportunity to become part of this extraordinary community, creating meaningful connections and unforgettable experiences for travelers and locals alike.” 

Karla Parra is a Mexican-American writer based in San Miguel de Allende. She writes the MND series Hecho en México, authors Coloring Across Lines on Substack and helps organize the annual San Miguel Writers’ Conference. You can find her on Instagram as @karlaexploradora. 

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

I arrive unannounced, eager to meet this woman in her seventies who creates ceramic bowls entirely by hand, keeping alive a tradition passed from her grandfather to her father and now solely rests with her. 

This is the second installment of Hecho en México, a series that celebrates the humans behind Mexico’s vibrant creative landscape. From weavers and painters to potters like Valdez, we explore the traditions, challenges and triumphs that drive potters like her and the rest of the nation’s artisans — weavers, painters, silversmiths and more — to share their talent while preserving Mexico’s rich artistic heritage.

On a sunny Sunday afternoon, I ride with my friends, Mary and Joe Molinaro, the latter a ceramics artist, to visit Valdez, who lives on a modest ranch with red-brick structures sprinkled among the pines and cacti. 

Since Valdez doesn’t have a cell phone, Mary and Joe call out to her when we arrive. She soon appears from behind her workshop, a space her grandfather built — where he and Valdez’s father also shaped ceramic bowls by hand.

Her eyes light up when she sees the Molinaros; they’ve brought carnitas and fresh clay, part of their weekend ritual to support her craft. I introduce myself in Spanish, and, with a timid smile, Valdez invites me inside her workshop to share her story. 

“My father used to hand us a little ball of lodo [mud] and say, ‘Get to work,’” she recalls, her voice soft. “That’s how we started when we were kids.” 

It was her father, Esteban Valdez, a master potter, who taught Nicanora to mold clay as a child. Having learned from his father, Toribio, Esteban would gather clay from a nearby riverbed and transform it into simple bowls painted with animals, plants and Mexican historic figures like El Pípila.

Esteban wasn’t alone in his workshop. His wife Viviana, Nicanora’s mother, was his partner in life and craft. She helped with tasks like preparing the clay and packaging bowls for sale. 

At first, the bowls were only sold locally, in markets and town fairs in the municipalities of Comonfort and San Miguel de Allende. But over time, Esteban’s pieces gained widespread recognition, finding their way into private collections and galleries, including the Museo Indígena in Mexico City. 

Though Esteban had hoped that more of his nine children would learn his skill, only Nicanora showed interest. She learned to shape bowls and often joined her parents on pottery-selling trips. When one of Esteban’s pieces was inducted into a museum in the city of Guanajuato, Nicanora was there to witness the moment.

“It felt so special to see both my parents recognized,” she says with a tone of nostalgia. “By then, my mom was already sick, and just seeing them get called up to receive the diploma… I think I almost cried.”

Not long after that ceremony, Valdez lost both of her parents, first her mother, then her father, who was in his mid-’80s. The grief that followed was profound, and in that quiet, she stepped away from her family’s pottery legacy. 

It would be five years before Valdez would touch clay again.

A serendipitous meeting 

In 2024, a stranger knocked on Valdez’s door, looking for her father. 

“The man said he’d seen a piece my father made and wanted to meet him,” she says, recounting how she returned to make pottery. “But I had to tell him, ‘That’s not possible. My father passed away years ago.’”

Disappointed, the man asked if she had any of her father’s work left — she didn’t — and if she worked with clay herself. She explained that it had been years since she had last made anything and that she no longer had access to the kind of fine, clean dirt her father had once used to make clay for his pottery, dirt she described as “como harina,” or like flour.

The man offered to introduce her to Joe Molinaro, a U.S. ceramic artist living in San Miguel de Allende.

“That’s how it all started,” Valdez says, her eyes crinkling into a smile. “One day, the man’s friend showed up at my house with good clay, and now he and his wife… We’ve become good friends.”

She glances toward the workshop’s outside yard, where the Molinaros stroll through her garden, chatting with Valdez’s sister, who has stopped by to say hello. 

“Sometimes Joe jokingly says his wife is ‘mucho problema para mi’, and I give Mary a stone to hit him,” she says with a chuckle. “Then we all laugh.”

From clay to finished bowl

A few weeks after my initial meeting with Valdez, I return with Joe and Mary, who bring her pigments for painting and more clay, so she can show me how she makes her bowls. This time, Valdez recognizes and warmly invites me into her pottery workshop, where she immediately gets to work. 

First, she begins with a small ball of clay, much like the ones her father handed her when she was little. She warms the ball in her hands and rolls it out on a large stone in her workshop, the same one her father — and before him, her grandfather — used. 

Next, once the clay is flat, she drapes it over a bowl-shaped mold, carefully cutting any excess with a fine thread. She does it with an expert’s steady focus, holding one end of the thread between her teeth, a technique passed down from her father — except that her father used the hair of a donkey’s tail. 

Once the bowl is trimmed, she uses a second small, flatter ball of clay to smooth the surfaces of the formed bowl, ensuring every curve is just right. Then, she lays it out to dry, first inside her workshop and then under the sun.

Valdez can create about 20 bowls like this over two days. Once they’re dried, she paints them with the pigments Molinaro brings, decorating with similar motifs to her father’s works: representations of animals, plants and everyday Mexican life, such as a man selling paletas (popsicles). She signs each piece with her initials: N.V.

“Así se lo ponía mi papá,” she says proudly, explaining that her father also would mark his bowls by painting his initials.

Since Valdez doesn’t own a kiln to fire her ceramics, Joe takes the greenware — clay objects not yet fired up — to his workshop at home. There, he bisque-fires them and applies a clear glaze, giving the pottery a durable, glossy finish.

Art, aging and everyday life

Valdez keeps her father’s legacy alive one bowl at a time, with the help of Joe, who sells her finished pieces online without taking a cent in commission. The modest income from her pottery is spent on essentials, like beans and the corn she uses to make fresh tortillas.

More than just meeting her daily needs, the income has given her something meaningful: a newfound independence, after years of relying on her family, before she made pottery. 

Life on the ranch is simple. When she’s not working with clay, Valdez enjoys sewing napkins, tending to her flowers and walking around the land that’s been in her family for generations. She never married and doesn’t have children, so she knows her family’s artistic tradition will likely end with her.

As the years go by, her body aches more. Sitting for hours at a time in her workshop is getting harder. Yet, every time she completes a new batch of bowls for Joe to sell on her behalf, Valdez feels something deeper within her that transcends tiredness. 

“It feels like pride — true pride — when I can say, ‘I’m done, it’s ready,” she says of each of her bowls. “It feels good to see something made from the earth and take it to the point where it will now be used in someone’s kitchen.” 

On the way back to San Miguel, as we drive again past the kilns firing up thousands of construction bricks in Pantoja, I feel a quiet hope: that many will discover Nicanora’s pottery online and help preserve her story, just like those who have honored and upheld her father’s art and story before her.

Thank you to Mary and Joe Molinaro, who were instrumental in introducing me to Nicanora and generously sharing their time and knowledge. If you’d like to preserve Nicanora’s history and that of her family’s, you can purchase one of her bowls by contacting Joe directly via e-mail at jmolinaro2009@gmail.com. You can also learn more about Nicanora on the Facebook page he’s created about her work.

Hecho en México is a series written by Karla Parra, a Mexican-American writer born and raised in Mexico. While working on her memoir, Karla writes on Substack about home, creativity, and identity. She also works with the team behind the annual San Miguel Writers’ Conference. You can find her on Instagram @karlaexploradora.

The post The last potter: Nicanora Valdez’s vanishing legacy in clay appeared first on Mexico News Daily

Through Felipe’s story, we debut “Hecho en México,” a new series that goes beyond the craft to celebrate the humans behind Mexico’s vibrant creative landscape. Through personal stories of painters, potters, rug weavers and more, we’ll explore the traditions, challenges and triumphs that drive these creatives to share their talent with the world, while preserving Mexico’s rich artistic heritage. 

A craft rooted in San Miguel tradition

Barely out of elementary school in his native San Miguel, Felipe worked odd construction jobs to help his family. Sensing his son had a different aptitude, his father introduced a teenage Felipe to his good friend Casimiro Amaro, a renowned  80-year-old weaver in the San Miguel community, who first taught him the basics of weaving. 

“The process was very rustic and manual,” Felipe recalls, describing what happens to wool after it’s sheared off sheep — from scouring to combing it to separate the fibers and prepare them for spinning. “There, I learned the foundation of weaving, like how to warp the thread.” 

Throughout his adult life, Felipe moved between workshops and teachers, each challenging his skills and nurturing his love for the art. He learned to make blankets with tassels, the traditional woven garments called cotorinas, short vests and rugs, using the natural color variations of wool and dyes to create designs like maguey agaves. 

Twelve years ago, he felt a calling to launch a business of his own. 

“In a job, it’s always for the boss, and I wanted to stand out, but indecision didn’t help me. I was always a little afraid,” Felipe says, recalling how he felt when he struck out. “But in the end, I’m still here, thank God.”

Over the next nine years, Felipe grew a business out of his home that could sustain his family of 10. He wove on three looms, from 1–3 meters in width. Then, on the fateful night of Dec. 12, 2021 — the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe — everything changed. 

The night of the fire

“We could hear fireworks, the joy of the celebration,” Felipe tells the story, his tone turning somber. “We were about to fall asleep when one of my sons started yelling, ‘Dad, get out, it’s burning!’”

A small shoe factory in the basement of his building had caught fire, forcing over 200 people to evacuate. No lives were lost, but Felipe nearly lost his livelihood. He was forced to leave behind rugs, raw materials and his three looms, not to mention his family’s belongings. 

“Everything went downhill,” Felipe says of that time, his eyes downcast. “We stood there, watching, feeling the heat and the smoke from far away, and we couldn’t do anything.” 

Along with their belongings, the independence Felipe had built for himself and his family vanished, and they were forced to rely on others. An older son took in the family — Felipe, his wife, mother, his two younger kids still living at home, his brother and his brother’s family. A childhood friend and fellow weaver, Luis, stepped in, lending Felipe looms so he could get back to work quickly.

“It’s been hard, but what has helped me the most is patience,” Felipe says, recalling what he’s learned from the experience. “There are times when you feel frustrated, but you have to breathe and count to 10. There’s no point in getting desperate. If you have patience, things will fall into place.” 

New life, new designs

Today, Felipe still works at the house of his friend Luis, who is also his business collaborator. Depending on the project, they’ll often weave together, using a loom that takes up an entire room at 4 meters, or 13 feet wide, a job that requires two people.  

Gradually, Felipe is rebuilding a home for his family in the countryside close to where his older son lives. As it turns out, they’ve welcomed the change of scenery. 

“My wife loves it because the view of the hills is beautiful. It refreshes you,” he says of his new surroundings. “Where we lived before was very small, but here, you’re free, you see other horizons.” 

The new scenery has also breathed new life into Felipe’s work. 

“When I walk in nature, it fills my mind. Cacti, especially, inspire me,” Felipe says, explaining how whenever he sees a striking image in nature, he takes a photo of it and sends it to his son, who then creates a digital version and prints it to his dad’s specifications, for a new rug. 

“I’ve also woven the Parroquia before — the famous San Miguel church — twice,” Felipe shares with a proud smile. “That design takes a long time because I use very fine wool to capture every detail. Some projects take a long time, but they’re worth it.” 

Keeping the legacy alive

With rising material costs and the desire to pursue more profitable careers among younger generations, the number of workshops dedicated to weaving in San Miguel has been declining, according to Felipe. 

“The wool, some people still buy it, but they want to pay too little for it, considering the amount of work that goes into the process,” he says.  

Felipe has tried to preserve the art by teaching his kids how to weave, but they chose different paths — one in construction, another in gardening, for example. 

For six years, Felipe also taught weaving as a volunteer at Ojalá Niños, a nonprofit in San Miguel Viejo that offers after-school classes to children in the arts, music and literacy. He would ride his bicycle for an hour each way, twice a week, trusting that he was making a difference in the lives of future generations. 

As he thinks about retiring in the future, Felipe sees himself running a weaving school in San Miguel one day, for kids, tourists or just people who want to learn to do what he does. 

“For me, teaching was a beautiful experience,” Felipe says, smiling. “When you teach from the heart, giving something of what you know, it feels even better.” 

What’s next for Felipe Juárez 

Felipe displays and sells his work wherever possible, such as in the upcoming Feria Artesanal, happening April 23—27 (from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.) in San Miguel de Allende’s main square. 

In between bigger fairs, Felipe faithfully shows up every Saturday at the Mercado Sano with Librada by his side. There, he displays rugs, blankets, vests and other designs while handing out business cards. He lacks the e-commerce know-how to showcase his products online, but he’d love to learn. 

“What I love the most is weaving, the way that it engages the hands, the eyes, the mind, the feet,” Felipe reflects when asked about his favorite part of the business. “And my biggest priority is that the customer is happy. This, in turn, makes me happy because they are taking a product that I made with my own hands.” 

If you’d like to connect with Felipe and view his work, you can visit his colorful rug-stacked table on Saturdays at Mercado Sano between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. or at the upcoming Feria Artesanal (April 23–27) in the main square — known as the Jardín — in the heart of downtown San Miguel. You can also contact him via WhatsApp at +52 415-101-2075. Felipe welcomes the opportunity to learn e-commerce skills from someone who would like to teach him. He also makes beautiful, commissioned one-of-a-kind designs. Simply send him a photo, and he’ll work with you to bring your vision to life!  

Karla Parra is a Mexican-American writer born and raised in Mexico. While working on her memoir, Karla writes Coloring Across Lines on Substack and works with the team behind the annual San Miguel Writers’ Conference. You can find her on Instagram @karlaexploradora. 

The post Hecho en México: Felipe Juárez, San Miguel weaver appeared first on Mexico News Daily