Festivals & Celebrations
All throughout the year Guanajuato has a lot to offer, these events are sometimes going on simultaneously in concert halls, churches, cathedrals, and event spaces throughout the city. If you can’t make it to Guanajuato in October for the Cervantino Festival, don’t worry. This city lives and breathes events year-round, but especially during the Spring and Summer months. There are also concerts almost every night somewhere or other around the city center. On weekends the city band plays and roving mariachi bands sing for café patrons in the Jardín de la Unión and in the Plaza de la Paz.
If you're looking to have your own party or event, our secure and large property offers everything you'll need to make the perfect celebration. Our Quixote Lounge and the surrounding courtyard is the perfect venue for quinceañeras, anniversaries, birthdays, religious celebrations, and business retreats and your guests don't have to leave the property when the party is over. Don’t miss out on these one-of-a-kind events around Guanajuato or from the enjoyment of our property on your next visit.
*Date varies depending on the year
March 17 - April 2*
Irapuato, Guanajuato
The Irapuato Fair (Strawberry Fair) offers one of the most important agricultural expo’s of the country, where the regional producers exhibit their best harvests. In addition it is simply a treat, for lovers of strawberry. After a walk around the sanctuary of the strawberries, you can attend the cattle expo, and later to the bullfights. This regional fair is held every March on the fairgrounds south of the city. Commercial, industrial, and handicraft exhibits are on display along with a number of cultural, theatrical, and sporting events.
March/April (Thursday before Holy Week)*
Guanajuato, Guanajuato
The Baile de las Flores, a time-honored tradition held each year, features music, young men and women all decked-out in fancy dress, and the exchanging of flowers of all types, sizes, and materials. The next day, the mines are opened up to the public for celebrations and sightseeing and altars to La Virgen de los Dolores (Our Lady of Sorrows) - the patron of miners - are decorated.
April 20, 21, 22*
Guanajuato, Guanajuato
The Medieval Festival Guanajuato was born with the objective of giving a space to all artistic groups and artisans interested in rescuing the medieval culture (that spanned from the fifth to the fifteenth century) and make them known in Mexico. The Medieval Festival Guanajuato is celebrated every year since 2005 in the second week of Easter, having as its current headquarters the Center of the City of Guanajuato.
Last week of April*
Mineral de Pozos, Guanajuato
The Festival was aimed at all those who want to know more about the diversity and richness of Mexican culture, the music of this genre and, at the same time, to know one of the most emblematic and historical places like Mineral de Pozos, a destination that through these events seeks to keep its traditions alive. This party, which has been held for two decades, has the aim of celebrating and strengthening the cultural contribution that this genre has made to Mexican music and traditions.
1st Sunday after June 13th*
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Although this parade is the culmination of the religious celebrations commemorating two saints of the Franciscan order, San Antonio de Padua and San Pascual Ballón, there's nothing pious about it. An "only in San Miguel" event, this parade features music and hundreds of locals decked out in hilarious, "crazy" costumes. The parade begins around 11 AM along the Ancha de San Antonio. Arrive early for better "seating" and come prepared for massive crowds, a blazing sun and the pelting of candy in all directions.
June 30 - July 2*
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
The SMA Food Festival is the largest gastronomic event in San Miguel de Allende, with more than 100 exhibitors including restaurants, artisans, and local producers. This event brings in more than 20 food critics, 3 traditional chefs of the region, and 35 invited chefs of national and international stature, cooking to create the best event. Other entertainment includes live music and guest DJ’s.
The celebrations of San (Saint) Juan kick off during late June and culminate in the Opening of the Presa de la Olla Floodgates on the first Monday of July. Guanajuato locals and visitors alike gather each year to revel in the energetic atmsophere of these popular back-to-back summer festivals. First is the Festival of San Juan during the days leading up to June 24th, the Saint's Feast Day, which is marked by dancing, music, picnics and fireworks. On the first Monday of July, the whole crowd comes back the Presa de la Olla reservoir to celebrate the annual opening of the floodgates. Swimming and diving competitions are the highlights of an aquatic festival, while cultural and artistic festivities as well as picnics take place throughout the park.
Late June - 1st Monday of July*
Guanajuato, Guanajuato
July 21 - July 30 (July/August)*
Guanajuato & San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
The Guanajuato International Film Festival has placed itself as the most important platform for young filmmakers in Latin America. Beginning in 1998 in San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City, GIFF offers an extensive selection of screenings, workshops, conferences and concerts that are free of charge for the audience. It’s also an essential destination for international film industry professionals for a wide variety of networking opportunities.
July 31*
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
The annual festival, also named "The Cave's Day", is in honor of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits- who in turn, played a major role in the building of the city. The festivities, take place around the caves in the nearby Cerro de los Picachos hills west of Bufa, and includes a country fair and festive picnics as well as traditional dances, songs, and prayers.
FESTIVAL INTERNACIONAL DE MUSICA SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE
(SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL)
August 4 - 26*
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Much of the Western Hemisphere converges on San Miguel de Allende in August for its world renowned chamber music festival. Drawing international talent, the festival features performances in many of the city's sacred spaces as well as in the town square. The emerging artist program features work from younger artists and rising stars.
September 8 - 24*
Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato
Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato celebrates year after year, its Fiestas Patrias Dolores Hidalgo, an event that lasts several days and corresponds to its most important popular celebration, in addition to being a special date for all the Mexican population. From September 8 to 24 is when the festival is held, and during this time this location is even more important for the local population for it being the cradle of Mexico's Independence.
September 28*
Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato
This celebration is the commemoration of the historic day when Miguel Hidalgo and his rebel forces overtook the Alhóndiga in the first victory towards Mexican Independence. Enjoy the annual parade honoring the victory as well as the home town hero "El Pípila” as the neighborhood of Santa Rosa enacts the famous battle.
October 11 - 29*
Guanajuato, Guanajuato
The Festival Internacional Cervantino, or International Cervantes Festival as it is otherwise known, takes place annually in Guanajuato, Mexico, celebrating art and culture. This internationally recognized event puts this city on the world stage every year continually increasing its cultural importance. El Cervantino, as it is popularly called, primarily serves to honor the contributions of Miguel de Cervantes to the culture of Mexico, however in recent years it has transformed into more of a commemoration of artists and the art movement as a whole. Taking place during two weeks in October, this is definitely a festival worth experiencing.
November 15 - 19* (November/December)
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato
Far from what is expected in the land of the Mariachi, San Miguel de Allende shows its cosmopolitan side in the annual International Jazz and Blues Festival in November and December. Featuring favorite Latin and traditional Jazz artists, the festival has free and ticketed events, including music workshops.
November 17 - 20*
Leon, Guanajuato
The Festival Iinternational del Globo, is a hot air ballooning event based in the city of León, México. It is currently ranked among the 3 best events of its kind, worldwide and it features over 200 hot air balloons from 23 countries including the United States, Canada, Colombia, Brazil, Spain, Germany, Holland, Belgium, France, Italy, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Sweden, Ukraine, Russia, Lithuania, Japan, etc. Besides witnessing an unparalleled spectacle, they can also enjoy hours of side shows, including world-class concerts, exhibitions, cultural activities and sports, shopping, and a wide selection of local and international cuisine.
