Bernardo Moreno
The Festival Internacional Cervantino (FIC) takes its name from Miguel de Cervantes, one of the most influential writers ever to emerge from the Iberian Peninsula. From his monumental body of work—most notably the iconic Don Quixote de la Mancha—Cervantes introduced literary innovation, social critique, and deep humanism, leaving a lasting mark on world literature. His legacy continues to inspire writers, artists, and curious readers to this day.
Miguel de Cervantes was born around the time of the discovery of the Americas, and his literary influence on Mexico has been undeniable—indeed, immense. Among his admirers was Enrique Ruelas, a professor at the University of Guanajuato, who in the 1950s began staging Cervantes’ entremeses—eight short theatrical pieces written by the Spanish master. In 1972, Ruelas founded the Coloquio Cervantino, a series of events held between June and September dedicated to the author of Don Quixote.
Mexico’s president at the time, Luis Echeverría—apparently a great admirer of “the Prince of Wits”—became interested in Ruelas’ initiative and proposed transforming it into an international festival. Guanajuato, a city already steeped in devotion to Cervantes’ life and work, was chosen as the festival’s home.
The first Cervantino Festival took place from September 29 to October 28, 1972, featuring performances from 14 countries, including Massenet’s opera Don Quichotte at the Teatro Juárez.
Guanajuato itself is a city sculpted by its mountainous terrain—its tunnels, winding alleys, plazas, stairways, and irregular layout create a setting perfectly suited for the festival’s spirit. Its beautifully preserved colonial architecture offers visitors a journey through time, with cobblestone streets and historic buildings that echo its origins as a silver-mining capital and one of the most important mining centers of the colonial era.
Today, Guanajuato stands out for its authenticity and spirit. It has resisted being transformed into a playground for “high-class tourism” or sanitized exclusivity. The city remains alive, diverse, and open—a place where residents, students, and artists coexist, creating an ever-changing pulse of ideas and cultural expression. Guanajuato belongs to everyone. Its people have not left; they resist, they remain. The city breathes through its diversity and vibrancy.
Within this context, the FIC holds profound meaning. It is an integral part of the city’s identity and, after fifty-three uninterrupted years, a testament to Mexico’s enduring commitment to cultural exchange and global dialogue.
The 53rd edition will take place from October 10 to 26, 2025, with the United Kingdom and the state of Veracruz as guests of honor. Both will share their cultural heritage through a range of artistic disciplines—music, literature, dance, theater, and more—across exhibitions, concerts, plays, workshops, lectures, and film screenings throughout Guanajuato’s plazas, theaters, and parks.
Among the festival’s highlights:
- Bagatelles de John Zorn by Sam Eastmond (jazz concert, October 11, Explanada de la Alhóndiga de Granaditas)
- Kaoru Watanabe and Bloodlines Interwoven (jazz concert, October 12, Teatro Juárez)
- Sun Ra Arkestra (jazz concert, October 25, Explanada de la Alhóndiga de Granaditas)
- Circle of Live by Sebastian Mullaert (electronic music session, October 12, Explanada de la Alhóndiga de Granaditas)
- Terebrante by Atra Bilis Teatro (October 11–12)
- NeoArctic by Hotel Pro Forma (October 17–18, Auditorio del Estado)
- Elektra by Richard Strauss, performed by the National Opera Company of INBAL.
The Festival Internacional Cervantino is more than an annual event—it is a celebration that transcends borders and brings cultures together.
