Guanajuato City, Guanajuato

Considered after its foundation in the XVI century one of the most important silver-mining center of the country, the city of Guanajuato was declared "Cultural Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO in 1988. The city has witnessed several important passages of the history of the country and today it is recognized as a cultural capital in Mexico.

Regarding its splendorous architecture, churches like San Cayetano, completed in 1786, San Diego or La Compañia are fine examples that represent a pleasure for the sight. The underground streets lead to the main plaza or Garden of the Union which is flanked by admirable buildings, such as Juarez Theater, built in 1903.

Guanajuato is a city to be walked, dozens of squares, fountains, and alleys allow pedestrian to discover the beauty of every corner in the city. Perhaps the most famous alley is the Alley of the Kiss. The legend tells that since this place is so narrow, lovers standing in balconies on each side of the street could kiss each other.

Museums in Guanajuato are numerous. Diego Rivera Museum is housed in a XIX century building where the famous mural painter was born. A great collection of works of this worldly recognized artist can be appreciated here.
Alfredo Duges Museum of Natural History is located on the ground of the University of Guanajuato showing interesting samples of the fauna and flora of the state.

On Pocitos street, the Museum of the People of Guanajuato includes the Olga Costa Auditorium and exhibits murals painted by famous artist Jose Chavez Morado.

Of great importance is the Regional Museum "Alhondiga de Granaditas" due to be the place where the first battle in the War of Independence took place.

Other museums include the Mummy Museum, the former Hacienda San Gabriel, The Mariana Gallery, the Mineralogical Museum, the Art Gallery, and Don Quijote Iconographic Museum.

Undoubtedly, the main event in Guanajuato is the International Cervantino Festival, that takes place yearly in October. It literally turns the city into a stage featuring contemporary, high quality cultural samples of art from different parts of the world.

Recently, the film festival named Expression in Short is held both in Guanajuato and in the city of San Miguel de Allende. It gathers film presentations, workshops, talks, roundtable discussions, and work meetings.

However, these are not the only relevant activities throughout the year. Thus, in March, a Gastronomic Fair is held; a puppet festival occurs in May, and the incredible "Mexico in Balloon" takes place from November 17th to 25th.