The Festival de la Calaca is one of the most iconic and eagerly anticipated events during Día de Muertos in San Miguel de Allende, a celebration that blends art, tradition, and community participation in a vibrant synergy honoring Mexican customs.
Since its inception in 2012, this festival has become a significant cultural event, attracting thousands of national and international visitors. This year, from November 1 to 4, 2024, the festival promises to be an unforgettable experience, intertwining the past with the present in a unique homage to life and death.
What is the Festival de la Calaca?
The Festival de la Calaca is a celebration held as part of the Día de Muertos, aimed at preserving and promoting Mexican traditions while integrating new forms of art and expression. What sets this festival apart is its ability to merge the traditional with the contemporary, allowing both residents and tourists to experience an enriching cultural event.
Located in San Miguel de Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the festival takes place in an exceptional cultural and architectural setting. From its origins, the festival has been a meeting point where respect for ancient traditions is mixed with a modern vision of art and culture.
How Many Years Has This Tradition Existed?
The Festival de la Calaca has been held annually since 2012, gathering over a decade of traditions and cultural events that have grown in scale and impact. Over the years, it has become a Día de Muertos reference in the Bajío region and across Mexico, drawing increasing crowds each year.
Events and Activities at the Festival de la Calaca 2024
The Festival de la Calaca 2024 will feature a diverse program of events including parades, art exhibitions, altars, concerts, and performances. Here are some of the highlights:
- Altars and Offerings: In public squares and spaces, residents and artists create altars dedicated to their loved ones, decorated with marigold flowers, candles, and food. These altars are a crucial part of the Día de Muertos tradition, and during the festival, you’ll find both traditional and innovative designs.
- Art Exhibitions and Workshops: Local and international artists showcase their works inspired by the themes of death and life after death. There are also workshops where visitors can learn to create their own altars and skulls, encouraging active participation.
- Concerts and Cultural Events: Music and folklore are integral to the Festival de la Calaca, with concerts ranging from mariachi to contemporary music, along with dance and theater performances.
But the most iconic event is The Catrina Parade, a procession where participants dress up and paint their faces as the famous Catrina figures, created by illustrator José Guadalupe Posada in the 19th century and popularized by muralist Diego Rivera. The Catrina symbolizes the festive and elegant representation of death, reminding us that death is an equalizer regardless of social status.
The Parade: A Carnival of Life and Death
During the parade, the streets of San Miguel de Allende are filled with people dressed up in elaborate costumes, with makeup mimicking a skeletal appearance. Both locals and tourists join in, making it a massive, visually stunning event. The cobblestone streets of the historic center and the colonial buildings provide the perfect backdrop for this colorful and meaningful procession.
The Catrina Parade is more than just a simple procession—it is a carnival that celebrates life through a tribute to death. Throughout the route, participants proudly display their detailed costumes and makeup, representing the rich cultural heritage that blends pre-Hispanic rituals with Catholic syncretism. In this context, death is not seen as something somber, but rather as a natural part of the cycle of life, deserving of celebration and honor.
The parade typically starts at the Plaza Cívica and winds through the heart of the historic center, featuring live music, mariachis, and folkloric dances that further enrich the experience. This event showcases the deep respect and admiration Mexicans have for death, representing it as an inseparable part of life and the human cycle.
Location and Times for the Festival de la Calaca 2024
The festival will take place at various points around the historic center of San Miguel de Allende, with main activities at the Jardín Principal, Parque Juárez, and other iconic city sites. These public spaces will come alive during the four-day event.
- Dates: November 1 to 4, 2024.
- Times: Activities start at 10:00 a.m. with altar installations and continue until midnight, with concerts and parades scheduled in the afternoon and evening.
Tourist and Cultural Impact
The Festival de la Calaca not only preserves Mexican traditions but has also positively impacted tourism in San Miguel de Allende. By attracting visitors from around the world, the festival boosts the local economy, positioning the city as a premier cultural destination during Día de Muertos.
Furthermore, the event fosters deep connections between different cultures, all united by a shared reverence for death as an integral part of life. This cultural exchange has generated an inclusive community that celebrates both the traditional and the modern, making the Festival de la Calaca a unique and enriching experience for those who attend.
The Festival de la Calaca 2024 offers an opportunity to experience one of Mexico’s most important celebrations in an unforgettable way. Whether you join the Catrina Parade, explore stunning art exhibitions, or enjoy vibrant musical performances, you’ll be immersed in a vibrant atmosphere filled with tradition, culture, and art.
Don’t miss out on this unique festival in San Miguel de Allende!