Cervantino festival: everything you need to know

The International Cervantino Festival (FIC) is one of the most important cultural events in Latin America and returns for its 52nd edition.

During those days, the city of Guanajuato will become the epicenter of the performing arts, welcoming artists and spectators from all over the world.

From Hertz Mexico we tell you everything you need to know about this incredible festival, so you can plan your visit.

What is the Cervantino International Festival?

As we mentioned, the FIC is an annual celebration of the arts that takes place in the city of Guanajuato. Although it was originally conceived as a local event to commemorate the work of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, the famous author of Don Quixote de la Mancha, the festival has evolved into one of the most important cultural gatherings worldwide.

In this way, FIC is known for its wide and diverse artistic offer with theatrical and musical presentations, art exhibitions and conferences.

In addition, this event has managed to consolidate itself as a platform for the dissemination of culture and artistic exchange between different countries, presenting throughout its editions, the most outstanding creators of the national and international scene.

Where and when is it held?

Every year, for almost three weeks, Guanajuato is transformed into the stage of the International Cervantino Festival. This beautiful colonial city, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, offers an incomparable setting for this event. Its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings and rich history make it the perfect place to enjoy the diverse offerings.

This year, the date of the Cervantino Festival 2024 will be from October 10 to 27 and the city will be full of life, with an intense program that includes first-class shows, workshops, exhibitions and parallel activities.

Some of the venues where the activities will take place are open spaces such as the Esplanade of the Alhóndiga de Granaditas or other closed ones such as the Teatro Juárez. In addition, following the tradition from which the Cervantino was born, artistic activities will take place in public squares such as Los Pastitos, Plaza Mexiamora, Jardín El Cantador and Plaza San Roque.

Guests of Honor 2024

Each edition of the International Cervantino Festival has states and countries as guests of honor. In 2024, Brazil and Oaxaca will be in charge of presenting the best of their culture and art.

Brazil

As guest of honor, Brazil will present a sample of its rich cultural diversity, with a program that includes music, dance, theater and visual arts. You can enjoy performances of samba, capoeira, bossa nova and other Brazilian rhythms, as well as contemporary theater and dance.

Oaxaca

One of Mexico's richest states in terms of culture and traditions, Oaxaca will also play a prominent role in this edition of the festival. Oaxaca's programming will include presentations of traditional music, folkloric dance, visual arts, gastronomy and will open with La Guelaguetza.

Festival Cervantino 2024: program

At FIC you will be able to enjoy the cultural richness, diverse, joyful and interesting, through the 47 shows prepared for this edition.

The program of the International Cervantino Festival is extremely varied and covers a wide range of artistic disciplines. During 17 days you will be able to participate and enjoy more than 3,200 artists from 24 countries, 133 performing arts performances, 25 visual arts exhibitions, 45 academic activities, a virtual cycle, a sports activity and 6 film cycles with 25 screenings.

The idea is for the festival's programming to be diverse and accessible, with a large number of free activities. Although there are shows aimed at specific audiences, such as performances for children or master classes for students and artists, most of the content is designed for the general public, making it a family festival accessible to all.

Among the most outstanding activities you will be able to enjoy at the Festival are:

• Classical and contemporary plays, innovative productions and experimental proposals.
• Classical, contemporary and folkloric dance shows, with the participation of national and international companies.
• Concerts of classical music, jazz, rock, world music and traditional Mexican music.
• Performances of classical and contemporary operas, with first-class casts.
• Book presentations, meetings with writers, literary workshops and public readings.
• Exhibitions of painting, sculpture, photography and video art, as well as art installations in public spaces.

In addition to the main shows, the festival will offer other options, such as workshops, conferences, film screenings and children's events.

How to get to Guanajuato by car?

To enjoy the Festival with the comfort of a car and move freely around the city, an excellent idea is to rent a car. With Hertz Mexico you can do it easily from the website, pick it up in CDMX, Leon or Queretaro and get to Guanajuato quite easily.

From Mexico City: If you choose the car rental in CDMX option, take the Mexico-Queretaro highway and then the Queretaro-Guanajuato highway. The trip takes approximately 5 hours.

From León: The distance is shorter. Take the León-Silao highway and then the Silao-Guanajuato highway. The trip will take you about 1 hour and a half.

From Querétaro: The most direct route is via the Querétaro-Guanajuato highway. The trip takes approximately 2 hours.

Car rental tips

Book in advance: During the festival dates there is usually more demand, so we recommend you book your car category from the web well in advance.

Consider parking: Make sure to book your accommodation with parking or look for public parking options nearby.

Explore the city: Guanajuato is a beautiful city with many historical, gastronomic and cultural offerings. Take advantage of the car to tour the city and visit its surroundings.

As you know, the International Cervantino Festival 2024 is presented as a celebration of cultural diversity and a space for encounters. With a rich and varied program, this event promises to be spectacular. Start organizing your trip and get ready to live an incredible experience at FIC.