José alfredo jiménez festival 2025: music and tradition
José Alfredo Jiménez International Festival 2025 in Dolores Hidalgo: music, tradition, and how to get there by road
Each year, the José Alfredo Jiménez International Festival transforms Dolores Hidalgo into the musical heart of Guanajuato. This event honors the life and work of the iconic ranchera singer-songwriter, gathering thousands of visitors who come to sing, remember, and celebrate Mexican heritage. In 2025, the Dolores Hidalgo fair promises an edition full of talent, emotion, and unique cultural activities.
The José Alfredo Jiménez International Festival 2025 is scheduled for late November, a perfect time to enjoy Guanajuato’s festive atmosphere when the streets of this magical town fill with music, flowers, mariachi, and pilgrimages honoring the author of “El Rey,” “Si nos dejan,” and “Caminos de Guanajuato.”
With Hertz México car rental, you can comfortably move around the magical towns of the region, discovering the gastronomy, art, and traditions that make this destination one of the most authentic in Mexico. You can rent a car and start your musical journey.
A tribute to Mexican music and the ranchera spirit
For several days, the Dolores Hidalgo fair offers a diverse schedule combining concerts, serenades, exhibitions, cultural tours, and live tributes. The lyrics and melodies of José Alfredo come to life again through local and international performers who take the main stage and various town plazas.
The 2025 José Alfredo Jiménez International Festival lineup will include renowned artists of the ranchera, mariachi, and regional Mexican genres. The official list has not yet been announced, but it is expected to feature established figures as well as emerging voices that keep José Alfredo’s legacy alive. In past editions, attendees have enjoyed performances by artists such as El Bebeto, Pablo Montero, Edith Márquez, and Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán.
Each night becomes a celebration where families, tourists, and musicians fill the streets with song and tradition. Serenades at the composer’s tomb, tours of the José Alfredo Jiménez House Museum, and ranchera singing contests are essential parts of the festival’s spirit.
What to see and do during the José Alfredo Jiménez International Festival 2025
Beyond the concerts, this event is an opportunity to experience Mexican identity at its finest. The José Alfredo Jiménez Festival in Dolores Hidalgo is known for its popular atmosphere, where singing, traditional food, and artistic expressions blend with a deep sense of national pride.
One of the most anticipated moments is the “Walk of the Singers,” a musical pilgrimage where hundreds of people, guitars in hand, parade through the streets singing the idol’s songs. The procession ends at the municipal cemetery, where José Alfredo rests. The atmosphere becomes magical: mariachis play continuously, and candles illuminate the offerings of fans from all over Mexico.
There are also art exhibitions, food fairs, and local crafts and beverage markets. The main plazas fill with live music and street performances reflecting Guanajuato’s folklore.
How to get to Dolores Hidalgo by car from other cities
Traveling by car to Dolores Hidalgo is one of the most comfortable and recommended ways to enjoy the festival experience. It gives you the freedom to explore the scenic roads of El Bajío and stop in nearby magical towns.
From Mexico City, the distance is about 280 km, taking roughly 4 to 4.5 hours via the Mexico–Querétaro highway, turning toward San Miguel de Allende and then Dolores Hidalgo. With car rental in CDMX, you can enjoy a modern, safe route with several points of interest such as Querétaro and Tequisquiapan, perfect for a mid-journey stop.
If traveling from León, the trip covers about 120 km and takes around 2 hours via Highway 45D. You can also choose car rental in León and explore some of the most beautiful landscapes of El Bajío. Along the way, you’ll find ideal stops to enjoy local cuisine or visit historic haciendas preserving Mexico’s colonial charm.
From San Luis Potosí, the distance to Dolores Hidalgo is about 180 km, with an estimated time of 2.5 hours via Highways 57 and 110. With car rental in San Luis Potosí, you can enjoy a smooth drive through semi-desert landscapes that contrast with the green valleys of El Bajío. You can stop in towns like Santa María del Río, famous for its rebozos, or San Felipe, perfect for tasting local dishes and resting before continuing to the festival.
Where to stay and what to eat in Dolores Hidalgo
During the José Alfredo Jiménez International Festival, the town welcomes a large number of visitors, so booking accommodation in advance is recommended. There are options for every taste: boutique hotels near the historic center, family inns, and cabins on the outskirts, ideal if you’re looking for a quieter stay.
As for gastronomy, don’t miss local specialties like artisanal ice cream, “enchiladas mineras,” Guanajuato-style cecina, and Bajío-style carnitas. The local markets and diners offer an authentic, budget-friendly culinary experience that perfectly matches the festive spirit.
A must-see event for ranchera music lovers
The José Alfredo Jiménez International Festival is much more than a music event: it’s a celebration of Mexican identity, popular poetry, and the roots of a nation that proudly sings its history. By attending this festival, you’ll relive the essence of ranchera music in the very place where its greatest representative was born.
If you love music, culture, and road trips, this festival is the perfect plan for you. Plan your visit in advance, book your car rental with Hertz México, and enjoy the freedom of moving around Dolores Hidalgo and its surroundings during the 2025 José Alfredo Jiménez International Festival.