Cultural Highlights from San Miguel de Allende| Weddings, Literature & Traditions

San Miguel de Allende, the charming UNESCO World Heritage city in central Mexico, continues to cement its reputation as a top cultural destination in Latin America. The past few months and the upcoming season offer travelers not only architectural beauty and culinary delights, but also a dynamic calendar of events—from high-profile weddings to bilingual literary festivals and age-old traditions that define the city’s soul.

A Celebrity Wedding in a Historic Setting: Sofía Castro and Pablo Bernot

One of the most talked-about events in San Miguel in late 2024 was the elegant wedding of Sofía Castro, daughter of former Mexican First Lady Angélica Rivera and acclaimed television producer José Alberto “El Güero” Castro. Sofía, known for her acting career in Mexican telenovelas and public appearances, married Pablo Bernot, a businessman and hotel executive from Cuernavaca.

The wedding, celebrated in November 2024, took place in the heart of San Miguel’s historic district and featured a picturesque ceremony followed by an exclusive reception. The event gathered an array of Mexican entertainment and political figures, transforming the colonial city into a spotlight of media attention. The couple had been in a relationship since 2019, and their choice of San Miguel underscored the city’s growing allure as a luxury wedding destination.

Festival Literario Bilingüe 2025: Celebrating Cross-Cultural Voices in San Miguel

As reported by News San Miguel, the Festival Literario Bilingüe 2025 was held from February 14 to 16, 2025, at the Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez “El Nigromante” (Bellas Artes) in San Miguel de Allende. This annual literary event continues to stand out as a meaningful space for dialogue and exchange between Spanish- and English-speaking literary communities.

The 2025 edition featured an impressive roster of writers, including Cristina Rivera Garza, an internationally acclaimed Mexican author and MacArthur Fellow, as well as Jazmina Barrera, Verónica Murguía, Pedro Ángel Palou, and Luis Felipe Fabre. Over the course of three days, attendees enjoyed a rich program of book presentations, author talks, panel discussions, and cultural activities.

The festival not only celebrated contemporary literature but also reaffirmed San Miguel’s status as a thriving literary hub in Mexico, drawing visitors and readers from diverse backgrounds to engage in thoughtful conversation and cultural appreciation.

Annual Cultural Celebrations and Traditional Festivities: A Year-Round Heritage Experience

1. Semana Santa (Holy Week) – March or April

One of the most solemn yet visually spectacular events, Holy Week in San Miguel is marked by:

• Religious processions such as “El Santo Entierro” (The Holy Burial) on Good Friday.

• Altars and floral decorations throughout streets and churches.

• The city becomes a living theater of devotion, drawing both pilgrims and cultural tourists. The most important activities are centered around Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel and the Templo de San Juan de Dios

2. Día de los Locos (Day of the Crazies) – June

One of the city's most iconic and exuberant festivals. Held on the Sunday after the Feast of San Antonio de Padua, it features:

• Thousands of costumed dancers and satirical characters.

• Parades that blend pagan traditions with Catholic rituals.

• Music, confetti, and candy thrown to the crowd. This festival originated from religious guilds, but has become a city-wide carnival where humor and absurdity reign.

3. Festival de Música de Cámara (Chamber Music Festival) – Late July or Early August

A prestigious international chamber music festival, founded in 1979. It is hosted in venues like the Angela Peralta Theater and attracts:

• Renowned quartets and soloists from Europe and the Americas.

• Audiences that include locals, tourists, and classical music aficionados. The festival spans one to two weeks, with multiple concerts, masterclasses, and ensemble performances.

4. Fiestas Patrias (Independence Celebrations) – Mid-September

Mexican Independence is passionately celebrated in San Miguel because of its historical role in the independence movement. Highlights include:

• El Grito de Independencia (Cry of Independence) reenacted on September 15 from the main square.

• Fireworks, civic parades, mariachi performances, and street fairs.

• A mix of patriotic fervor and festive entertainment, bringing together locals and visitors.

5. San Miguel Writers’ Conference and Literary Festival – February

Another key literary event, separate from the bilingual festival. It typically takes place in early February, lasting about five days, and features:

• International authors, including award-winning novelists and essayists.

• A rich program of keynote speeches, writing workshops, and literary discussions. It’s particularly popular among expats, aspiring writers, and North American travelers, often blending literary depth with cultural tourism.

References (for further reading and verification):

• Quién Magazine — “Sofía Castro y Pablo Bernot se casan en San Miguel de Allende”, November 2024

• El Sol del Bajío — “Festival Literario Bilingüe regresará a San Miguel en 2025”, March 2025

• Cultura SMA — “Calendario Cultural de San Miguel de Allende: Eventos y Celebraciones Anuales” (accessed March 2025)

• Visit Mexico — “San Miguel de Allende: Cultura, Tradición y Festividades” (official tourism resource)

Want to rediscover the timeless charm of San Miguel de Allende? Dive into our full destination guide: "San Miguel de Allende: A Timeless Jewel of Colonial Romance.”

Curious how others have experienced this city? Read one traveler’s personal journey in "San Miguel de Allende: A City That Finds You.”