By Staff Writer When we began the Atención Book Club, we had no idea how much interest there would be. After all, there are many book clubs in this city—why create another one? Ours is unique because we feature local authors and ensure that they are present at the event. That gives the audience an opportunity to ask direct questions and explore issues that only the writer can answer. We have held four presentations, and they have been remarkably different in genre and content

By Carolyn Studer “Somebody once told me, ‘Don’t worry. Great things happen in small spaces.’” — Papacho Sirdey, jazz pianist and producer After moving to San Miguel de Allende, the only thing I missed was the small, intimate jazz clubs I frequented in Los Angeles—places like the Baked Potato and Charlie O’s, where you could hear exceptional musicians surrounded by people who truly loved listening to jazz. So I was delighted to discover the concert series at Cine Bacco—a 25-s

By John Challis, Board Member, Operísima Mexico Beyond its celebrated visual arts and cultural festivals, San Miguel de Allende has earned a reputation as one of Mexico’s leading opera destinations. The longstanding seasonal contributions of several esteemed opera organizations continue to sustain a vibrant tradition of training programs, concerts, and competitions that attract emerging artists and audiences from around the world. Since beginning its activities in San Miguel

By Frankie Cruz-Aedo Three years ago, Jo Davis decided to create a social media page where foodies could write about and share their passion for all things San Miguel gastronomy. On Tuesday, July 14, Cent'anni Live Eatertainment and Crazy Horse Promotions will host the three-year anniversary celebration of SMA Food Porn. The event will feature two DJs alongside guest chefs Max from 3.6.9. pop kitchen, Chuy from Agavia, Andrés from Amatte/Hacintto, and Toño from Garnache, alon

By Amy G. Rothlin The energy was unmistakable. Walking into Parque Benito Juárez on Sunday during the 5th edition of San Miguel y sus Sabores, it was immediately clear why this festival has become one of the city's most anticipated culinary events. Over three days (June 12–14), more than 35 restaurants, local producers, traditional cooks, and artisans transformed the park into a vibrant celebration of what makes San Miguel's food scene so special. Organized by the Municipal G

Written by Margot E. Sinclair, writer and publicist As Lady Zen’s birthday approaches over the Mother’s Day weekend—on May 9th—a heartfelt tradition will unfold. Each year, she celebrates by hosting a special Mother’s Day concert. This event is not just another performance—it is a deeply personal way to honor her own journey, which began as an orphan, and to give back to the community. This year’s concert carries extraordinary purpose: all proceeds go directly to creating a s

By Frank "Sugar" Hudson May in San Miguel de Allende marks the transition from the dry spring season into the early buildup of summer. It’s one of the warmest months of the year, with increasingly humid conditions and the first signs of the rainy season. The month of May begins with Labor Day, May 1st, which is celebrated with a parade of Union workers. The real celebration begins two day later on May 3rd: Día de La Santa Cruz. Construction workers will show up after attend

Join us as we celebrate outstanding local authors. No signup required, no fees. Just read the book and come meet the author for a lively presentation and book discussion. See you at Casa Nigromante, Umarán #38 on April 28. Catherine Marenghi will talk about Walking With Beth: Conversations With My 100-Year-Old Friend with author Merilyn Simonds. Books are available at Aurora Books, Tesoros Bookstore at the Biblioteca, and online booksellers.

By Carolyn Studer “When oppressed communities sing, they are doing more than making music. They are declaring that the present reality does not get the last word.” — Rev. Dr. Brian Blount For centuries, music has given voice to hope in times of hardship. From spirituals sung in the face of slavery to the improvisational freedom of jazz and the bold, defiant energy of rap, African American music has carried a message of resistance and hope. That tradition will come to San Mig

By Alan Jacobson Last month I wrote about two of San Miguel’s most important performance spaces — the intimate Teatro Santa Ana and the historic Teatro Ángela Peralta — places where actors, musicians, and performers step onto a stage to tell stories. But in April, San Miguel’s most powerful performances don’t happen inside a theatre at all. They happen in the streets. During Semana Santa , the city itself becomes a kind of living stage. Historic plazas , narrow cobblestone

By Catherine Marenghi When you think of places that attract the world’s top writers, you might think of Paris in the 1920s, Dublin, or New York. Or you might recall the famous Algonquin Round Table , a group of literary figures who met daily at the Algonquin Hotel, New York, in the 1920s and 1930s. Also known as the Vicious Circle, the group included Dorothy Parker , George S. Kaufman , and Robert Benchley , as well as occasional members like Noël Coward . Who would imagine t

By Lisa Muhn Climate change is no longer just an environmental concern—it is a growing global security challenge. It has been said that the next wars may be driven not by ideology or territory, but by the consequences of climate change itself. Increasingly described as a “threat multiplier,” climate change intensifies political instability, humanitarian crises, and conflict worldwide. These urgent connections will be explored in a timely public talk presented by i3: ideas tha

By Frank "Sugar" Hudson. Photos by Lander Rodríguez March is a great time to be visiting San Miguel de Allende. The weather is generally mild to warm and dry, with pleasant daytime temperatures and cooler nights, lots of sunshine, and minimal rain — making it a wonderful time to explore the city. Now that you’re here, what is going go in the city in the month of March? Are there festivals and events? Why are there parades and people dancing in the streets?. Let me walk you

By Catherine Marenghi Last month, this column explored the economic and cultural benefits that the San Miguel Writers’ Conference and Literary Festival brings to San Miguel. This month we spotlight four young Mexican writers who got a career boost from the Conference’s Scholarship Program. Each year the Conference invites local educational institutions to nominate talented young people with an interest in writing. These students receive a full scholarship to participate in

By Susan Knight York There is no chef that’s left more of an impact on the culinary profile of San Miguel de Allende than Chef Donnie Masterton of The Restaurant . He has influenced so many people, including young people zwho are working in culinary careers in San Miguel. The level of respect for him runs deep. In the 14 years I’ve been writing about the culinary scene in San Miguel, I’ve learned one thing: it’s hard to miss how many aspiring young cooks have passed through

By Lisa Muhn As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly woven into daily life, urgent questions arise about its impact on society, security, and human values. Will these powerful technologies deepen conflict—or can they be guided toward cooperation and peace? That question will be at the center of an upcoming public talk presented by i 3 : ideas that inform & inspire . A Conversation with Big Thinkers. On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 5:00 pm , i 3 welcomes Branka Pani

By Meryl Truett The past few weeks in San Miguel de Allende have been a happy little whirl of art openings— those golden-hour evenings when the streets feel extra cinematic, the galleries glow like lanterns, and you can’t walk two blocks without running into a familiar face (or a new one holding a plastic cup of vino blanco with a happy story about how they arrived to our unique pueblecito ). I’ve been popping into several shows around town—drifting from courtyard to white wa

By Alan Jacobson On Sunday, January 18 th at 7:00 p.m., JC3/CHESMA will present a special staged reading of The Dumbwaiter , Harold Pinter’s acclaimed one-act play. This darkly comic drama stars two accomplished performers: Fil Formicola and Alan Jacobson , both longtime Actor’s Equity and SAG members bringing decades of experience to this intimate production. The Dumbwaiter is about two hitmen, Ben and Gus, who are waiting in a dingy basement room for their next assignme

By Aundria McMillan Humphrey San Miguel de Allende has long been a haven for thinkers, artists, and those drawn to meaningful conversation. Its blend of heritage, contemporary creativity, and openness to global ideas makes it the ideal home for TEDxCalle Aldama , returning this year under the theme “Symphonies for the Future.” More than an event, it is becoming one of the city’s defining cultural experiences—an intersection where imagination, art, and human insight meet. At

By Karina Álvarez As the high season of English-languagetheatre begins in San Miguel de Allende, Teatro Santa Ana welcomes a dynamic blend of independent producers and long-standing theatre companies who continue to make our stage their artistic home. Over the next three months, these artists—many of whom perform with us regularly—bring creativity, commitment, and passion that enrich the cultural life of residents and visitors alike. We extend heartfelt gratitude to the prod