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

By Natalie Taylor Difficult times can either break or strengthen, and often what rises from adversity is a positive beginning. With the world deeply bruised by WWI, writer Catherine Amy Dawson searched for a way for writers to unite, since nations had failed to do so. “We must talk to one another,” she wrote in her letters addressed to writers everywhere, encouraging them to break the wall of hatred that had been left behind by the war. On October 5, 1921, the PEN Club —the

By Carla Maria Pérez A new year always carries a certain energy. It feels like a fresh stretch of road, open and inviting, encouraging us to imagine what’s possible. But instead of making resolutions we abandon by February, what if we approached the year differently? What if we designed a year that actually feels good to live—one built on consistent movement, nourishing food, meaningful connection, and simple, intentional escapes from routine? These pillars work together. The

By Cathi House At 6,200 feet altitude, the sharp, clear lines of shadows embellish the colorful walls of San Miguel with layers of patterns cast from exquisitely carved stone moldings, ornate lanterns, balconies draped in greenery... Lime-washed colors glow in the sunlight as though they are illuminated from within. San Miguel has a complex mix of centuries of architectural styles, protected by INAH. A National Monument since 1926, and a UNESCO site since 2008, San Miguel’s h

By Natalie Taylor On the corner of Insurgentes and Pepe Llanos, where the buses make a stop, a small stand calls attention to itself with the lovely aroma that emanates from it. At the far edge of Plaza Zaragoza you can buy small bags of freshly fried churros , either plain or rellenos —filled with chocolate or dulce de leche . The stand is attended by Marlene and Carlos , sister and brother, whose grandfather began the business. Jose Remedios Navarro and his wife, María Ele

By Robin Loving What happens when unicorns unite? A creative coupling! Unicorn Judith Jenya was exhibiting her visual art in Guanajuato in 2010 when - during the last hour of the show - Unicorn Mark Johaningsmeir showed up. Thus began their origin story. They swapped stories, then emails, then went to the Cervantino Festival concerts – again and again and again. The final concert of the season was sold out, and then abruptly changed venues. The two volleyed between venues in

By Lisa Babincsak Lately, I find myself reflecting on the most meaningful moments of my life. They weren't filled with material presents. They were moments of true presence and connection. When I look back, it's never the gifts or the price tags that stand out. It's the quiet conversations that lingered long after the candles burned low. The laughter that filled a room without effort. The times someone looked me in the eyes and really saw me—a moment of recognition that felt

By Natalie Taylor Jaime Fernández has been an integral part of San Miguel his entire life. His father, Enrique Fernández was governor of the state of Guanajuato from 1939 to 1943, and his mother, Nell Harris, was born in Arkansas but became a resident of México. The two met and married in Guanajuato City, and this is where Jaime was born. In 1949, Enrique and Nell moved to San Miguel de Allende and purchased the ancestral home of the De la Canal family—the current Instituto A

By Laura Elisa Some words carry a quiet kind of power. They open doors to deeper understanding, revealing how language can connect us in ways we rarely notice. Interpreting is one of those words—a word that hums with life, empathy, and artistry. To interpret is not the same as to translate. Translation lives on the page: deliberate, refined, and patient. Interpreting, on the other hand, happens in the moment. It is the art of listening, speaking, and carrying thought across

By Lisa Babincsak There's a special kind of theater in San Miguel—and it's not at the Angela Peralta. It's in the comments section of your local Facebook group. You know the one. Someone asks a simple question: "Can anyone recommend a plumber?" And within six comments, someone's accusing someone else of being a communist, three people are arguing about ethics, one person's plugging their cousin's business (who lives in León), and someone else jumps in with "Well, I don't nee

By Carlos Ramírez Zago On a city known for its art, architecture, and bohemian spirit, a quiet but determined community trains every week with a goal that goes beyond winning games: to develop people with character, discipline, and purpose. This is the San Miguel Rugby Club , also known as Los Angels de San Miguel , a team that has represented San Miguel de Allende in national tournaments since 2012, but above all has transformed lives. "Rugby changes our lives. What you lear

By Natalie Taylor What happens when you meld classical, contemporary, and Mexican folklore dances? You get a marvelous combination of mellow, ancient movements and sounds, and the crispness of modern motion. The blend of ancestral Mexican dances, the poetry of traditional songs, the colorful attire, and the lithe moves of contemporary dance, combined with contemporary sounds and lights become a dream state turned reality. Ballet Nepantla was born in 2017 in New York, with And

By Mae Hart “Any help is good help,” said Kirsten McCormick, founder of Teen Connect . When she first moved to San Miguel de Allende she noticed how there weren't many activities for teens, so she started a teen meet up group for San Miguel. Kirsten wanted her own kids to have the opportunity to make friends and have engaging activities to look forward to outside of school. Shev has an inspiring story of working with teens by being a choir teacher, voice teacher, and she has

By Doreen Cumberford A few Fridays ago, we went to Don Lupe's for an event. As I sat down Monica said “Your Usual"? She was on her way to place the order before I could answer. It somehow stopped me in my tracks. When did I suddenly become someone with a usual at a country grill in San Miguel? Belonging is peculiar when you've chosen to live far from where you were born. We don't often talk about it directly, it feels too vulnerable, or too complex. But for those of us who've

By Bill Wilson Comrades mine and I in the midst, and their memory ever to keep for the dead I loved so well.”— Walt Whitman It’s that time of the year when here in México there is a cultural collision of celebrations. It also marks the anniversary of our arrival in San Miguel de Allende as full-time residents. And Halloween-an imported holiday often celebrated by expats and some Mexicans- and the solemn and festive celebration- greeted us as we took a stroll around the jardin

By Sanderella Roy San Miguel de Allende hums with an energy that seems to awaken the creative spirit in all who arrive. For many, creativity is not simply an activity but an expression of the soul, an intuitive process that brings both release and growth. We see it in individuals who come here and bloom, discovering new facets of themselves through painting, writing, music, or craft. We see it in the murals and street art splashed with bold colors, and in the lovingly decorat

By Jonathan Lockwood Oskar Vásquez, 42, is a deeply spiritual man. So spiritual that I found myself getting mesmerized by his explanations of tonas and nahuales . This was by far the longest interview I’ve conducted in this Mezcal Spotlight series. But when you’re sitting with someone who speaks of mezcal as a living spirit, intertwined with the same unseen forces that shape our lives, you don’t interrupt. Before you know it, hours slip by unnoticed. Oskar, along with his fa

By Sara Tylosky Young riders from eight countries, including the United States, will gather for the Concours de Dressage International (CDI) World Cup Qualifier at Rancho San Vicente, near Santa Fe, México. This historic competition - the first multi-nation youth CDI in México in 20 years - is bringing a new kind of excitement to the equestrian world through a unique borrowed-horse program, inspired by the Dressage4Kids concept. The initiative allows qualified youth to tr

By Sharon Doherty Most of us can remember a teacher who made a real difference in our lives, someone whose warmth, patience, and sense of humor helped us discover a love of learning. But imagine how much more powerful that connection can be when you are a Deaf child meeting a teacher who is also Deaf, who understands your world and your language completely. Laura is one such teacher. Her story begins when her parents enrolled her at EEESMA School for the Deaf in 2013, at th