By Colleen Sorenson ASfii RUbnck  is a San Miguel artist who truly loves his job at CASA A.C. Center for Adolescents in Santa Julia, where he teaches graffiti art and promotes the projects of the Ranchero Pandillero Program . This program was started in 2018 by artists from different neighborhoods with unique painting styles. The goal is to reduce the rates of violence among young people through art and hip-hop, and a focus on promoting peace between neighborhoods with respec

By Staff Writer Just how does a sculptor get the sculpting bug? There are many avenues that lead to the creation of art in three dimensions, but the most prevalent is undoubtedly the natural progression from making functional pottery to sculpting with clay. Jane  sold her own original tableware designs and pottery successfully all across Canada for twenty-five years. Then, after being inspired by visiting the Mask Museum in San Miguel in 2008, she began creating her first cla

By Doreen Cumberford January in San Miguel delivers us some cool misty mornings and the annual ritual of New Year’s resolutions. But for expats, the concept of cultural goal-setting often misses the mark. Moving to México and learning Spanish is way more than logistics and vocabulary, yes, it's about connection and day-by-day personal growth. We all arrived with eagerness and good intentions. Yes, of course we'll learn Spanish, make local friends, immerse ourselves in Mexican

By Carolina de la Cajiga The day Cris Solís  and her husband arrived in San Miguel as newlyweds, someone stole all their belongings—including their hammock and family photos. “That’s how we started our life here in 2015,” says Cris with a hearty laugh, typical of Veracruz, where she’s from. Luckily for San Miguel de Allende, they stayed. “The first few months were complicated, especially when I got pregnant,”  she recalls, “but I was fortunate to meet other women in similar s

By Pascual Hijuelos Paper has long been regarded the handmaiden for conveying the written word and visual imagery. Its rich history spans over 2,000 years, originating in ancient China. From its inception in China, paper has evolved to become both a physical object and a central theme in the world of art. Terry Tomlinson , an artist specializing in paper-based creations, has been crafting remarkable art using paper for 23 years. Her extensive experience culminated in a recent

By Isabel Castrejón Pascacio Fashion has long been driven by youth-centric imagery, trends, and marketing strategies. Yet one of the most loyal, discerning, and financially independent audiences remains largely overlooked: mature clients. This demographic, often defined as individuals over 50, possesses a deep appreciation for quality, personal style, and craftsmanship. Designing for them is not about following fleeting trends, but about creating clothing that respects experi

By Carlos Ramírez Zago At just 21 years old, Diego Galván González  has found in mixed martial arts (MMA) much more than a sport: a way of life. Although he was born in Dolores Hidalgo, he has spent most of his personal journey in San Miguel de Allende, the city that has seen him grow into a disciplined, down-to-earth young man with determination. He describes himself as “ a simple, humble, friendly guy, dedicated to anything he sets his mind to, disciplined, and a little cra

By Stan Allen, 8-year volunteer On November 20, 2015, ABBA House opened its doors for the first time. Pastor Ignacio  and his young family realized that migrant need and care required more than hot meals and warm clothing delivered daily from the trunk of the family car. Pastor Ignacio had a humanitarian and ambitious vision 10 years ago! The initial mission of ABBA House was to offer migrants fleeing violence, poverty, and oppression in their Central American countries, a pl

By Felecia Ford Elihú Catalán , better known as “Blue Beard”  is one of México’s most distinctive and accomplished harmonica players. Born and raised in México City, he was shaped early on by the music his parents played at home and later refined through his lifelong dedication to the blues. Although guitar was his first instrument (he ROCK’S the guitar), the harmonica ultimately has became his true love and passion.  FF:  Thank you for this opportunity to share your story. W

By Judith Jenya Few artistic partnerships are as intertwined—in life, in work, and in spirit—as that of painters Ray Miller and William Martin . Their paths began miles apart, shaped by very different landscapes and early influences, yet converged years later in the creative corridors of San Miguel de Allende’s Fábrica La Aurora. Today, after years of movement, reinvention, and dedication to their craft, the couple have returned to San Miguel i with renewed plans: to teach, t

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 Carolina de la Cajiga Aura Moreno  came to San Miguel de Allende for a short visit but ended up staying. “Seeing San Miguel through the eyes of a tourist and those of a resident are two very different things. Since 2020, I’ve been wandering around town calmly—chatting with the lady in the parking lot, the neighbor at a concert, or anyone I meet along the way. My life here is full of unexpected surprises and stories. One day I realized San Miguel had become my home, and my

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 Charles Woollett Good luck in making unexpected and fortunate discoveries -  It was a serendipitous meeting. At our mutual friend, Michelle Steed’s Casa Grande, Newcomers party over two years ago. Slowly making our way up the stairs, the conversation naturally got around to where are you from? “Bella Vista, Arkansas” , said my wife Linda. “No way - me too!” , exclaimed Tim. And that was the beginning of a dear friendship. As it turns out he'd had an exhibition at Alice Wal

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 Jonathan Lockwood Some people fall into mezcal by accident. Others follow a winding path. Marcelo Castro Vera is somewhere in the middle. At 43 he has been a hotel man, a mezcal maker and a distiller of all kinds of things that catch his interest. None of it comes from a desire to scale up or build something large. He simply follows what he enjoys, and each project finds its own shape at its own pace. Marcelo studied hospitality management in Switzerland. That’s where he m

By Aundria McMillan Humphrey During a recent afternoon in San Miguel, the gallery Marquesa De Mancera was buzzing with life. Located on Cuna de Allende, directly across from the Parroquia  of Saint Michael the Archangel, the space glowed with color, texture, and story. Visitors wandered through the exquisitely curated displays of Mexican folk art, while staff—trained by Marina herself—shared the stories behind each piece. For Marina Fernández de Córdova , this isn’t just a ga

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 Erwit Reichert In 2005, on a bustling street corner, a humble  taco  cart was born with a simple but ambitious mission: to be different. It wasn’t just about serving quick food — it was about offering flavors that stayed with you, and service that made people feel at home. From day one, the commitment was clear: impeccable attention, deep respect for every customer, and a dignified presentation. Even from that small street cart, the team wore chef’s whites and gloves, and