Culture, Culinary Treats, and Community: August Highlights From The Publisher

By Camie Fenton

August has arrived, and this edition features the vibrant cultural tapestry, culinary traditions, and unique local experiences that define life in and around San Miguel de Allende.

Catherine Marenghi gives us an exciting sneak peek at the 22nd Annual San Miguel Writers' Conference and Literary Festival coming up in February 2027, featuring a fantastic lineup of keynote authors, including Amor Towles, Kiran Desai, Michelle Good, Roxane Gay, Martha Bátiz, and Xavier Velasco. She also dives into local culinary heritage with a piece on huitlacoche—often dubbed "the truffle of México"— sharing insights on cooking with this prized seasonal delicacy. Adding a dose of local humor, Lisa Babincsak’s Vino in the Wild encourages long-time residents to step out of the Centro bubble and explore the surrounding countryside and regional vineyards. Meanwhile, Natalie Taylor paints an inspiring portrait of Father Fernando Manríquez, highlighting his incredible 30-year dedication to restoring the historic Sanctuary of Atotonilco.

As active members of the local community, we are also thrilled to sponsor La Vida de Las Cachinches project featured in Colleen Sorenson's column. This inspiring initiative is transforming a historic waterway into a 90-meter open-air gallery of 12 murals celebrating the area's rich ecology and artistic heritage—an installation you will soon be able to walk through and admire.

August also brings cooler weather and, for many, the start of a new cycle. Doreen Cumberford shares valuable insights on the back-to-school transition in a multicultural city like ours, and Liam Stidham uncovers a hidden local gem—did you know San Miguel has its own baseball field?

Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all of our volunteer writers, who are the true heart of this newspaper, as well as the advertisers who help our community thrive.

Owner/Publisher: Camie Fenton 415 114 9007camieinmx@gmail.com

Deputy Publisher:Sugar Hudson 415 167 2029

Features Editor: Natalie Taylortangonata@gmail.com

Sales & PR Director:Amy Rothlin 415 149 5674amy.grothlin@gmail.com

Editorial Design/Production: Ele Design hola@eledesign.com.mx

Accounting:Claudia Chavarríaklau1879@gmail.com

Distribution: Lalo García 415 200 5195

www.atencionnews.net