San Miguel De Allende To Celebrate Day Of The Dead With La Calaca Festival From October 31st through November 4th.

UNESCO Site Hosts Numerous International Festivals as One of Mexico’s Most Cultural Destinations   The city of San Miguel de Allende, known as the Heart of Mexico, will hold the third annual La Calaca festival along with the Day of the Dead celebration, a popular tradition steaming back to the colonial era, combining pre-Hispanic with European festivities surrounding the revisiting of those loved ones who have passed. This UNESCO recognized festivity as an Intangible Heritage is transformed in La Calaca Festival  through the eyes of innovative artistic expressions by national and international artists. The four day event, starts on October 31st (the same day that Halloween is celebrated in the US) and continues through November 1st (All Saints Day), November 2nd, which is the Day of the Dead for Catholics, and ending on November 3rd. (Calaca is a colloquial Mexican Spanish name for skeleton or skull). In the daytime, participants are immersed in cultural activities such as tours of traditional altars and cemeteries, live art installations and creative workshops. At night, the city comes alive with costumed processions, musical performances, and parties that last till sunrise. Some artists that have participated in La Calaca are Spencer Tunick with the installation “Espiritus” (Spirits); the “Earth Harp” of Andrea Brooke and Onyay Pheori; Alejandro Rivera and Anado McLauchlin with “Las Calaveras” (the skulls);  Joshua Harcker with the “Geodesic Skull”; and Muros en Blanco (White Walls), a muralist and street-art collective creator of the Colonia Guadalupe Arts District. “La Calaca Festival is a perfect combination of traditional Mexico and the cosmopolitism that San Miguel de Allende evokes,” said Maria José Garrido, Director of Tourism and Economic Development of San Miguel de Allende. “During the four days of festivities, you can enjoy innovative performances, exhibitions and music inspired in an eclectic concept as the dead are, but in a festive way, and at the same time enjoy outstanding accommodations and gourmet food “. San Miguel de Allende host other famous and successful festivals, including theInternational Chamber Music Festival, the Guanajuato International Film Festival and the International Jazz & Blues Festival, providing its visitors and locals the opportunity to indulge in culture and arts, while discovering the architecture and ambiance of this UNESCO World Heritage City. The city’s tourism infrastructure comes together in this celebration, offering hotel discounts and packages as well as special menus at restaurants. San Miguel de Allende has more than 80 hotels, two of them Virtuoso members and one Design Hotel, plus 30 boutique hotels; around 70 international gastronomy restaurants and Mexican cuisine; 3 golf courses and several spas and art galleries. In 2013, it was recognized as the best city in the world, by the Condé Nast Traveler magazine, and in 2008 it was named a Cultural Heritage city by UNESCO. The distinction was awarded because of its cultural and architectural contribution to Mexican Baroque. For more information on festivals and celebrations taking place throughout the year, please click here. About San Miguel de Allende San Miguel de Allende, better known as the heart of Mexico is considered the forge for the national independence and the birthplace of illustrious men and colonial jewel that is distinguished by the warmth and generosity of its people, its rich history, cultural and architectural.  On July 7, 2008, it was named by UNESCO a Cultural Heritage city; under the title of fortified town, San Miguel and the sanctuary of Jesús Nazareno de Atotonilco. The distinction was awarded due to its cultural and architectural contribution to Mexican Baroque. In 2013, it was recognized as the best city in the world, by the Condé Nast Traveler International magazine.