There is always something going on in Guanajuato--a city characterized by music, beauty, and a love of life.  It is one of the most romantic places in Mexico!  Here is a summary of what the city has to offer:

Guanajuato Attractions

Juarez Theater : Built in 1875, this ornate neoclassical building is Guanajuato's pride and joy.  A group of muses stand on the roof and watch over the front of the theater.  Occasional guided tours are arranged at the front desk.

Callejoneadas : Minstrels known as "Estudiantina" guide visitors on a musical tour of Guanajuato's dark alleys every Friday and Saturday at 8pm (and more often in summer and on holidays).  This is an old Spanish tradition, so performers still dress in 17th-century costumes to commemorate its origin.

Guanajuato Museums

Alhondiga de Granaditas : This museum of Mexican history and archeology is housed in a massive city granary built between 1798 and 1809.  This was the place where Spanish loyalists sought refuge during the first battle for Mexican Independence.  It was besieged by Miguel Hidalgo in 1810 at the start of the war against Spain.

Guanajuato City Museum : Next door to the university's main building, this museum houses regional works of art and temporary exhibitions.

Don Quixote Iconographic Museum : This free museum is dedicated to Miguel Cervantes' l7th-century novel.  It features a collection of art depicting Don Quixote and includes works by Ocampo, Coronel, and Dali. 

The Mummy Museum : The unique chemicals found in Guanajuato's soil accidentally preserved many of the bodies buried in its cemetery.  More than l00 of these naturally mummified remains are on display in glass cases lining the walls of this museum, some still wearing their burial clothes.

Olga Costa/Chavez-Morado Museum : An exhibition containing the works of both artists occupies in their former home.

Ex-Hacienda of San Gabriel de Barrera : This former silver refinery is now a museum that displays an outstanding collection of 17th-century art and furniture.  The museum's gilded open chapel is especially inspiring.

The Mineralogy Museum at the Mining School : Collection of natural gems.

Gene Byron Museum : Located in the Ex-Hacienda Santa Ana in Marfil, this art museum is in the former home of the late Canadian artist, Gene Byron.

Alfredo Dugues Natural History Museum  (located on the first floor of the university's main building)

Hermenegildo Bustos Museum : Paintings by the town's famous son, Hermenegildo Bustos.

Valenciana Mine : One of the most productive silver mines ever.  In 1810 it had the deepest mine shaft on earth at 527 feet.  It is still in operation today.  Tours are offered throughout the year to one of the older pits behind the San Cayetano/Valenciana Church.  There is also a small museum with models of the mining works of Guanajuato.

San Ramon Mineshaft : This former ancillary shaft of the Valenciana Mine is now a restaurant and bar with a small mining museum on the first floor.

La Compania Church : Besides the antique beauty of the church, there is a picture gallery behind the altar.

Guanajuato Events

Hot-Air Balloon Festival (held in November)

Alfenique Fair : This is held the last part of October through November 2 in San Fernando Square.  It is part of the traditional Dia de las Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration.  Vendors sell traditional sugar skulls and almond candies in various shapes.

Guanajuato Religious Festivals

Holy Week : Celebrations during this week include special services at churches, various cultural activities in the plazas, and the University Book Fair which is held in Plaza San Fernando.

Our Lady of Guanajuato Festival : From May 22-31 this festival is celebrated with a pilgrimage, fireworks, and ancient folk dances performed in Plaza de la Paz. 

San Juan & Presa de la Olla Festival : This celebration commemorates the start of the rainy season, which officially begins on June 24.

De la Olla Reservoir's Opening (first Monday of July) : The opening of the reservoir's gates is celebrated with swimming and diving competitions.

San Ignacio de Loyola's Day (July 31) : This festival started as a commemoration of the city's patron saint and is also known as Cave Day.  People visit the caves in the mountain west of La Bufa and enjoy a day in the country. 

The Alhondiga Battle (September 28) : The neighborhood of Santa Rosa re-enacts this famous battle.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Pilgrimage (December 12) : People visit the Lady of Guadalupe sanctuary to sing and to leave flowers.

Christmas period (last days of December) : Christmas in Guanajuato is an unforgettable experience.  Most families build a nacimiento (nativity scene), and there are signs of celebration throughout the town.

Day Trips from Guanajuato:

• Father Hidalgo's house is now a historic museum with furniture and objects from the 18th and 19th centuries.
• The Dolores Parish Church, built between 1712 and 1778, has an interesting exterior and altars that date back to Father Hidalgo's time.
• The Hacienda La Erre Hotel, located just outside of town, is the place where Hidalgo's army was first headquartered.
• There are many pottery factories here, some of which are world-class.  Queen Elizabeth II ordered her Mexican service from Dolores Hidalgo's Fortino Guerrero workshop.  The same shop is now run by the potter's son and grandson.
• Atotonilco's Jesus The Nazarene Sanctuary is where the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe originated.  Father Hidalgo used it as an emblem of independent Mexico.  This ancient sanctuary is still in use outside town.  It houses Juan Correa's native paintings of the acts of Christ, and the chapel's altar is adorned with painted mirrors depicting the Lepanto Battle.
• There is a small community close to Dolores Hidalgo which is known for its mesquite furniture shops.  The furniture is handmade, and special orders are welcome.

San Felipe : Home to a historic church, two haciendas, and interesting natural rock formations.  Attractions include:

• a parish church with an interesting and extraordinary construction
• one of the most famous haciendas of Old Mexico, Jaral de Berrio (beautiful original paintings throughout the house)
• natural rock formations called Los Panales o Las Agujas that can be seen on State Road 87 Leon-San Felipe, km 41 
• the Ex-Hacienda La Quemada, Rancho San Joaquin, at km 32, NW of Dolores Hidalgo 

San Miguel de Allende : Home to an American retiree community and a popular tourist draw.  Attractions include:

• The former home of Ignacio Allende is now the regional museum which has exhibits on natural history, pre-hispanic settlers, the history of the Camino Real, and the War of Independence. 
• In August you can attend the International Festival of Chamber Music at El Nigromante Arts Center.  The Center also has lectures and classes in dance, painting, theater, music, and more.
• The San Francis Church is the city's most famous monument.  It has a beautiful Churrigueresque façade.
• The El Oratorio de San Felipe Neri was built by Indians in 1714.  It has a chapel that is lined with gold, dedicated to the virgin of Loreto.
• The Parish Church was built in the late nineteenth century in a neo-gothic style by Zeferino Gutierrez.
• You can see an interesting collection of cacti at the Cacti Conservatory.  Some of them are even edible. 
• San Miguel de Allende has Mexico's second largest bilingual library, with books in both Spanish and English.

Silao : The home of a well-known mountaintop shrine and other attractions.  Some things to see here are:

• The Cristo Rey shrine is located on top of Cubilete mountain (2600m).  This church has a magnificent view of the Bajio valley from Salamanca to Leon, but it is best known for its 80-ton, 20-meter statue of Jesus Christ that was erected in 1951.  There is also a small historical museum.
• You can see rock art at Chichimequillas on top of the hill above the new El Pipila dam.
• See work by the famous mural artist at the Chavez Morado Brothers' art museum.
• Visit hot sulfur springs (90°C) at Comanjilla, reputed to contain healing properties.