The governor of Aguascalientes, Tere Jiménezled the official inauguration of the Skull Cultural Festival 2024 on San Marcos Island, where he also took a tour of the various pavilions that were installed and learned about the activities offered for the whole family, of which 90 percent are free.
“La Catrina was created here by Guadalupe Posada, an icon of the Day of the Dead; We are proud of our roots, that’s why we make this party big; “We will continue working to show our cultural wealth to all the people of Mexico and the world,” the governor mentioned.
During the tour, Tere Jiménez and authorities visited the Agri-Food Pavilionwhere agroindustrial companies exhibit their products; the DIF Pavilion, which offers special activities for older adults, as well as for girls and boys; the Made in Ags, where small local companies make their products known; in addition to the Catrina and Alma Viva Forums, where artistic presentations are offered.
Likewise, he took a tour of the Children’s Pavilionin which various workshops are offered for the little ones; the Bread Pavilion, where people learn to make their own bread of the dead; that of the Family Secretariat, which offers activities to strengthen family coexistence; as well as the Artisan Pavilion and the Commercial Zone, where crafts and various snacks are offered.
The Secretary of Tourism, Gloria Romo Cuestahighlighted the teamwork of the different departments to make this festival possible, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2024.
“This festival is built with all the facilities and the participation of more than 400 exhibitors; Thanks to Governor Tere Jiménez for promoting this event that is for each of you,” he highlighted.
Alejandro Vázquez Zúñigageneral director of the Cultural Institute of Aguascalientes, said that an extensive cultural and artistic program is also carried out in the city center, such as the Carranza Forum, where musical groups from more than 12 countries perform; in addition to activities in the Patio de las Jacarandas, the J. Pani walkway, among other places.
He added that the Calaveras Cultural Festival is reaching all inland municipalities with music and dance activities for the whole family. “We will continue to consolidate this event of great relevance at a national and international level,” he concluded.
This festival will conclude on November 3 and to see the complete program, interested parties can visit the page https://festivaldecalaveras.aguascalientes.gob.mx/.
In the inauguration Also present were Nancy Jeanette Gutiérrez Ruvalcaba, Rodrigo Cervantes Medina and Salvador Alcalá, local deputies; Esaú Garza de Vega, Secretary of Economic Development, Science and Technology; Norma Adela Guel Saldívar, Family Secretary; Luis Enrique Gutiérrez Reynoso, general director of the Aguascalientes Education Institute; Francisco Javier Rosas Reyes, general director of the Aguasnivelense Youth Institute; César Fernando Medina Cervantes, municipal president of Jesús María, and Lucero Espinoza, president of Pabellón de Arteaga.
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and Cultural Expert on the Skull Cultural Festival 2024
Editor: Thank you for joining us today! The Skull Cultural Festival is a much-anticipated event in Aguascalientes, especially with its 30th anniversary this year. Can you tell us a bit about the significance of this festival and its connection to local culture?
Expert: Absolutely! The Skull Cultural Festival is a vibrant celebration of the Day of the Dead, with deep cultural roots originating from our local traditions. This festival really highlights Aguascalientes’ unique identity, especially considering that La Catrina—a symbol of this celebration—was created here by the renowned artist Guadalupe Posada. The festival serves not just as entertainment, but as a means to honor and showcase our cultural heritage to audiences both locally and internationally.
Editor: Governor Tere Jiménez emphasized the importance of cultural pride and accessibility with about 90% of the activities being free. How does this approach affect community involvement in the festival?
Expert: Providing free admission to the majority of activities is a powerful means of fostering community engagement. It allows families from various socio-economic backgrounds to participate, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the rich cultural offerings. When people feel included, it enhances the sense of community and collective identity, bringing us all together to celebrate our shared heritage.
Editor: During his tour of the festival, the governor visited various pavilions including the Agri-Food Pavilion and the Children’s Pavilion. Can you elaborate on what attendees can expect at these specific venues?
Expert: Certainly! The Agri-Food Pavilion is a fantastic showcase of local agroindustrial companies, allowing visitors to explore and taste the region’s culinary offerings. It’s a great opportunity for local businesses to gain exposure. On the other hand, the Children’s Pavilion is designed to be interactive and educational. It offers various workshops where kids can engage hands-on, fostering creativity while learning about traditions linked to the Day of the Dead.
Editor: The emphasis on workshops, such as making “pan de muerto” (bread of the dead), seems particularly inviting. How do these activities contribute to cultural education?
Expert: Workshops like making pan de muerto are fundamental in passing down cultural knowledge to younger generations. It’s not simply about making a delicious treat; it’s about understanding the stories and meanings behind these cultural practices. When children participate in these activities, they not only create memories but also build connections to their heritage. This knowledge is vital for keeping traditions alive and relevant.
Editor: The Secretary of Tourism, Gloria Romo Cuesta, mentioned the collaboration of over 400 exhibitors contributing to the event. How do such partnerships enhance the festival experience?
Expert: Partnerships are crucial for the festival’s success. They enrich the festival by bringing a diverse array of experiences—from artisanal crafts to exceptional culinary delights. This collaboration creates a more vibrant atmosphere, as visitors can explore a wide variety of cultural expressions all in one place. Such teamwork really illustrates the community’s effort in promoting Aguascalientes as a cultural hub.
Editor: Alejandro Vázquez Zúñiga noted that the festival extends into the city’s center with musical performances from various countries. How does this international aspect play into the festival’s theme?
Expert: The inclusion of international musical acts enriches the festival tremendously. It allows for a cross-cultural dialogue that celebrates not just local traditions but also the shared experiences of communities worldwide regarding death and remembrance. Music has a unique way of uniting people and provides a platform for diverse expressions of cultural heritage. This international flair truly elevates the overall experience and promotes an understanding of how the Day of the Dead is celebrated across borders.
Editor: It sounds like the Skull Cultural Festival offers not just entertainment but a multi-faceted cultural experience. What do you hope participants take away from this year’s festivities?
Expert: My hope is that participants leave with a deeper appreciation for the cultural richness of Aguascalientes. I want them to feel inspired and connected—not only to our heritage but also to one another. By understanding the significance of these traditions, we can nurture a sense of pride and responsibility to keep them alive for future generations. It’s about celebrating life, death, and everything in between in a joyful, inclusive environment.
Editor: Thank you for your insights! The Skull Cultural Festival sounds like a must-visit event this year.
Expert: Thank you! It truly is an event that showcases the best of our culture, and I encourage everyone to experience it firsthand.