After December’s whirlwind of festivities, you might think San Miguel de Allende would take a breather, but that’s just not our style. In this town, we love going out both for the walk itself, with its charming cobblestone challenges, and the joy of running into friends. After the lively chaos, San Miguel de Allende offers the perfect opportunity to settle down and dive into deep thoughts. Here’s a look at the events that will spark curiosity and fuel meaningful conversations in January!
Heart to Heart Charity Bazaar
Kick off the new year with a shopping spree that gives back! Explore rooms packed with new merchandise at the Heart to Heart Charity Bazaar, benefiting Patronato Pro Niños. Whether you’re looking for clothing, home decor, small appliances or sporting goods, you’ll find incredible deals and hidden treasures. Best of all, every penny raised supports vital medical, dental and psychological care for the children of San Miguel de Allende who need it most.
Date: Jan. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Reforma 75C, Second Floor, Fraccionamiento Ignacio Ramirez
Cost: Free entry
A Conversation with Margaret Atwood and Martin Fletcher
San Miguel de Allende is rolling out the red carpet to honor Margaret Atwood, author of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” with the San Miguel Award for Literary Excellence. This special event, “From Fiction to Reality: Has Our Dystopian Future Arrived?”, features Atwood in conversation with award-winning journalist Martin Fletcher. Together they will explore the intersection of dystopian fiction and our rapidly changing world.
This bilingual evening kicks off with a wine and cheese reception, followed by the award presentation, a dynamic conversation and a Q&A session. Best of all, this event is a fundraiser for the San Miguel Writers’ Conference 20th Anniversary Student Scholarship Program, making it an evening where inspiration meets impact.
Date: Jan 12, 5 – 7 p.m.
Location: Foro El Obraje, Calzada de la Presa 50, Centro
Cost: Tickets start at US $45
Hilos de Esperanza
The 5th edition of Hilos de Esperanza invites you to donate your hair to support girls and women battling cancer. This heartfelt initiative offers an opportunity to provide hope and strength to those facing challenging times. Schedule your haircut appointment in advance via the Rotaract SMA. For us, it’s just hair — for them, it’s hope. Join this meaningful cause!
Date: Saturday, Jan 12, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Hotel Quinta Loreto 15
Cost: Free entry
TEDx Calle Aldama: Echoes of Resilience
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Explore how resilience shapes our world, influences communities, and paves the way for a sustainable future. Held at the stunning Hotel Matilda, this dynamic event features an impressive lineup of speakers, including digital strategist Alejandra Lagunes, visionary artist Angelo Musco, chef Ricardo Muñoz Zurita, hypnotherapist Sasha Carrion, wellness specialist Romina Biamino, global business strategist Diego Jiang and more, and war reporter Anjan Sundaram. The experience will be elevated with captivating performances by Aulladora Banda Lobo and the Indigenous Dancers of SMA. Talks in Spanish and English will be seamlessly accessible via live translation earpieces. VIP tickets include an exclusive gourmet dinner with the speakers at Bovine Restaurant.
Date: Thursday, Jan 16, 12 – 5 p.m.
Location: Hotel Matilda, Aldama 53
Cost: Tickets from MX$1,200 to $3,000
Blessing of Pets
Celebrate the beloved tradition of the Blessing of Pets at the Templo del Oratorio, a practice rooted in the early colonial era and inspired by San Antonio de Abad’s deep reverence for nature. This heartwarming annual event welcomes pets of all kinds — dogs, cats, bunnies, and more — to receive a special blessing. The ceremony begins with a priest reading from Genesis, reflecting on the creation of animals and their vital role in our lives, followed by a prayer of gratitude and the sprinkling of holy water for divine protection.
Date: Saturday, Jan 18 at 5 p.m.
Location: Atrio Templo del Oratorio
Cost: Free entry
256th Anniversary of Don Ignacio de Allende y Unzaga
Celebrate the legacy of Generalissimo Ignacio de Allende with a series of events marking his 256th birthday. Born in 1769 in San Miguel el Grande, the city later renamed in his honor, Allende is a key hero in Mexico’s War of Independence. His leadership and ultimate sacrifice symbolize patriotism nationwide. The festivities begin with a civic ceremony at the Jardín at 9:00 a.m., followed by a National Flag presentation at the Municipal Palace at 6:00 p.m., and end with a spectacular fireworks display at 9:00 p.m.
Date: Sunday, Jan 19, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Main City Square
Cost: Free entry
Class on generative Artificial Intelligence
Explore the fascinating world of generative AI with Michael Werner, a teacher of computer science for 30 years at Wentworth Institute of Technology. This interactive class dives into cutting-edge AI tools like ChatGPT, Bard, DALL-E and Stable Diffusion. Learn how these technologies are reshaping creativity, from writing essays and composing music to producing professional-looking art, all while raising questions about authenticity, attribution and the future of human creativity.
Through hands-on experimentation and lively discussions, you’ll gain insights into how AI generators work and their implications for art, education, and society. The course encourages students to try out tools on their own and share their experiences in class.
Date: Jan. 21, 23 and 24 from 1-3 p.m.
Location: Instituto Allende
Cost: 400 pesos
Mexico News Daily’s CEO talks Sheinbaum
Dive into the complexities of Mexico’s leadership with “Global Relations in 2025: A Speakers Series.” Travis Bembenek, CEO of Mexico News Daily, will lead “Presidenta Claudia Sheinbaum: A Case Study in Leadership,” an insightful discussion at the Teatro Santa Ana on thechallenges and opportunities Mexico’s new president faces. Bembenek will examine critical decisions shaping Mexico’s environmental, economic, social and political landscape. This talk will be presented in English. Tickets are 280 pesos with a 10 percent discount when paying in cash.
Date: Jan. 23, 4 p.m.
Location: Teatro Santa Ana. Relox 50A, Biblioteca.
Cost: 280 pesos
Yale’s Whiffenpoofs at Templo de la Tercera Orden
On a frosty January night more than a century ago, five singers from the Yale Glee Club gathered at Mory’s Temple Bar in New Haven, Connecticut, starting a musical legacy that thrives to this day. Now, the renowned Whiffenpoofs, the world’s oldest collegiate a cappella group, are bringing their timeless charm to San Miguel de Allende.
At 6 p.m., the Whiffs will perform at the Templo de la Tercera Orden, showcasing a dynamic repertoire of timeless classics and modern arrangements spanning various musical genres. This unique concert will also support a meaningful cause: raising funds for Chorale San Miguel’s historic 1875 Johnson and Sons pipe organ. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy an extraordinary performance while contributing to the preservation of San Miguel’s musical heritage.
Date: Jan. 23 at 6 p.m.
Location: Templo de la Tercera Orden
Cost: Tickets start at US $16
Sandra is a Mexican writer and translator based in San Miguel de Allende who specializes in mental health and humanitarian aid. She believes in the power of language to foster compassion and understanding across cultures. She can be reached at: [email protected]
