Yesterday we celebrated Mexican Independence Day, culminating a long weekend of festivities that spanned city to city. While the official holiday may be over, we know that there’s always a reason to dig deeper into our local culture and take in the daily celebrations of it all.
The endless highlights of Mexican culture fuel our work at The Lift. From coastal towns to city sprawls, there is no end to the spaces ripe for exploration and creation. Eager to continue the energy from Mexican Independence Day, we’re giving you a bird’s eye view of our Mexican musings. From favorite eateries to stunning towns, every corner of Mexico breathes life into the DNA of The Lift, and we’re always excited to share it with collaborators, creatives, and friends near and far.
We’re starting this trip through Mexican treasures in Guanajuato. Known officially as the Free and Sovereign State of Guanajuato, it is one of the 31 states—along with Mexico City—that make up the 32 federal entities of Mexico. Guanajuato is home to numerous historically important cities, specifically those along the “Bicentennial Route,” which retraces the path of Miguel Hidalgo and Costilla’s insurgent army at the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence. It seems only fitting that we begin this roundup where the march towards Mexican independence began—the route begins at Dolores Hidalgo, and passes though the Sanctuary of Atotonilco, San Miguel de Allende, Celaya, and the capital of Guanajuato.
The state is also known for the annual Festival Internacional Cervantino, named after Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote, which takes place in the city of Guanajuato and hosts events such as stage productions, film showings, art exhibitions, panels, concerts, and so much more.
Another favorite spot is the town of San Miguel de Allende, located in the far eastern part of Guanajuato, Mexico. Boasting a wealth of architectural styles, a simple walk through the city is a sensory wonder. The historic core of San Miguel was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, with an array of stunning churches, museums, plazas, and buildings giving way to an iconic experience for all who visit.
Mexico is full of outdoor treasures, whether it be centuries-old architecture, modern iterations, or parks and outdoor spaces that sweep across states. Parque La Mexicana is a true wonder of outdoorsy activity, and we can’t forget about exploring the visuals of, the Fundación Mier y Pesado (Mier and Pesado Foundation) and Edificio Ermita (Ermita Building), two stunning spots that encapsulate the distinct modes of design at work within the city.
El Zócalo, the historic center of Mexico City, is a hot spot for Mexican Independence Day activities, and it’s easy to see why. El Zócalo is the most iconic spot in Mexico City to celebrate El Grito de Independencia, Cry of Dolores, which plays homage to the city Dolores Hidalgo, where Miguel Hidalgo shared rousing words to rally the Mexican people to rise up and fight for their independence.
Today, it’s a key component of the fiesta-filled weekend. On the 15th of September, the President of Mexico stands out on the balcony of the National Palace of Mexico City to ring the same bell that Hidalgo rang in 1810, going on to recite a shout of patriotism based upon the Grito de Dolores. Then the party begins—but we see it as a must-see spot any time of the year. Weaving together modern aesthetic with the distinct historical touch, El Zócalo serves as the backdrop for many shoots we work on throughout the year, lending a vibrancy to every frame that can be experienced constantly.
There’s no better way to fully relish in Mexican culture than by exploring the gastronomical adventures of both our city and beyond. Whether you’re walking the streets in search of the next best taco, jumping into a mezcal or tequila tasting, booking a table at spots such as Jacinto 1930, Campobaja and Parcela, or are looking to cook up some local flavor on your own with help from the experts, tasting your way through Mexico is by far the best way to celebrate our culture each and every day.
