Overview

• The 53rd Festival Internacional Cervantino began at the Alhóndiga de Granaditas with the collective concert Fandango Monumental: fiesta de son y raíz.
• Leading son jarocho groups performed, including Mono Blanco, Caña Dulce Caña Brava, Son de Madera and the Ensamble de Arpas Andrés Huesca.
• About 80 children from four Semilleros Creativos in Veracruz took the stage, presenting pieces in Indigenous languages such as totonaco and tenek.
• Artists and attendees voiced support for Veracruz communities affected by Tropical Storm Raymond, with calls for prayers during the opening night.
• Organizers say more than 3,400 artists will perform over 17 days, with Veracruz as Guest State and the United Kingdom participating as Guest of Honor.