In just five editions, the National Hat Fair (FENS) has reaffirmed San Francisco del Rincón's positioning as the Hat Capital.
On behalf of Governor Libia Dennise García Muñoz Ledo and Secretary of Tourism and Identity Lupita Robles, the Undersecretary of Identity and Tourism Development, David Ayala Saucedo, announced to national media the upcoming National Hat Fair (FENS) in San Francisco del Rincón, Guanajuato, an event that seeks to reaffirm the positioning of the "Hat Capital.".
The National Hat Fair has established itself as one of the B2B businesses, where agencies, commercial partners, and tour operators gather to finalize commercial agreements, connecting local manufacturers with wholesale buyers from 21 states in Mexico and over 10 countries, including highly competitive markets.
“Talking about San Francisco del Rincón is talking about tradition, work, identity, and a history deeply linked to one of the most emblematic industries in our state: the hat. This piece, which for generations has been a symbol of effort, of hardworking hands, and of pride for the people of San Francisco del Rincón, will be the main protagonist of this edition. This fair is born with a clear purpose: to rescue, strengthen, and promote the main historical industry of our municipality. We not only want to remember our roots, but to transform them into real opportunities for growth, economic development, and tourism promotion,” said the Undersecretary to the media, in Mexico City.
And in the last five editions, the National Hat Fair has registered remarkable growth in economic impact and hotel occupancy, going from 1.9 million in its first edition to over 12 million pesos in its last edition, consolidating itself as a key event for the economic development of the region. Therefore, the fifth edition reaffirmed the positioning of San Francisco del Rincón, Guanajuato, as the Hat Capital.
The SECTURI recognizes the value of projects like FENS, which start as a local initiative to strengthen Francorrinconense identity, but which transform into one of the most important business and tourism platforms in the region.
This 2026, FENS will continue its celebrations with the presence of crafts, our typical flavors, and our traditions; from June 5th to 7th.
“In this edition, we take an important step by integrating a business fair, generating spaces for business encounters, strategic training, and commercial linkages that will open new doors for our producers and entrepreneurs. We know that today more than ever, competitiveness requires a global vision, solid alliances, and tools that strengthen our local industries,” reiterated Ayala Saucedo.
A global business meeting
FENS has demonstrated sustained and unprecedented growth, with the participation of more than 60 stands from hat manufacturers, 40 exhibitors of artisanal products and the GTO brand, as well as 32 gastronomic exhibitors; strengthening the value chain and expanding the cultural, commercial, and tourist offerings of the event, which already includes the presence of national and international buyers from countries such as Chile, Argentina, the United States, Spain, Brazil, Germany, Canada, Ecuador, and France.
Attendance growth, economic impact, wholesale business deals with our exhibitors, as well as indirect supply chains such as restaurants, hotels, parking lots, and service providers both in the municipality and those who supply our exhibitors; this and the people are a clear reflection of the professionalization and strengthening of the sector.
“This fair represents an opportunity to continue strengthening the pride of being from Francos, to recognize the value of our traditional industry, and to open new routes for tourism, economic, and social development. Today we celebrate this union of efforts. We celebrate our identity. We celebrate our history. But, above all, we celebrate the future that we are building together. May this fair be a reflection of the talent, the effort, and the greatness of San Francisco del Rincón and Guanajuato,” concluded the Undersecretary.
