Mineral de Pozos, one of the most enigmatic Magical Towns of Guanajuato, reminded us once again that its history not only lives in its mines, haciendas and silent streets... it also lives in the memory of those who bravely defended it.
This year, the Juana Lucio Festival paid tribute to the pillars of our identity, celebrating the legacy of a woman whose story deserved to return to the forefront of the conversation.
Juana Lucio: the heroine who rode for her land
The history of Mineral de Pozos does not write itself; it was forged with character, strategy and determination. And among all its protagonists, Juana Lucio stood out as a figure out of the ordinary.
As part of this edition of the festival, hundreds of visitors were immersed in the life of this local guerrilla, who not only accompanied the Mexican Revolution, but also led it. She held the rank of Colonel, commanded troops and firmly defended the lands that still stand today thanks to her bravery.
The festival rescued his name from historical silence and placed him once again in the place he deserves: at the forefront of the deeds that gave identity to Mineral de Pozos.
A festival to honor our roots
The Juana Lucio Festival was experienced as a call to listen to what our roots have to tell. Through cultural activities, tours, talks and presentations, attendees were able to reconnect with the past in an intimate, emotional and deeply meaningful way.
The streets of the Pueblo Magico vibrated with music, memory and tradition, reminding us that history is also celebrated.
Women of Mezcal: aromas, tastings and ancestral wisdom
As part of the Juana Lucio Festival, the Antiguo Abasto became a temple of aromas, tradition and knowledge during the Mujeres del Mezcal event, which took place on November 28 and 29.
There, visitors from all over the world enjoyed tastings guided by master mezcaleras who carry the alchemy of agave in their blood:
Estefania Ibañez - November 28th
Alondra Velázquez - November 29th
Sara Martinez - November 29
Betty Castillo - November 29
Each tasting was a sensory journey that connected mezcal with the territory, identity and female leadership that characterizes the region.
Mineral de Pozos: a destination that keeps legends in its stones
Those who attended the festival also had the opportunity to rediscover Mineral de Pozos, a place where history and legend intertwine among ruins, tunnels and semi-desert landscapes.
A past forged in mining
This Magical Town emerged among Chichimeca lands and shone during the Viceroyalty and Porfiriato periods thanks to its mining wealth.
Among its must-see attractions are:
- Los Hornos de Santa Brígida (1590), where gold, silver and mercury mining began.
- The Haciendas of Santa Elena and other constructions that narrate a past of splendor.
- The Cinco Señores and El Triángulo mines, perfect for explorers of history and adventure.
In 1897, Mineral de Pozos -then called Ciudad Porfirio Díaz- received railroad, electricity, telegraph and steam machinery, becoming one of the most important mining points in the country.
Architecture that counts centuries
Its religious and civil heritage is a journey through time:
- Parish of San Pedro Apostle, from the XVII century and neoclassical style.
- Plaza Zaragoza, the heart of the town.
- The former Model School, designed by Luis Long.
- Remains of the first Fábricas de Francia warehouse in the country, located on the main street.
Unique flavors and experiences
The local gastronomy revives ancestral recipes, where ingredients such as escamol are the protagonists.
In addition, this destination offers memorable experiences such as:
- Tour lavender fields and learn about its by-products.
- Horseback riding or hiking through semi-desert landscapes.
- Visit its mines, a perfect trip for lovers of photography, adventure and history.
A festival that leaves its mark
This is how the Juana Lucio Festival was experienced: between memory, music, mezcal and pride.
An event that gave a voice to those who were once forgotten and celebrated the female leadership that is an essential part of the identity of Mineral de Pozos.
To visit this Pueblo Mágico is to understand that its stones not only hold ruins, but stories that continue to inspire us.
And although the festival is over, the essence of Juana Lucio and the strength of the community remain alive in every corner of the town.
