They commemorate the founding of the botanical garden during the total solar eclipse of 1991 and strengthen the bond with indigenous communities. There will be ceremonies, music, a pedestrian race and cultural activities from July 10 to 12

Every July, the stewardships and the native peoples gather to give life to the Festivity of the Santa Cruz del Charco del Ingenio, a tradition that in 2026 turns 35 years old and that commemorates the founding of the botanical garden El Charco del Ingenio and the placement of the Cross of Conquest, raised during the total eclipse of the sun in 1991.

Mario Hernández, director of the Charco del Ingenio, explained that on that day a ceremony was being held to thank the earth for the botanical garden project when the astronomical phenomenon occurred.

“In the middle of the eclipse, with the participation of the indigenous stewardships, the opening of the Charco del Ingenio takes place,” he said.

He indicated that this event was represented in the Plaza de los Cuatro Vientos, where an iconography related to the meaning of the cross for the native peoples and the figure of the moon eclipsing the sun can be seen.

“He is mentioning that founding act of July 11, 1991,” he said.

According to Hernández, it was the stewardships themselves who assumed the role of founders and declared the site a ceremonial center, which allowed an annual meeting to be held with vigils, rituals and cultural practices linked to the indigenous communities of northeastern Guanajuato.

He added that the annual celebration represents both the anniversary of the botanical garden and the continuity of the relationship established 35 years ago.

The director noted that this relationship has shaped the biocultural character of the project, which integrates environmental conservation with the recognition of traditional knowledge.

The activities will begin on Friday, July 10 with the Xúchitl ceremony in the Valley of Corn, a tradition that celebrates 35 years. On Saturday, the transfer of the Xúchitl to the Charco del Ingenio will take place and then the vigil with the participation of different stewardships.

On Sunday, the main day will take place with the presence of the Chichimeca dance of the Holy Calvary of Cruz del Palmar and the dance of Chichimeca Indians of San Miguel Arcángel, led by Juan Luna and Apolonia La Reyera, from the indigenous community of Presita Santa Rosa.

The band Amistad, owned by Enrique Hernández, and the piteros of Doctor Mora, with chirimía and drum, will also participate.

During the day, a tour will be made through four calvaries located within the natural area to deposit offerings made with a spoon.

The program also includes the XV Great Pedestrian Race of five kilometers, which will start on Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

“It is the last race before the Symbolic. The runners come to measure themselves for the last time and to know how the other participants arrive,” explained Hernández.

The route will cross trails, the ravine, areas of the dam and spaces where temporary waterfalls are formed during the rainy season. The competition includes 10 categories, including children’s categories.

In the Plaza de la Danza the mojigangas of the Valle del Maíz and the entrance of parandes will be present, while in the Plaza del Huapango ska and reggae groups will be presented, including Los Militantes de la Vida, in addition to the performance of Los Leones de la Sierra de Xichú.

Mario Hernández reported that all activities will be free. “It has no cost. The space is open to the public and we only ask for respect for the regulations of the Charco del Ingenio,” he said.

He specified that food will not be allowed to enter the botanical garden, although it can be consumed in Landeta Park, where part of the celebration will also take place.
Finally, he invited the population to organize their visit and participate in the activities planned for that weekend.

“That they can take advantage of those days for a family coexistence and meet people they have not seen for a long time,” he concluded.

Source (sp)