Guanajuato

The Grito de Dolores was the event that marked the start of the Mexican War of Independence. On September 16, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Catholic priest, issued a call to arms from the small town of Dolores (now Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato). This event set off a rebellion against Spanish rule with the aim of achieving independence for Mexico. Hidalgo was supported by his loyal followers, and this call is considered a pivotal moment in Mexico’s history.

The Siege of Guanajuato was a significant encounter during the early stages of the Mexican War of Independence. Under the leadership of Miguel Hidalgo, insurgent forces attacked and captured the Alhóndiga de Granaditas in the city of Guanajuato. The building was being used as a fortress by Spanish forces and loyalists. The capture marked a major victory for the insurgents and demonstrated the strength and determination of the movement for independence.

After the initial successes, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla was eventually captured by Spanish forces. He was tried and executed by firing squad on July 31, 1811, in Chihuahua City. His death was a significant moment as it symbolized the heavy price paid for seeking independence. Despite his death, the movement he inspired continued to grow, driven by his vision of a free Mexico, and his execution underscored the Spanish regime's resolve to maintain control.

During the French Intervention in Mexico, Guanajuato was captured by Republican forces under the leadership of General Ramón Corona on October 19, 1864. This was part of the larger conflict between the French-backed Second Mexican Empire and the republican forces of Benito Juárez. The capture of Guanajuato was a strategic victory for the Republicans, further facilitating Juárez's resistance against foreign intervention and efforts to restore a constitutional government.

The Cristero War (1926-1929) was a widespread struggle in Mexico following the enactment of laws restricting the power of the Catholic Church. Guanajuato was one of the key centers of conflict as many citizens took up arms against the government. The state became a battleground for various skirmishes characterized by intense local resistance to the anti-clerical policies. The war was marked by its brutal fighting, significant impact on local communities, and deep cultural resonance in Mexican history.

On December 29, 1953, Mexican women gained the right to vote in federal elections when the constitutional reforms were enacted. This was a pivotal development in Mexico's democratic history, enabling women to participate equally in the political process. Although a national event, the suffrage movement had significant local champions and activists from Guanajuato who played key roles in advocating for women's rights and contributed to the broader national struggle for gender equality.

The city of Guanajuato and its adjacent mines were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on June 4, 1987. This designation was due to the well-preserved colonial architecture, the historical significance of the area during the mining boom when it was one of the richest cities in Mexico, and its cultural importance. Guanajuato’s urbanism and labyrinthine layout highlight its historical legacy, standing today as a significant tourist and educational site that attracts visitors worldwide.

The Festival Internacional Cervantino, one of the largest cultural festivals in Latin America, was officially inaugurated in its current form on September 29, 1988, in Guanajuato. Initially started in the 1970s as university plays, it evolved into a major international cultural event, hosting performances and artists from all over the world. The festival is named after Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote, and celebrates a diverse array of artistic expressions, including theatre, music, dance, and visual arts.

On July 2, 2006, Juan Manuel Oliva of the National Action Party (PAN) was elected as the Governor of Guanajuato. His term was marked by efforts to improve education and infrastructure while focusing on economic development. Political shifts such as these reflect the evolving political landscape in Guanajuato, which has been pivotal in shaping policies related to industrial growth, labor markets, and governance reforms within the state and its influence on broader national politics.

The Guanajuato Bicentennial Expo was opened on October 2, 2011, celebrating the 200th anniversary of Mexican Independence. Located in Silao, the expo featured cultural exhibitions, historical artifacts, and events reflecting on two centuries of Mexican history. It was part of nationwide celebrations and underscored Guanajuato's significant role as the cradle of independence, with events designed to educate and promote national pride through the lens of social and historical progress.