Arts & Entertainment

Banamex has loaned its impressive collection of 20th-century Mexican art to the Instituto Cultural Cabañas, itself a stunning work of art designated by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1997. 

A key mission of the annual Festival de Mayo is to transform community spaces across Guadalajara into vibrant cultural hubs. The unique gallery in the Tren Ligero’s Line Two Juárez Station achieves this perfectly, and has been a mainstay venue of the festival for more than two decades.

Guadalajara’s annual May Cultural Festival starts next week, encompassing some 300 separate events at venues in the metropolitan area. The headline shows take place at the historic Teatro Degollado in the city center.  Ticket prices for these are very accessible, and are available through Boletomóvil, and at the Degollado box office. All other events are free of charge. The full program can be viewed at festivaldemayo.org. 

The Museo de las Artes (MUSA) of the University of Guadalajara is showcasing more than 200 works by German painter, writer and journalist Ernst Saemisch (1902-1984), who spent the final two decades of his life in Mexico.

Guadalajara will mark International Dance Day 2026 on April 29 with free performances at the intersection of Paseo Fray Antonio Alcalde and Avenida Hidalgo, featuring 220 dancers from 26 schools and companies.

Pride of Jalisco

After selling out its 2025 revival, the zarzuela “El Orgullo de Jalisco” returns to Guadalajara for three performances in May.  With music by Federico Moreno Torroba and a libretto by Antonio Guzmán Aguilera, the opera was staged last year in the city following a 78-year absence, in the presence of Placido Domingo.

Teatro Degollado, Friday, May 1, 8  p.m. Saturday, May 2, 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 3, 12:30 p.m. Tickets 50-1,000 pesos, from Boletomóvil.com.