The United States will be the guest of honor at the third edition of the International Deer Festival (Festival Internacional del Venado), set to take place in the picturesque Jalisco mountain town of Mazamitla from June 7 to 29.
The festival will feature more than 70 events, many of them centered on exploring the mysticism and cultural symbolism of the deer. The event has its origins in the ancient tradition of deer hunting by the region’s indigenous people, as a tribute to the divinity of nature.
The centerpiece of the celebration will be 20 deer-shaped sculptures created by artists from Jalisco, including renowned figures such as Waldo Saavedra and Toni Guerra, as well as members of Mazamitla’s Inspirarte collective.
“The presence of our guest country allows us to open new doors to intercultural dialogue, because the arts, in their purest essence, recognize no borders,” said Andrea Lávica, the festival’s general director, during a promotional event held this week at the Juárez Tren Ligero station in Guadalajara.
The program includes concerts, outdoor film screenings, theater and dance performances, circus arts demonstrations, book readings, gastronomy events and workshops.
Organizers say eight concerts will highlight music genres originating in the United States, such as jazz, blues, soul, swing and rock. For children, there will be a circus show inspired by the American classic “The Wizard of Oz,” along with 25 free art workshops, traditional games and competitions.
The 2024 edition of the festival drew more than 125,000 visitors.
To help promote this year’s event, ten modified deer sculptures are currently on display at various Guadalajara Tren Ligero (subway) stations.