Mexico Successfully Concludes Its Participation as Guest of Honor at Costa Rica's International Arts Festival

• A distinguished delegation of Mexican artists represented Mexico at the 37th FIA, strengthening the cultural ties and friendship between the two countries and earning a warm public reception

Mexico successfully concluded its participation as guest of honor at the 37th International Arts Festival (FIA), held March 20-29 in San José, Costa Rica, one of Central America's most significant cultural gatherings.

The Foreign Ministry coordinated Mexico's involvement, with the Intersectoral Coordination Unit and the Directorate General of Cultural Diplomacy working with the Mexican Embassy and Mexican Cultural Institute in Costa Rica.

This collaboration strengthened Mexico's presence in the region and is part of the Foreign Ministry's broader commitment to promoting Mexican culture and arts abroad through public and cultural diplomacy.

This initiative was the result of collaboration between Costa Rica's Ministry of Culture and Youth and the Government of Mexico, with the involvement of the Centro de la Imagen and the Ministry of Culture.

The Mexican delegation offered a diverse program showcasing the vitality of Mexican culture through music, visual arts, literature, film, and traditional gastronomy, drawing hundreds of visitors to Parque La Sabana, the festival's main venue.

On the musical front, Zapotec conductor Ivonne Mazas led the Banda de San José at Parque La Sabana. Jazz musician Adrián Oropeza presented his project "Umbrales Sonoros" and held workshops for young musicians, fostering artistic exchange and the development of new generations, at the same venue. Folk dance ensemble "México Bello" and contemporary dancer Sergio Lima also performed.

The visual arts program included "Llanero," an exhibition by Oaxacan artist Demián Flores at the Mexican Cultural Institute; textile work by Yucatecan designer Elena Martínez Bolio; and photographic exhibitions featuring the work of Mariana Yampolsky alongside the collective show "Mujeres por mujeres," reflecting the diversity of perspectives that make up Mexico's artistic landscape.

In literature, poet Brenda Ríos shared her work with festival audiences. The film program featured "La Raya," directed by Yolanda Cruz, with indigenous actress Mónica del Carmen in attendance, and "Soy Frankelda" by the Ambriz brothers. Filmmaker and stop-motion animator Carlos León led workshops that extended the reach of contemporary Mexican cinema to international audiences. A cyanotype photography workshop was also on offer, and both drew strong crowds.

As a emblematic closing event, master mezcal producers Reyna Rodríguez and Elmeher Arroyo presented a talk on "Mezcal in Mexican Culture," accompanied by a tasting that introduced this cultural heritage to Costa Rican audiences.

The International Arts Festival is Costa Rica's largest cultural event and one of Central America's most iconic. Founded in 1989, the festival brings together artists and audiences from around the world each year for the performing, visual, and cinematic arts, offering free admission to attendees of all ages.