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A Pasadena Delegation, led by a community group affiliated with the Pasadena Sister Cities Committee called the Guanajuato Proposed Affiliation (PA) Committee, visited Guanajuato in October to explore the possibility and desirability of establishing that Sister City relationship.
Guanajuato, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its colonial architecture, winding streets, and rich history. Founded in 1554, the city played a crucial role in Mexico’s struggle for independence and is home to landmarks such as the Alhóndiga de Granaditas, where a pivotal battle in the independence movement took place.
Its vibrant cultural scene includes the Festival Internacional Cervantino, one of Latin America’s most important cultural festivals.
With a population of approximately 194,000, Guanajuato shares similarities with Pasadena, which has a population of around 140,000. Both cities are significant hubs for arts, culture, education, and tourism.
The City currently does not have a sister city relationship with any city in Mexico.
Smith then led an exploratory Guanajuato Delegation to Pasadena at the beginning of the year as a follow up.
“I am convinced that now more than ever, given the situation in the United States and around the world, it is essential for local governments to send a clear message of peace, unity, and mutual understanding among nations,” Smith wrote. “For this reason, we are pleased to extend a cordial invitation for [Gordo] to lead, together with Vice Mayor Jessica Rivas and the honorable councilmembers, an official delegation from the City of Pasadena to visit our city between October 25 and November 3. This visit would allow you to experience firsthand the cultural richness of Guanajuato during the International Cervantino Festival and the Day of the Dead celebrations, two of the most significant expressions of our identity. It will be an honor to welcome you to Guanajuato.”
The Festival Internacional Cervantino (FIC) is a major arts and culture festival that takes place in October every year in Guanajuato and features artists and performers from all over the world.
The event is the equivalent of the Rose Parade.
Smith also sent a special thank you email to Councilmember Steve Madison, who provided Rose Parade tickets to the Guanajuato Delegation when they visited Pasadena in late December. He also hosted the delegation at his home for a New Year’s Day brunch and arranged tours of the Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena City Hall, and the Norton Simon Museum, among other Pasadena points of interest in coordination with the Guanajuato PA.
“I want to extend a special thanks for the kindness you showed the Guanajuato group who were in Pasadena for the Rose Parade,” Smith wrote to Madison. “We enjoyed it very much. Now, we would like to return that kindness by welcoming you to Guanajuato along with the Pasadena delegation in October/November of this year. We know your support will be of great help in making this twinning a reality.”
Madison replied that he looks forward to visiting Guanajuato in the fall.
“I am doing everything I can to advance the formation of sister cities quickly,” he wrote to Smith. “During these difficult times, and the repugnant conduct of the Trump administration, it is more important than ever that we foster a positive relationship based on our shared humanity, values, and history. Thank you very much for your invitation. I look forward to visiting your beautiful city in the fall.”
At the end of Monday’s City Council meeting, Madison called on the council to agendize the process to begin a sister city relationship with Guanajuato.
“I really want to bring forward a sister city relationship with the city of Guanajuato,” Madison said. “I would ask that we agendize that.”
Mayor Victor Gordo was not at Monday’s meeting. No word on when the item will come before the City Council.
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