Mayor Victor Gordo Welcomes Mayor of Guanajuato, Mexico to Pasadena

Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo welcomed Samantha Smith Gutiérrez, Mayor (Presidenta Municipal) of Guanajuato, Mexico, to City Hall this week, advancing discussions for a potential sister city relationship between the two cultural hubs.

The meeting, hosted by Mayor Gordo and Pasadena Sister Cities Committee President Lena Kennedy, marked an important step in fostering ties between the two cities. The leaders gathered to discuss the potential establishment of an official sister city relationship, reflecting the shared vision of building international friendships and enriching both communities.

A Pasadena delegation traveled to Guanajuato, Mexico, in October to explore the possibility of establishing a sister city relationship.

Pasadena and Guanajuato share many similarities. Both cities are similar in size: Pasadena has 140,000 residents and Guanajuato has 194,000, according to the 2020 Census. Guanajuato is a popular tourist destination with historical significance, as is Pasadena. Both cities are important and noteworthy hubs of arts, music, culture, science, technology, education, architecture, historic preservation, sports, and more.

Presidenta Municipal Smith Gutiérrez expressed her gratitude for the warm reception and the collaborative spirit of Pasadena. “This meeting symbolizes the strength of connection that can exist between two cities that share so much in common,” she said, highlighting similarities in cultural heritage, architectural beauty, and a commitment to education. Discussions also included opportunities for academic exchanges and cultural programs that could mutually benefit both cities’ residents.

As Pasadena explores this potential partnership with Guanajuato, Mayor Gordo emphasized the importance of such relationships in strengthening global understanding.

“Pasadena and Guanajuato share a deep appreciation for culture, history, and education. By building this bridge, we open doors to learning from each other and celebrating our unique identities,” said Mayor Gordo.

The meeting concluded with both leaders reiterating their enthusiasm for exploring the establishment of a sister city relationship that would bridge Pasadena and Guanajuato, fostering deeper connections and understanding between their residents and envisioning a future where both communities thrive through shared knowledge and experiences. The discussions laid the groundwork for future initiatives aimed at enhancing cultural ties, academic collaborations, and architectural exchanges.

Also present with Mayor Gordo and Presidenta Municipal Smith Gutiérrez were Pasadena Vice Mayor Jess Rivas, Councilmember Rick Cole, City Manager Miguel Márquez, and a delegation from Guanajuato. The delegation included Liliana Preciado, Councilmember and President of the Guanajuato Tourism Commission; Luis Carlos Salinas, Director of Public, Institutional, and International Relations for the City of Guanajuato; and Saúl Cruz, Director of Tourism Policy.

For the relationship to become formalized, it would eventually have to be approved by the Pasadena City Council and Guanajuato City Council. The delegation aimed to evaluate the feasibility of deepening the city’s ties with Mexico, particularly given Pasadena’s significant Hispanic/Latino population. While there, the delegation met with local officials, toured historical and cultural sites, and explored potential collaboration with businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations in Guanajuato.

The group also participated in meetings with officials from Guanajuato’s municipal and state governments, as well as leaders from local universities, cultural institutions, and nonprofits. The group also visited key sites like the University of Guanajuato, the Alhóndiga de Granaditas, and the renowned Festival Internacional Cervantino (FIC), an annual arts and culture festival that draws international artists and performers.

The proposed partnership comes after extensive research by the Pasadena Sister Cities Committee Guanajuato-Mexico Ad Hoc Committee, which evaluated several cities in Mexico for potential affiliation. Other cities reviewed included Mérida, Cancún, and San Miguel de Allende. However, after careful consideration, the committee recommended Guanajuato as the most suitable match for Pasadena, citing the cities’ shared history, cultural ties, and commitment to education and the arts.

Guanajuato, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its colonial architecture, winding streets, and rich history. Founded in 1559, 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 FIC, one of Latin America’s most important cultural festivals.

The Pasadena Sister Cities Committee could submit a formal recommendation to the Pasadena City Council in 2025 to establish an official Sister Cities relationship with Guanajuato. As part of the proposed agreement, the Pasadena Sister Cities Committee suggests that the Mayor and Vice Mayor of Pasadena lead an official delegation to Guanajuato in October during the Festival Internacional Cervantino. Additionally, the committee plans to invite the Mayor of Guanajuato to Pasadena to continue fostering the partnership.