La Presa de la Olla is an iconic site in the city of Guanajuato, Mexico. Its construction began in 1741 due to the shortage of water that the population was suffering from, and was completed in 1749, thanks to the support of the viceroy and the contribution of Mr. Vicente Manuel de Sardaneta y Legaspi, the first Marquis of the San Juan de Rayas mine. Since then, the dam became the main water supply for the city throughout the 19th century, until the Esperanza Dam came to provide assistance.
One of the oldest traditions surrounding the Presa de la Olla is the Opening of the Dam, which has been celebrated every year since 1750. This tradition involves cleaning the waters of the dam after the first rains of the season to store clean and fresh water. The first governor to celebrate the Opening was Lic. Lorenzo Arellano. Before the Opening, it was necessary to alert people in the surrounding areas to take precautions, as they could suffer accidents being swept away by the current. Today, this festivity has become one of the most anticipated in the city, with a popular fair in the vicinity where both children and adults have fun with mechanical games, food stalls, games of chance, among other attractions.
The festival is usually celebrated on the first Monday of July, although when there is a lack of rain, it may be postponed as there is no water to release. Every year, the governor gives the signal to open the gates of the catchment basin, waving a white handkerchief at 1:00 p.m. The governor is accompanied by a delegation of local and state authorities. For state workers, this day is a holiday.
Since 1795, a carriage road was built because of the beauty of the surroundings of the Presa de la Olla, which would eventually become the current Paseo de la Presa. In 1832, the waters of the Presa de la Olla were piped and the embankment was lifted. On the other hand, in 1849, the dam curtain was increased. In the face of the influx of people in the area, lighthouses were installed. Gradually, palaces were built in the area, making the area one of the most coveted in the city at the time. In 1845, the square tower that still stands today was erected, which for a long time served as a platform for diving.
The patron saint of the Presa de la Olla is St. John the Baptist, and he is celebrated on June 24. Every year, thanks are given to him and rain is requested to avoid droughts. On June 24, 2013, Governor of Guanajuato Miguel Marquez Marquez, along with local authorities and citizens, carried out a ceremony in honor of St. John the Baptist at the Presa de la Olla, to ask for rain and thank for the benefits it has brought to the region. During the ceremony, various religious and cultural activities were carried out, such as processions, dances, music, and fireworks.
In addition to its religious and cultural importance, the Presa de la Olla is an important tourist and recreational center in the city of Guanajuato. The dam offers various activities such as boat rides, hiking, cycling, fishing, among others. It is also a popular place for picnics and enjoying nature.
