San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato – June 10, 2025
From June 20 to 22, the Ethnobotanical Garden “El Charco del Ingenio” in San Miguel de Allende will host the Second Biocultural Fair of Semidesert Plants, a free three-day event that honors the ecological richness, ancestral knowledge, and creativity rooted in the semidesert ecosystem of central Mexico.
Designed as both an educational and cultural experience for all audiences, the fair will bring together botanists, scientists, artists, musicians, native plant growers, and the general public in a unique natural setting. Over the course of the event, the fair aims to strengthen the bond between local communities and their biocultural heritage by promoting sustainable practices and collective knowledge of one of Mexico’s most resilient and emblematic ecosystems.
A program blooming with science, art, and community
The fair’s schedule features keynote lectures, workshops, guided walks, art, live music, and a native plant market. This diverse lineup blends technical, scientific, and traditional knowledge into accessible and engaging experiences.
Highlights include the lecture “Planting Gardens to Support Pollinators” by expert Juan Manuel Sánchez Solano, who will present ecological design strategies to bolster pollinator-friendly environments.
Other talks include “The Use of Native Plants for Pest and Disease Control” by Fabiola Magallán Hernández, and “The Agave Genus and Its Biocultural Richness” by Karen Vázquez Ramírez, who will explore the agave’s essential role in food, traditional medicine, and cultural identity in the semidesert region.
Ecological themes continue with Martina García Granados’ talk, “Native Trees: Resilient Organisms for Ecological Balance,” which calls for a reevaluation of native vegetation in stabilizing ecosystems amid climate change.
A fair where art also takes root
Beyond science, the fair invites attendees to engage through artistic expression. On Friday, June 20 at 4:00 p.m., the exhibition “GERMIBROTAR: The Agroecological Art of Emily C-D” will open, showcasing visual works that connect agroecological practices with artistic exploration, evoking themes of regeneration and coexistence.
On Sunday at 10:00 a.m., the shadow-theater short film “COPIL, Son of the Desert” will be screened. Rooted in Mesoamerican mythology and originally scored in 1988, the film invites viewers to a poetic, symbolic journey into the spiritual dimensions of the land.
Musician Daniel Flores will enhance the communal spirit with his norteño music performances on Saturday and Sunday at 3:00 p.m., echoing traditional sounds of northern and central Mexico.
Take plants home—and help conserve them
One of the fair’s biggest attractions is the native plant and specialized substrate market, where attendees can purchase species adapted to semidesert conditions and actively support conservation efforts. From 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, visitors will have the chance to speak with growers and experts about care tips, uses, and the ecological value of these plants—many of which are essential for sustainable gardening.
In addition to sales, there will be workshops, books, educational materials, and informal talks, encouraging ongoing dialogue between traditional, scientific, and community knowledge systems.
A space with a cause: El Charco del Ingenio
The fair takes place at the heart of El Charco del Ingenio Ethnobotanical Garden, a nationally recognized conservation site known for its work in preserving semidesert flora and advancing educational and community initiatives. Nestled in the mountainous landscape of San Miguel de Allende, the garden serves not only as the venue but also as a living inspiration for the event’s mission: to protect, understand, and share the region’s biodiversity.
Open and free for all
Admission to the fair is completely free and requires no pre-registration. Visitors can simply sign in at the garden’s reception on the day of the event. This open-access policy reflects the spirit of the fair: to democratize knowledge, promote community participation, and foster an inclusive movement for the conservation of natural resources.
Partnerships for Sustainability
The Second Biocultural Fair of Semidesert Plants is made possible through the collaborative efforts of institutions dedicated to sustainable development and ethnobotanical research, including the Secretariat of Science, Humanities, Technology, and Innovation, the National Network of Ethnobotanical Gardens (Renajeb), the Mexican Association of Botanical Gardens, and of course, the team at El Charco del Ingenio.
This event is much more than a fair—it is an invitation to reflect on our relationship with nature, to celebrate ancestral and scientific knowledge, and to envision a more sustainable future rooted in our biocultural identity.
Full Program of Activities
Friday, June 20
- 4:00 p.m. – Opening of the exhibition: “GERMIBROTAR: The Agroecological Art of Emily C-D”
Saturday, June 21
- 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Native plant market
- 11:00 a.m. – Lecture: “Planting Gardens to Support Pollinators”, by Juan Manuel Sánchez Solano
- 1:00 p.m. – Lecture: “Native Trees: Resilient Organisms for Ecological Balance”, by Martina García Granados
- 3:00 p.m. – Music performance by Daniel Flores
Sunday, June 22
- 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Native plant market
- 10:00 a.m. – Screening: “COPIL, Son of the Desert”
- 11:00 a.m. – Lecture: “The Agave Genus and Its Biocultural Richness”, by Karen Vázquez Ramírez
- 1:00 p.m. – Lecture: “The Use of Native Plants for Pest and Disease Control”, by Fabiola Magallán Hernández
- 3:00 p.m. – Music performance by Daniel Flores
Ongoing Activities Throughout the Fair
- Native plant and substrate sales
- Workshops, talks, and lectures
- Books, music, and educational materials
Location: El Charco del Ingenio, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato.
Free admission.
For more information, visit the garden’s official social media channels or go directly to the reception desk during event days.
