The International Cervantino Festival (FIC) is not just a cultural event; it is a living tradition that has evolved over more than five decades, establishing itself as one of the most important artistic gatherings in Mexico and the world. In a profound and enriching conversation, Carlota Zenteno Martínez, head of the FIC Historical Archive, opens the doors to a universe of documents, images, and testimonies that have shaped the festival’s memory. With passion and dedication, she shares the challenges and triumphs of preserving this invaluable legacy.
Preserving the history of the Cervantino is a monumental task. The festival’s archive houses thousands of documents, photographs, interviews, and audiovisual materials that narrate its evolution. However, cataloging and digitizing these materials is no simple feat. Carlota explains that the process begins with identifying each piece, but the most complex part is determining which items to prioritize. Secondary assessment plays a crucial role, as it involves evaluating the historical, testimonial, and cultural significance of each document. The goal is to ensure that any archive that helps explore and understand the festival’s identity is properly cataloged and digitized.
One of the greatest challenges in this process is authenticating certain materials. Photographs and documents often arrive at the archive with unclear origins, and verifying their authenticity requires meticulous research. To address these uncertainties, the team follows a rigorous protocol: reviewing the context of each document, comparing it with other archives from the same year, and cross-referencing key details. If authenticity cannot be confirmed, the document is archived with a note indicating that verification is still pending. This approach protects the archive’s integrity without discarding potentially valuable information.
Despite the vast collection, one piece remains the archive’s lost treasure: the first official record of the Cervantino Festival from 1972. This document is crucial for reconstructing the festival’s origins and providing a more complete view of its evolution. Although the search continues, it symbolizes the team’s commitment to building the most representative and comprehensive collection possible.
Since the archive opened to the public, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Researchers, artists, and students have found it to be an invaluable source of information. Carlota mentions that they have hosted thesis students from various academic levels and artists who have participated in the festival, all deeply interested in accessing this repository. But the interest extends beyond Mexico. Inquiries from countries like Spain, Brazil, and the United States demonstrate that the FIC’s relevance transcends borders, solidifying its status as an international cultural landmark.
The Cervantino Archive not only preserves official documents and records but also serves as a visual testimony to the festival’s history. Among the 65,000 photographs safeguarded are works by renowned photographers such as Francisco Mata Rosas, Rogelio Cuéllar, and Graciela Iturbide. Their images have captured exceptional moments of the festival, from iconic performances to intimate backstage scenes, creating a unique visual memory.
The digitization process has been key to ensuring the archive’s preservation and accessibility. Fortunately, the work of previous administrations has facilitated this effort, as a significant number of electronic documents have been generated since the early 21st century. So far, the team has not faced major challenges in digitizing older formats, allowing steady progress in protecting and organizing the materials. Additionally, specialized techniques, such as primary and secondary protective enclosures, are used to safeguard physical documents from deterioration. Digitized archives, on the other hand, are backed up regularly to ensure their long-term integrity.
Beyond being a historical repository, Carlota envisions the FIC Archive continuing to play a fundamental role in the cultural memory and identity of Guanajuato and Mexico in the years to come. It not only documents the festival’s history but also reflects the evolution of cultural management and how the FIC’s programming has changed over time. It is a living testament to how, year after year, Guanajuato becomes a multicultural meeting point where art in all its expressions comes to life.
For those interested in learning more about the history of the International Cervantino Festival, the FIC Historical Archive is open to the public at house number 6 on Calle Cantarranas. This location was once the Administrative Justice Court of the State of Guanajuato and originally the home of Emma Godoy, a poet, essayist, playwright, and passionate advocate for the elderly. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in this cultural treasure, explore unpublished documents, admire iconic photographs, and discover testimonies that have shaped over half a century of artistic tradition.
We thank Carlota Zenteno Martínez for sharing her knowledge and dedication to preserving this invaluable memory. Thanks to her work and the efforts of her team, the Cervantino not only lives on in each edition but also in the archives that safeguard its history for future generations.
