Monthly
Newsletter
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ACTIVITIES
Along with their primary mission of study and conservation of natural resources, the botanical garden and Landeta Park also serve as community gathering places. Talks, courses, workshops, guided visits, meetings, camps, astronomical observations, races, concerts, dances, ceremonies and various festivities take place continuously, a reflection of the multicultural society of San Miguel de Allende. |
The primary focus is environmental education for the local public, through activities that take place on significant dates, summer courses, and ongoing programs. The Environmental Education Program of San Miguel de Allende (PEASMA, for its initials in Spanish) is an unprecedented popular initiative headed by the Save the Children Foundation, which has worked closely with El Charco since 2002. This program combines values and practices of popular culture with alternative technologies, and is mainly directed toward school-aged children and youth, who learn about the reasons for and techniques of environmental conservation in the Botanical Garden.
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
 Guided tours to the points of greatest interest in the conservation area. 2-1/2 hour tours on Tuesdays, starting at 10a.m. Members 50 pesos, non-members 80 pesos. Private tours available by appointment.
MONTHLY ACTIVITIES
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Temascal. On the weekend nearest the full moon, one or two sessions of this ritual and curative ceremony using aromatic herbs and steam takes place in a sweat-lodge located in the ruins of the Hacienda Las Colonias in the northern part of the garden.
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Full Moon Ceremony, which takes place every month in the Plaza of the Four Winds, starting at sunset.
Monthly talks given by experts on variable dates, on topics related to natural resources or the environment, usually held in the botanical garden library or in the boveda (dome) of the Plaza of the Four Winds, except when it involves a walk through the reserve.
Annual Activities
The Spring Equinox concert, held near the date of March 21, takes place in the Charco del Ingenio canyon with its rocky formations that create a naturally sculpted acoustic space. Every year a different musical group performs. It is a benefit concert for the botanical garden; for that reason there is an admission charge.
World Earth Day, April 22, during which a trash pickup campaign is carried out in the areas around the botanical garden as well as within and outside of Landeta Park, with the support of PEASMA and the participation of hundreds of students and neighbors.
National Botanical Garden Day, April 26, is a date dedicated to local education about the role of botanical gardens today as guardians of regional biodiversity.
World Environment Day, June 5, during which native trees are planted in Landeta Park, with the support of PEASMA and the participation of students, neighbors and the communities of the Santa Cruz. |
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Summer courses, during the months of July and August, for children and youth, dedicated to science education, artistic creation and nature sports.
Fiesta de la Santa Cruz del Charco del Ingenio is celebrated during the first fifteen days of July in the botanical garden and Landeta Park.
A well-attended popular festival directed by the communities of San Miguel, it includes a candlelight vigil, raising of the standing offering súchil (an offering in the form of a tall construction made from local plants), a procession of the Holy Cross, dances of the rayados (striped dancers), concheros (shell dancers) and locos (the crazies, disguised as women and political caricatures), as well as a public dance and huapango arribeño (traditional music from the neighboring Sierra Gorda). Admission free.
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activities