Beyond the Flavors: A Cultural Journey Through San Miguel’s Living History

As the savory aromas and vibrant energy of San Miguel y Sus Sabores began to settle, something more profound remained for those who took part. What began as a food festival transformed into a larger reflection on heritage, connection, and the preservation of culture.

During the final week of June, the Palm Springs Sister Cities delegation traveled to San Miguel de Allende for a powerful series of cultural and culinary events that beautifully blended citizen diplomacy, international collaboration, and historic preservation.

As Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte shared in his July 11 update:

“In the last week of June, the Palm Springs Sister City organization visited its sister city, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. This nonprofit is dedicated to fostering enduring relationships between the two communities, promoting peace through citizen diplomacy, creating educational opportunities for students, and establishing vital business connections.

I was particularly struck by San Miguel de Allende's deep commitment to historic preservation. San Miguel de Allende has masterfully blended the safeguarding of its unique historical sites and architectural heritage with thoughtful modernization.”

Indeed, it’s a city that teaches as much as it delights.

In the center of the photo: Secretary of Tourism for the State, Maria Guadalupe Robles León, Mayor Trejo and Mayor deHarte meeting prior to the San Miguel y Sus Sabores. 

Where History Meets Hospitality

At the heart of this exchange were the talented culinary students from the Universidad Tecnológica de San Miguel de Allende (UTSMA) who worked side-by-side with two of Palm Springs’ most celebrated chefs: Executive Chef Pedro Barroso of The Parker Palm Springs, and Head Chef David Arreguín of Tac/Quila Palm Springs.

UTSMA Administration, Faculty, and Culinary Students worked under the leadership of Chefs Pedro Barroso and David Arreguin.

Under their mentorship, students prepared and served beautifully inspired dishes at the San Miguel y Sus Sabores festival—an immersive, hands-on learning experience that brought together technique, creativity, and cultural pride. The collaboration highlighted how cuisine becomes a bridge—connecting generations, cities, and people.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Parque Juárez, the festival showcased the talents of over 30 restaurants, local artisans, and musical performers. And yet, beyond the celebration, the city itself stole the show.

San Miguel y Sus Sabores Festival 2025 - Parque Juárez, San Miguel de Allende.

San Miguel’s UNESCO Legacy

San Miguel de Allende is more than a beautiful destination—it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its 16th-century Spanish Colonial Baroque architecture, cobbled streets, and commitment to preservation.

Landmarks like La Parroquia, the iconic neo-Gothic cathedral in the town’s heart, stand as symbols of a city that refuses to let its identity fade. As Mayor deHarte observed, San Miguel’s 64-block historic district is a masterclass in urban preservation—with development guidelines and community pride working in harmony.

For our delegation, it served as a reminder that cities, like cuisine, thrive when rooted in authenticity and shaped by collaboration.

San Miguel de Allende's rich and vast cuisine. Yum!!!

Support Cultural Education and Global Partnerships

Palm Springs Sister Cities continues to create powerful moments of connection—whether through art, architecture, or cuisine. Programs like this culinary collaboration not only inspire professional growth but also deepen international friendships and shared understanding.

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