Introduction and Background
From April 17 to 21, Chapultepec Forest will be the center of attention for the SPORA Festival del Bosque 2025, a celebration dedicated to various life forms and their significance in human lives. This annual event, initiated since 2022, focuses on fungi this year. Fungi are abundant worldwide, with Mexico, a megadiverse country, estimated to have around 200,000 species, of which only 3.5% to 5% have been documented.
Festival Overview and Collaboration
Organized by the Government of Mexico City, the Environmental Secretariat, and Chapultepec Forest, with support from the National Fungi Council and partners like the Chapultepec Forest Trust and Coppel Foundation, the festival aims to raise awareness about environmental care, flora, fauna, and the importance of green spaces through cultural, educational, and recreational activities, artistic exhibitions, and enjoyment of the forest areas.
Monumental Sculptures and Local Artists
One of the main attractions is the monumental sculptures, featuring Mexican fungi species across all venues, except at Puerta de los Leones, where visitors will be surprised by a grand setup. Andrea Martínez, the festival coordinator, explains that these sculptures highlight the diverse forms, colors, and textures of fungi. With approximately 150,000 registered species and an estimated one million unregistered ones worldwide, the festival showcases fungi’s vast diversity.
Six representative macrofungal structures and the portal were crafted by Iztapalapa collectives experienced in working with Chapultepec Forest for past festivals. These artists, supported by the Faro de Oriente project, will create durable and visually appealing sculptures for the expected millions of visitors until August, when another festival, Hongosto, is planned during the mushroom season.
Extensive Program and Free Activities
The festival will host over 250 activities across 16 venues, including film screenings, gastronomy, conferences, workshops, discussions, picnics, concerts, sales of fungi-related products, and the opening act by the Ballet Folclórico de Amalia Hernández. Ninety percent of these activities are free, emphasizing the importance of fungi in ecosystems and human life throughout history.
All four sections of Chapultepec Forest will participate, focusing on fungi’s unique characteristics and their value in ecosystems. This initiative aims to educate the public about fungi’s diverse forms, functions, and significance beyond their typical portrayal as mushrooms or molds.
Ecological Significance of Fungi
Dr. Sandra Castro, a biologist specializing in macrofungi of Mexican temperate forests (also known as @Fungi_Cosas), highlights the ecological importance of fungi.
“Fungi, both micro and macro, are integral to our ecosystem and perform crucial functions. One of the most significant is their role as primary decomposers of organic matter, consuming and breaking down decaying organic material, capturing nutrients that are then returned to the soil.”
Fungi also associate with other organisms, like plant roots, facilitating nutrient exchange that promotes ecosystem growth and health. Although some fungi groups cause diseases or are parasitic, they help control populations in animals, plants, and humans.
“Overall, fungi’s existence is positive and essential for planetary balance. Their interactions with ecosystems and living organisms ensure nature’s proper functioning, making their study crucial. This festival is a wonderful initiative to engage the public, showcasing fungi’s diversity and functions, encouraging observation and active participation in their conservation.”
Festival Details
For Chapultepec Forest, this event is the year’s most significant occasion, uniting all sections and activities to share knowledge and bring life to public spaces.
For more information on schedules and lineups, visit the festival’s microsite: https://festivaldelbosque.com/descargables/#educativos
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the SPORA Festival del Bosque 2025? It’s an annual event in Chapultepec Forest celebrating various life forms, with a focus on fungi in 2025. The festival aims to raise awareness about environmental care, flora, fauna, and green spaces through cultural, educational, and recreational activities.
- When and where does the festival take place? The SPORA Festival del Bosque 2025 will be held from April 17 to 21 in Chapultepec Forest, Mexico City.
- What are the main attractions of the festival? Monumental sculptures featuring Mexican fungi species, over 250 activities across 16 venues, and educational programs emphasizing fungi’s importance in ecosystems.
- Why are fungi important? Fungi play crucial roles in ecosystems, such as decomposing organic matter, associating with other organisms for nutrient exchange, and controlling populations. Their diverse forms and functions highlight their significance beyond typical portrayals.
- How can I learn more about the festival? Visit the festival’s microsite: https://festivaldelbosque.com/descargables/#educativos for schedules, lineups, and additional information.
