Overview of the Festival Cultura UNAM 2025
The fourth edition of the Festival Cultura UNAM, organized by the Coordination of Cultural Diffusion at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), is set to commence on September 26 and conclude on October 11. This year’s festival features an extensive program encompassing theater, opera, dance, diverse music genres, a film cycle, historic tributes to prominent figures in Mexican and global arts, as well as an olfactory sound installation. A total of 79 activities will involve 135 participants from 17 countries.
Notable Events in the Festival Program
September 26: Homage to María Callas
The festival kicks off with a tribute to the legendary soprano María Callas, one of opera’s most iconic figures. Written by playwright Amaranta Osorio, this theatrical piece will be performed by soprano and actress Cecilia Eguiarte under the direction of Daniela Parra. The event will take place at the Carlos Chávez Hall at 18:00.
October 5: Contemporary “Giselle” by TCUNAM
The Taller Coreográfico de la UNAM (TCUNAM) and the Orquesta de Cámara de Bellas Artes will collaborate with INBAL and Festival Cervantino to present a contemporary version of the classic ballet “Giselle,” titled “Las que no volvieron.” Choreographed by Melva Olivas, this adaptation reflects Mexico’s violent reality while honoring the original ballet.
October 5: Ramón Vargas and José Angel Rodríguez
Renowned Mexican tenor Ramón Vargas will perform alongside pianist José Angel Rodríguez, showcasing his repertoire that includes Liszt’s “Sonetos de Petrarca,” famous arias, and iconic Mexican songs. The recital will be held at the Sala Nezahualcóyotl.
October 10-11: Premiere of Missy Mazzoli’s “Breaking the Waves”
The UNAM Orquesta Juvenil Universitaria Eduardo Mata (OJUEM) and the Estudio de Ópera de Bellas Artes will present the Mexican premiere of “Breaking the Waves,” an opera by American composer and pianist Missy Mazzoli, a Grammy-nominated artist and International Opera Prize nominee.
Historical Tributes
The festival will honor poet and narrator Sandro Cohen, five years after his passing, as well as writer and dramaturge Hugo Hiriart, a Xavier Villaurrutia Prize winner (1972), Ariel Prize recipient (1990), and National Arts and Sciences Prize laureate in Linguistics and Literature (2009).
Cancellation of Música Contra el Olvido
A planned musical event, “Música Contra el Olvido,” featuring artists from electronic, trap, rap, rock, son, and world music genres on the explanada of Las Islas in the central campus, has been canceled due to recent events at UNAM’s South Colegio de Ciencias y Humanidades (CCH) plantel.
Additional Festival Highlights
“Reflejo olfativo” Installation
An olfactory sensory installation by Carolina Van Waeyenberge, Nadjib Achaibou, and Ignacio Pérez Certucha will be available on the explanada of the Espiga at the Centro Cultural Universitario (CU) throughout the festival, with free admission.
“Las brujas de Salem”
Directed by Ángeles Castro Gurría, Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” will be performed at the Caja Negra del Centro Universitario de Teatro from September 26 to October 24, with free admission.
Gala of Opera
On September 30 at 20:00 in the Sala Nezahualcóyotl, tenor Juan Diego Florez will perform alongside the Sinfónica de Minería orchestra, directed by guest conductor Jader Bignamini. Various ticket prices apply.
Recital: “Rosario Castellanos: Otro modo de ser”
On October 5 at 12:00 in the Carlos Chávez Hall, Ana Laura Santamaría will perform and direct “Rosario Castellanos: Otro modo de ser,” featuring music by Patricio Garza Marcos and vocals by Bárbara Gutiérrez López. Admission is free.
