Hay Festival Mexico Proceeds Despite 60% Budget Cut, Shortens Duration

Despite facing a substantial 60% budget cut, the Hay Festival will hold its 11th edition in Mexico's Querétaro state, though its duration has been shortened by one day. The event is scheduled to take place from September 4 to 6.

Cristina Fuentes la Roche, the international director of the Hay Festival, acknowledged the challenging financial circumstances but expressed optimism, calling the situation "temporary and circumstantial." She confirmed the festival's commitment to Querétaro and its intention to secure future funding. The festival will feature Spanish author María Dueñas, known for 'The Time in Between,' and Mexican writer Lydia Cacho, who will present her first fiction work, 'A Falcon Under My Window.'

Daniela Salgado, the Secretary of Culture for the municipality of Querétaro, explained that the budget reduction stems from broader cuts imposed by the federal government on states and municipalities. The municipality's contribution has decreased from 11 million pesos to approximately 4.3 million pesos. Salgado lamented that culture is not a federal priority, likening the situation to a "carom effect" of cascading cuts.

Despite the financial constraints, organizers anticipate a strong turnout, potentially exceeding the 29,000 attendees from the previous year. The festival will host 35 international guests and 72 Mexican participants, including 28 from Querétaro. Discussions will cover a range of critical topics such as democracy, memory, identity, artificial intelligence (AI), science, justice, and environmental issues. Other notable international participants include Indian author Kiran Desai, Spanish writers Pol Guasch, Manuel Marsol, and Marta Jiménez Serrano, among others.