Wandering the Streets of Guanajuato with the Spirit of Don Quijote, Assorted Fantasmas, and a Cow.

Since 1972, every fall Guanajuato has been host to the International Cervantino Festival, a massive celebration of the arts centered around the legacy of Miguel de Cervantes and his immortal character, Don Quijote. The festival began as an outgrowth of the tradition of various small plays by Cervantes which were preformed in the parks and public squares of Guanajuato state. Today, the festival attracts performers from all over the globe, and has become one of the largest cultural festivals in the world.

The city is packed with tributes to Don Quijote and his creator, including this statue.

Of course, there are skeletons everywhere. Because Mexico.

And many other fantasmas and whimsies.

Some homes are decorated with painted scenes and animals.

Sometimes the artwork is more elaborate, encompassing the entire structure.

Sometimes just the facade.

Sometimes just the door.

I am always enchanted by the unfailingly delightful color combinations.

Finally, here's the cow, as promised.

P.