Mexico's Secretariat of Culture reallocates budget to keep festivals running and launches free summer arts program

The Secretariat of Culture of the Mexican state of Querétaro, led by Ana Paola López, said that despite federal budget cuts it has restructured its finances to maintain cultural programs and major festivals. For the first time the agency received 600,000 pesos from the federal PROFEST program to support the Hay Festival Querétaro, and also benefited from PACMyC and PECDA funding, allowing continued co‑investment in cultural initiatives while some historic‑building programs were transferred to the Public Works Secretariat.

At the national level, the Secretariat is rolling out the "Alas y Raíces" summer initiative, offering 152 free artistic and cultural activities across 19 states. The program targets children, adolescents and families, featuring the immersive theatrical rally "Onírico Ojos del Bosque" in multiple Mexico City venues from 30 July to 16 August 2026.