Palm Springs Mayor Grace Garner will lead a delegation to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, next week to celebrate the second official signing of the sister city agreement between the two cities. The trip aims to strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation between Palm Springs and San Miguel de Allende.
During the four-day trip, Aug. 3 to Aug. 6, the delegation will engage in cultural and educational activities, including visits to local landmarks and cultural institutions such as the Mexican Folk Toy Museum, the San Lucas Vineyard, and the Atotonilco Sanctuary. Delegates will also attend the grand opening of FASMA (Festival de las Artes San Miguel) and a concert by Fernando de la Mora.
Accommodations for the delegation are arranged at the Hotel Real de Minas, and meals will be provided by restaurants Casa Hoyos, Mama Mia Campestre, and Amatte. The trip will kick off with a special reception hosted by Brenda Sexton, a local resident who divides her time between San Miguel and Palm Springs.
The reciprocal signing ceremony of the sister city agreement will take place on Friday, Aug. 4, in San Miguel. On the same day, the Palm Springs delegation will make a presentation to local officials, business leaders, and members of the press about opportunities in Palm Springs. A similar signing ceremony took place here in February.
“This trip represents a significant milestone in our relationship with San Miguel de Allende,” said Garner, who noted the personal significance of the trip as her family is Mexican American. “As we formalize our sister city partnership, we look forward to fostering a deeper understanding of our shared cultural values and mutual aspirations for our communities.”
The Palm Springs Sister City Committee, a tax-exempt nonprofit public charity, has privately raised all funds for the delegation’s travel, with no public taxpayer funds expended. The committee aims to enhance world peace by promoting relationships between Palm Springs and other foreign cities, fostering goodwill, compassion, and cultural exchange.
Sister City programs, like the one between Palm Springs and San Miguel de Allende, involve agreements signed by the mayors of each city, confirming their commitment to the program. These programs facilitate exchanges of various types, including political and business leaders, arts and cultural representatives, educators, and technical experts, promoting cross-cultural understanding, cooperation, and business opportunities.
Palm Springs previously had sister city relationships with Victoria, B.C., Canada, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and Nikki, Japan, in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
More information: For more information about Palm Springs Sister Cities, head to its website here.
