At the ceremony, Enrique Bátiz and the Folkloric Ballet of Amalia Hernández received the Cervantine medal.

Guanajuato, Gto., October 11, 2017.- The 45th edition of the International Cervantine Festival (FIC) began. This time, it is perceived as "a spiritual balm" and at the same time, allows to show that "Mexico is big, although the adversity and misfortune", declared the President of the University of Guanajuato (UG), Dr. Luis Felipe Guerrero Agripino, in the opening ceremony.

In his message, Dr. Guerrero referred to the virtuous force of art and culture, that brings towns and generations together. Besides, given the recent seismic events that affected México, he mentioned the participation of hundreds of artists from around the world is perceived as a solidary expression of 35 countries.

This edition of the FIC, matches the 285 years of the educational project who gave origin to the University of Guanajuato. In this context, UG's President reaffirmed the university's commitment with everything that dignifies the human being.

The State Governor, Lic. Miguel Márquez Márquez, highlighted than in a world that builds walls, Guanajuato –with the force of culture— "builds bridges." At the same time, he celebrated that this space makes Guanajuato the stage for the world and it presents as a space for reflection and encounter.

FIC's opening ceremony was the frame to deliver Cervantine Medal. This medal honors the legacy of Enrique Bátiz, orchestra conductor, also, the Folkloric Ballet of Amalia Hernández, which has been in scenarios around the globe, the artistic value of the Mexican culture. Besides, in the year of his passing, there was an homage for the ceramic worker of Guanajuato, Gorky González.

The General Director of Promotion and Cultural Festivals of the Department of Culture, Lic. Marcela Diez Martínez, emphasized the importance of FIC, which has become one of the most important multidisciplinary festivals in the world, "pride of our country and jewel of Guanajuato, its cradle."

As representatives of the guest country and state were: The Ambassador of France in Mexico, Her Excellence Ann Grillo, and the Secretary of Culture in the State of Mexico, M. Marcela González Salas, who thanked the distinction and the opportunity to prove in the Cervantino, the talent of the artists.

While welcoming the participants, the Municipal President of Guanajuato, Lic. Edgar Castro Cerrillo, remembered that it was in 1953 when the university theater group, led by Enrique Ruelas, began to represent the "Entremeses Cervantinos", that were the origin of the Cervantine Festival.

The Teatro Juarez was the stage for the inauguration. At the venue were present: The Secretary of Culture, Lic. Maria Cristina García Cepeda; the Secretary of Tourism, Lic. Fernando Olivera Rocha; the General Director of the State Institute of Culture, Dr. Juan Alcocer Flores; among other functionaries of the three levels of government, as well as the deputy of France, Paula Forteza and members of the French diplomat group.

At the end of the protocol act, the inauguration was held in the press conference hall "Carlos Ximénez", and then there was a tour by the House of France.

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