From April 17 to April 20, 2025, the Spora Festival del Bosque de Chapultepec will take place across the I, II, and IV Sections of Chapultepec Park, celebrating the fascinating world of fungi, environmental care, and sustainability. This vibrant event, organized by the capital government and financed by Fundación Coppel and Fideicomiso ProBosque, will feature a monumental portal and six massive fungi installations scattered throughout the forest.
Visitors to the festival can expect a variety of activities, including an inaugural presentation by the Ballet Folklórico de Amalia Hernández, a bioluminescent picnic, and a gastronomic exhibition focused on fungi. Uren Vázquez, a festival coordinator, highlighted that the event will also include a gastronomic tasting at Los Pinos, showcasing recipes from women cooks in Morelos, a region renowned for its mushroom production.
In addition to the culinary experiences, the festival will screen documentaries about fungi at the newly opened Cineteca Nacional, starting at 1:00 PM each day of the festival. Vázquez emphasized the importance of showcasing the new Cineteca and encouraging visitors to explore its offerings.
Since its inception in 2022, the Spora Festival has been a significant highlight for Chapultepec, attracting between 2.3 and 2.6 million visitors each year. Each edition has focused on different themes, such as insects, animal conservation, and bats, with this year's theme dedicated to fungi. Vázquez noted, "Year after year, it will continue to break barriers and gradually become a vital brand for Mexico City and Chapultepec Park."
Fungi play a crucial role in our ecosystems, and the festival aims to educate attendees about their importance. More than 250 activities will be offered across 16 venues, providing opportunities for both children and adults to learn how fungi impact our daily lives. From workshops on edible mushroom cultivation to talks on mycology and the ecological uses of fungi, the festival promises to be both informative and entertaining.
One of the main attractions will be the giant illuminated fungi installations, located in the Jardín Botánico within the Primera Sección of Chapultepec Park. These artistic displays will highlight the diversity of the fungi kingdom, which is vital for ecological balance.
Attendees can also look forward to guided night tours through the forest, storytelling sessions, theater performances, and dance and music presentations, all centered around the theme of fungi. The nighttime picnic on April 19, from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM, will be a highlight, featuring an immersive experience with illuminated fungi and a spectacular light show.
Dr. Sandra Castro, a biologist specializing in macrofungi, shared insights into the ecological roles of fungi. She explained that fungi are essential decomposers of organic matter, helping to recycle nutrients back into the soil. "Fungi have been on Earth long before us and are crucial for the health of our ecosystems," she stated. Castro emphasized that while some fungi can cause diseases, their overall contribution to ecological balance is overwhelmingly positive and indispensable.
The festival has garnered support from various organizations, including the National Council of Fungi, and aims to engage the public in environmental conservation efforts. With 90% of activities being free, the festival seeks to make education accessible to everyone, encouraging greater awareness of the diverse roles fungi play in our lives.
As the festival approaches, excitement is building among residents and visitors alike. The Spora Festival del Bosque de Chapultepec not only celebrates the beauty of fungi but also serves as a platform for raising awareness about environmental issues and the importance of biodiversity.
For those interested in attending, detailed information about the schedule and activities can be found on the festival's official website. This year’s event promises to be an unforgettable experience, highlighting the interconnectedness of all living beings and the vital roles they play in our ecosystems.
Overall, the Spora Festival del Bosque de Chapultepec represents a unique opportunity for cultural enrichment and environmental education, showcasing the importance of fungi in a fun and engaging way. With its diverse range of activities, the festival is set to attract nature lovers, families, and anyone looking to learn more about the fascinating world of fungi.
