Can you imagine a festival where the quince fruit isn’t just food, but a symbol of identity, history, and pride? That’s exactly what the 2025 International Quince Festival was all about. Held from August 1 to 3 in Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos, Jalisco, the festival’s ninth edition brought together art, food, music, and international exchange. This year, the special guest was Delfim Moreira, a municipality in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, where locals also grow and celebrate quince.
What is the International Quince Festival?
The festival kicked off on Friday, August 1 at 5:00 PM with a lively parade through the town’s main streets. Local artists, dancers, and performance groups set the tone with music, color, and movement, signaling the start of the celebration. The opening was followed by the launch of two main exhibition areas in the town’s central plaza:
- Gastronomic Pavilion: A showcase of local dishes, drinks, and desserts where quince was the star ingredient.
- Cultural Pavilion: Featuring artisan exhibitions, hands-on workshops, live music, and folk dancing that highlighted the cultural wealth of both the host town and its international guest.
Throughout the three-day festival, thousands of visitors enjoyed family-friendly activities while learning about the history and importance of quince in the local community.
What is quince, and why does it matter?
Quince is a fruit native to Asia, somewhat resembling a yellow apple with a tough skin, strong fragrance, and a tart flavor. Though it’s rarely eaten raw, it’s a beloved ingredient in traditional Mexican cooking, especially in:
- Ate de membrillo (a thick, sweet quince paste)
- Jams and jellies
- Sweet-and-sour sauces for meat dishes
- Traditional candies, preserves, and desserts
In Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos, quince is more than a fruit—it’s part of the town’s identity. The town’s name literally translates to “Ixtlahuacán of the Quinces,” and many families grow quince trees in their yards or on nearby farms. The cultivation of quince represents both a local livelihood and a cultural legacy passed down through generations.
That’s why the festival is so meaningful: it’s a tribute to this agricultural tradition that has brought flavor, community pride, and economic opportunity to the region for decades.
A Visit from Brazil: A Connection Beyond Language
This year’s guest municipality was Delfim Moreira in Minas Gerais, Brazil—a region where quince is also grown and celebrated. The shared agricultural heritage made this partnership a perfect cultural match.
Brazilian delegates participated in the event by showcasing their farming techniques, traditional quince recipes, and handcrafted goods. Joint workshops created space for dialogue between producers, chefs, artisans, and public officials from both countries.
This kind of cross-cultural exchange positions the festival as a meaningful international platform—where a single fruit becomes a bridge between diverse communities.
Highlights and Strengthening International Ties
Beyond celebrating quince itself, the 2025 edition aimed to enrich the town’s cultural life and expand its international presence. Among the most anticipated activities was the presentation of a new book about the history of Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos—the third of its kind, designed to preserve local heritage and strengthen community identity.
Additional festival highlights included:
- A 5K and 8K community race
- Art exhibitions featuring local painters
- A regional wine tasting
- The beloved “Biggest Quince” contest, where local farmers showcased their most impressive fruit
These events brought not just entertainment, but a renewed sense of pride in the town’s agricultural roots.
During a press conference, Festival Coordinator Francisco Íñiguez announced another key milestone: a letter of intent was signed with Delfim Moreira, formalizing a sister-city relationship. A Mexican delegation will travel to Brazil for the signing, marking the third such international partnership for Ixtlahuacán—following Codogné, Italy (2023) and Carcabuey, Spain (2024). This international outreach, part of the “International Quince Route” led by Mayor Heriberto García Murillo, seeks to promote the town and benefit its local producers on a global stage.
The full lineup of artists and music groups was revealed in the days leading up to the event, drawing a wide and diverse audience to the heart of Jalisco.
A Community-Wide Celebration
While it drew tourists and international guests, the festival’s true soul came from the people of Ixtlahuacán. The entire town joined forces to bring the event to life:
- Local farmers shared their harvests and quince-based products.
- Traditional cooks prepared and offered time-honored family recipes.
- Artisans sold handmade items inspired by quince—textiles, carved figures, and decorative pieces.
- Schools and cultural groups filled the streets with dance, music, and educational workshops for children.
From the youngest child to the most experienced elder, everyone played a role in turning the festival into a heartfelt tribute to their heritage. For many, it was an opportunity to reconnect with their roots in a world that’s becoming more globalized every day.
Conclusion: More Than a Festival—A Celebration of Identity
The 2025 International Quince Festival was more than a celebration of flavor—it was a celebration of land, tradition, and unity. Honoring the quince fruit means honoring the stories of those who grow it, cook with it, and keep its legacy alive.
If you ever find yourself in Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos, don’t miss the chance to taste a handmade quince dessert and ask about its history. You’ll discover that behind every bite is a story of love for the land and community.
Want to be part of the next edition? Plan your visit for next August and experience a truly unique celebration—where culture, flavor, and community come together in every corner of this charming town.
