Uniting the Cultures of San Diego and Alcalá de Henares
Celebrating Friendship Collaboration Unity
The San Diego/Alcalá Sister Cities Society, a proud member of the San Diego International Sister Cities Association, is dedicated to fostering international relationships through people-to-people connections. We are committed to enriching our communities by promoting cultural understanding, educational exchanges, and mutual respect between San Diego and Alcalá de Henares.
Our Connection with Alcalá de Henares
Our sister city relationship goes beyond formalities; it’s a celebration of shared history and culture. Tracing back to the 16th century with explorers like Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo and Sebastián Vizcaíno, our story intertwines with Spain’s. The founding of Missión San Diego de Alcalá by Friar Junípero Serra in 1769 is a pivotal moment, symbolizing our deep-rooted connection to Alcalá de Henares.
Celebrating Culture through the Cervantes Festival
The Cervantes Festival, the highlight of our cultural calendar, showcases our dedication to cultural exchange and education. For over a decade, this festival has been a melting pot of activities, celebrating Miguel de Cervantes and his iconic novel, Don Quijote de la Mancha. It’s where students, educators, and the community delve into the richness of Spanish literature and culture.
Upcoming & Recent Events
Experience the vibrant connection between San Diego and Alcalá de Henares through our upcoming events. Whether it’s cultural celebrations, educational initiatives, or community gatherings, each event is an opportunity to celebrate friendship and mutual growth.
Join us and be part of a story that unites history, culture, and community.
2026 Cervantes Festival Highlights
The 2026 Cervantes Festival was a vibrant celebration of literature, language, music, and community held in San Diego through the collaboration of the San Diego/Alcalá Sister Cities Society, Instituto Cervantes Los Ángeles, and the San Diego Public Library. This year’s Festival brought together students, educators, performers, and families for a joyful day honoring the enduring legacy of Miguel de Cervantes and Don Quixote.
From multilingual readings and student art exhibitions to flamenco, Ballet Folclórico, and live musical performances, the Festival showcased the beauty of cultural exchange and community connection. Readers of all ages participated in the beloved Don Quixote read-a-thon, while guests enjoyed educational activities, performances, and opportunities to celebrate shared heritage together.
Read the full 2026 Festival Review to experience the highlights, performances, and memorable moments that made this year’s Cervantes Festival such a meaningful success.
Check out our image gallery!
Reflections from the Festival by Milagros Hinojosa
Below, we share a beautifully written reflection on the 2025 festival by Milagros Hinojosa, highlighting the event’s cultural impact and vibrant atmosphere.
Festival Cervantino
Milagros Hinojosa
El XI Festival Cervantino se llevó a cabo en San Diego, California, el 22 de marzo, 2025 en el emblemático Balboa Park como parte de una iniciativa cultural-educativa organizada por la San Diego/Alcalá Sister Cities Society y representada por la presidenta, Dra. Penelope Bledsoe. El festival se realizó con la colaboración de la Casa de México de San Diego y su presidenta, Alba Beltrán, y el Instituto Cervantes representado por Gonzalo del Puerto, Jefe de Actividades Culturales, Los Angeles. Los objetivos del evento son rendir homenaje a nuestra ciudad hermana, Alcalá de Henares, a su hijo predilecto, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, y a su inmortal obra Don Quijote de la Mancha. Así como también, promover la literatura a las nuevas generaciones y de esta manera reafirmar el intercambio cultural entre España, Estados Unidos y países hispanos.
Entre las actividades llevadas a cabo durante el festival se encuentra la participación de estudiantes de diferentes escuelas preparatorias, quienes leen en voz alta y en diferentes lenguas capítulos del Quijote. En reconocimiento de la lectura, el Instituto Cervantes les obsequia a los jóvenes lectores ejemplares de la gran novela editada por la Real Academia Española. El festival también incluyó presentaciones culturales de baile, música, comida y arte de diferentes países: México, España y Panamá, y de esta forma celebrar la riqueza hispánica. Fue el festival más vibrante y participativo hasta la fecha, una alegre reunión de lenguas, generaciones y culturas compartidas.
Cervantes Society of America – 2025 Newsletter
Our Impact in Numbers
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Expanding Horizons Through Student Exchanges
Since 2013, our society has been actively engaging with San Diego’s Spanish community and educational institutions. We’ve transformed local classrooms into hubs of international friendship, fostering sister school relationships and lively letter exchanges.
Our student exchange program, launched in 2019, is a journey of cultural discovery, building bridges between young minds from different continents and fostering lifelong friendships.
Support Our Mission
Your support is vital in continuing our mission to promote understanding, peace, and fellowship, a vision inspired by President Eisenhower. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference. Whether you’re a sponsor, an educator, or a student, your contribution helps us sustain and expand our educational programs and cultural exchanges, enriching lives and communities.
