From March 13 to 15, 2026, the Dama Juana Raicilla Festival returns for its ninth annual edition at the Centro Cultural Cuale. This free community event celebrates Raicilla, Jalisco’s traditional agave spirit, which was granted a protected Designation of Origin in 2019. This year’s festival brings together 18 different “tabernas” (distilleries) from the coast and sierra of Jalisco, offering visitors a rare chance to meet the master distillers and taste the distinct flavor profiles of this smoky, artisanal spirit.
Highlights include live distillation demonstrations using traditional clay or copper alambiques, as well as professional tastings held at 2:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday. For those looking for a hands-on experience, the festival will offer cultural workshops like custom tote-bag printing and a photography exhibit documenting the cultural impact of Raicilla on local communities.
Throughout the weekend, the Cuale Cultural Center will be filled with a diverse soundtrack of live music, ranging from traditional Mariachi and regional bands to cumbia and boleros. Performance artists will also take the stage for folkloric and pre-Hispanic dance displays. With activities starting daily at 11:00 AM, the Dama Juana Festival remains a family-friendly gateway to the authentic heart of Jalisco, perfectly positioned in the shaded, riverside oasis of the Isla Cuale.
Source: IVC
