Sister Cities: An Agreement to Deepen Cultural Understanding and Economic Exchange.

In a small gathering at the Palacio Municipal Garberat in San Miguel de Allende, a delegation from Palm Springs led by Mayor Grace Garner signed a Sister Cities Agreement with San Miguel’s Mayor Mauricio Trejo. Local business owners, residents and expats attended the ceremony on Friday, August 4, 2023. It was covered by local media and live streamed on Facebook.

Sister Cities is a formal relationship between cities, councils, and municipalities, envisioned and created in 1956 by US President Dwight E. Eisenhower. The common goal is to deepen cultural understanding, promote peace, facilitate economic exchange and develop friendships and travel.

San Miguel de Allende is a city well known for its foreign expat population. According to a 2020 population data by the Mexican Government, the largest number of people who migrated to San Miguel de Allende in the last 5 years came from the United States of America, approximately 1,100 people who call San Miguel home, resident there or permanently.

San Miguel is also a popular travel destination. In addition to its rich culture and past, architecture, arts and artisans, it is considered a welcoming town. It was named “The Most Friendly Destination in the World,” by Condé Naste Traveler 2022. Others consider it the most beautiful city in México.

“This partnership has flourished from the beginning,” said Palm Springs Mayor Garner at the signing ceremony. “We went a thousand miles to strengthen our relationship, and we’ll go many more to make it work,” metaphorically said San Miguel de Allende Mayor Mauricio Trejo.

A Sister City delegation from Palm Springs traveled to San Miguel de Allende, covered by private funding, to be present at the significative event. Business owners and community leaders from Palm Springs were eager for this to happen.

Palm Springs, California is a premium destination known for its sunny climate, hot springs, golf courses, and architecture. Celebrities, business titans, and retirees call it home. Travelers visit year-round. It ranks as one of the top best cities for culture in the USA. Mayor Grace Garner is the first Latina elected Mayor in Palm Springs. She has origins in Mexico.

-Lupita Franco Peimbert

LFP is a multimedia journalist focusing on arts, culture, travel and life. She was born and raised in Mexico. She lives in San Francisco, California.