Mexico City – March promises a vibrant cultural landscape, spearheaded by the Secretaría de Hacienda y Crédito Público (SHCP), Mexico’s Ministry of Finance and Public Credit. Throughout the month, a diverse program of events will unfold, centered around the theme of “Margarita Maza: Two Centuries in the History of Mexico,” celebrating the life and legacy of the wife of Benito Juárez, a pivotal figure in 19th-century Mexican history. The SHCP’s cultural offerings for March 2026, all free to the public, encompass art exhibitions, musical performances, literary discussions, cinematic explorations, and family-friendly activities, aiming to engage a broad audience with Mexico’s rich heritage and artistic expression. This initiative underscores a broader national effort to recognize the contributions of women throughout Mexican history, as highlighted by President Claudia Sheinbaum’s declaration of 2026 as the “Year of Margarita Maza Parada.”
The decision to dedicate 2026 to Margarita Maza Parada, announced in the first press conference of the year held at Palacio Nacional, recognizes her as a symbol of women who continue to strive for the transformation of the country. Born in Oaxaca in March 1826, Maza’s life, though spanning only 44 years, was marked by significant involvement in key moments of Mexican history, including the Reform War, the French Intervention, and the resistance against the Second Empire. She served not only as a mother and wife to President Juárez but also as an advisor, diplomat, and political figure, demonstrating a remarkable breadth of influence during a tumultuous period. The SHCP’s programming throughout March aims to illuminate these facets of her life and legacy, connecting her story to contemporary discussions about women’s roles in society.
Exploring Artistic Expression and Historical Narratives
A central event of the month is the opening of the temporary exhibition, Lloro cuando se quema el arroz. Autorretrato y autonarrativa en las colecciones de la SHCP (I Cry When the Rice Burns. Self-Portrait and Auto-Narrative in the SHCP Collections), on Wednesday, March 4th, at the Galería de Arte de la SHCP. The exhibition will explore the complex genre of self-portraiture and the psychological aspects of artistic practice. Visitors can explore the exhibition from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This exhibition promises a deep dive into the introspective world of artists and the ways in which they represent themselves and their experiences. The SHCP’s collections offer a unique lens through which to examine these themes, providing a rich and diverse range of artistic perspectives.
The Museo de Arte de la SHCP will host a series of concerts throughout March. On Sunday, March 15th, at 12:00 PM, the Primavera coral (Coral Spring) concert will feature performances by the Coro en Iztacalco and the Coro Infantil y Juvenil “Kokone” of Mexico City. On Friday, March 20th, at 6:00 PM, Chiu Yu Chen will deliver a masterful piano recital showcasing the works of Frédéric Chopin and Franz Liszt, titled Polonia y Hungría (Poland and Hungary). Concluding the concert series on Sunday, March 25th, at 12:00 PM, Ana Caridad Acosta, a contralto soloist from Bellas Artes, will perform Bésame mucho (Kiss Me Much) accompanied by Józef Olechowski on piano. These performances represent a diverse range of musical styles and traditions, offering something for every music enthusiast.
Night of Museums and Literary Encounters
As part of the annual Noche de Museos (Museum Night) on Wednesday, March 25th, at 7:00 PM, the Ensamble Coral Voce in Tempore will present the Concierto Coral de Primavera (Coral Spring Concert) at the Museo de Arte de la SHCP. Later that week, on Friday, March 27th, at 6:00 PM, the Ensamble de Clarinetes del Conservatorio Nacional de Música (Clarinet Ensemble of the National Conservatory of Music), directed by Iván Cruz Sánchez, a member of the Orquesta Sinfónica del IPN (IPN Symphony Orchestra), will take the stage. These events highlight the SHCP’s commitment to supporting and showcasing the talents of emerging and established musicians. The inclusion of ensembles from leading conservatories and orchestras underscores the importance of music education and performance in Mexican culture.
For literature lovers, the SHCP’s reading club will explore two significant works in March. On Monday, March 9th, at 12:00 PM, a discussion will be held at the Museo de Arte de la SHCP focusing on Tiempo destrozado (Shattered Time) by Amparo Dávila. Then, on March 23rd, at the same time, the club will meet in the Sala de Mujeres en la historia (Women in History Room) located in Palacio Nacional to discuss a representative short story by Elena Garro. These discussions provide a platform for engaging with important literary voices and exploring themes relevant to Mexican history and culture. Amparo Dávila and Elena Garro are both celebrated figures in Mexican literature, known for their insightful and often challenging works.
Celebrating Margarita Maza and Engaging Younger Audiences
From March 24th to 29th, Palacio Nacional will host a special program dedicated to Margarita Maza: Dos siglos en la historia de México (Margarita Maza: Two Centuries in the History of Mexico). This program will include guided tours, forums, and workshops held in the Recinto Homenaje a Don Benito Juárez (Homage Hall to Don Benito Juárez). Details will be available on the SHCP’s social media channels. This focused program aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Margarita Maza’s life, contributions, and enduring legacy, connecting her story to the broader context of Mexican history and the ongoing struggle for gender equality.
The cineclub Vicente Rojo (Vicente Rojo Film Club) will return to the Centro Cultural de la SHCP with a film cycle titled Tiempo de mujeres: el camino propio (Time of Women: Their Own Path). Screenings will take place on Fridays, March 6th, 13th, and 20th, at 4:00 PM, featuring Rebeladas, directed by Tabatta Salinas Caballero and Andrea Gautier; La femenil, la lucha no acaba (The Women’s Fight Never Ends), directed by Orlando Jiménez Ruiz; and Alba, directed by Ana Cristina Barragán. This film cycle offers a powerful exploration of women’s experiences and perspectives, showcasing the work of talented filmmakers and addressing important social issues.
Younger audiences will also find engaging activities with Viernes de Peques (Little Ones Fridays). Starting at 10:00 AM, a plastic arts workshop, Autorretrato mágico (Magical Self-Portrait), will be followed by a screening of the animated film Open Season: Amigos Salvajes (Open Season: Wild Friends), designed for children aged 6 to 12. This program provides a creative and entertaining outlet for children, fostering their artistic expression and imagination.
Finally, the Biblioteca Miguel Lerdo de Tejada will continue activities related to the exhibition Nuestra raíz, nuestro corazón. Mujeres indígenas: memoria y presencia (Our Root, Our Heart. Indigenous Women: Memory and Presence). Conversations will include Mujeres Indígenas en la Ciencia (Indigenous Women in Science) on Saturday, March 7th, at 12:00 PM, and, coinciding with International Women’s Day, Retos y desafíos de las bibliotecas para satisfacer las necesidades de información de las mujeres y las comunidades indígenas (Challenges and Opportunities for Libraries to Meet the Information Needs of Women and Indigenous Communities) on Thursday, March 12th, at 6:00 PM. A book presentation of Los sonecitos olvidados de México. Manuscrito de Manuel García (1826-1828) (The Forgotten Little Songs of Mexico. Manuscript of Manuel García (1826-1828)) will be held on Tuesday, March 3rd, at 6:00 PM. These events highlight the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of indigenous women and preserving their cultural heritage.
For more information about the exhibitions and all activities, details will be published on the SHCP’s social media channels – Facebook and Instagram (@Hacienda es Patrimonio Cultural), and TikTok (@HaciendaCultura) – or on the official website: https://www.gob.mx/palacionacional. Those seeking interviews or media coverage are encouraged to contact [email protected].
The SHCP’s March cultural program offers a compelling blend of artistic expression, historical reflection, and community engagement. Further details regarding the Margarita Maza: Dos siglos en la historia de México program, including the schedule of guided tours, forums, and workshops, will be released on the SHCP’s social media channels in the coming days. Stay tuned for updates and plan your visit to experience the rich cultural offerings of Palacio Nacional and the SHCP’s various venues.
We encourage you to share this article with your networks and to join the conversation about Mexico’s cultural heritage. What aspects of this program are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below.