SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, Mexico — Nov. 5, 2025 — Fourteen years ago, in the heart of San Miguel de Allende, Cena Negra redefined the way Mexico celebrates one of its most cherished traditions: the Day of the Dead. The annual event, which took place this past Sunday, Nov. 2, is a multisensory experience where gastronomy, art, and soul intertwine to honor both life and memory.
Over the years, Cena Negra has become an iconic event, achieving a complete sellout each edition. Beyond the flavors and artistry, the event’s true magic comes from the guests themselves — those who toast, dream, and celebrate, turning the evening into a spectacle of elegance, creativity, and heart.
“Thank you to all our guests, artists, chefs, and friends who have made 14 years of magic, art, and flavor possible,” said Bruce James GM and Partner at Hotel Matilda. “Thank you for keeping the spirit of Cena Negra alive.”
This year’s edition was headlined by Chef Israel Loyola at Moxi, the celebrated restaurant at Hotel Matilda. Originally from Huajuapan de León, Oaxaca, Loyola began his culinary journey in San Miguel de Allende at the renowned restaurant Jacinto, discovering food as an expression of identity and faith.
Now the visionary behind El Parián Atelier, Chef Loyola fuses the ancestral flavors of Oaxacan cuisine with French culinary techniques, a mastery that earned him the title of Best Emerging Chef at the 2019 Gourmet Awards. For Cena Negra 2025, Loyola presented a tasting menu honoring the Day of the Dead through a symphony of flavors evoking memory, resilience, and hope.
The evening also featured a powerful artistic installation by renowned Mexican visual artist Betsabeé Romero. Her contemporary intervention honored the popular and artisanal art of Guanajuato, integrating traditional materials and crafts into a multisensory experience celebrating memory, identity, and the beauty of handmade work.
Romero collaborated with local workshops specializing in ceramics, candle-making, tin art, and traditional Day of the Dead bread to create an installation that paid tribute both to regional artisans and to victims of ongoing global conflicts. Inspired by Mexico’s traditional celebrations and the historical legacy of San Miguel de Allende, her work transformed the spaces of Hotel Matilda into an artistic celebration of life, death, and cultural heritage.
Since its opening in 2010, Hotel Matilda has stood at the intersection of contemporary luxury and artistic innovation in San Miguel de Allende. Through events like Cena Negra, the hotel continues to honor tradition while pushing creative boundaries. This year, Hotel Matilda was awarded the prestigious Key Michelin for the second consecutive year, further cementing its reputation as a leader in both hospitality and gastronomy.
Media Contact: Carlos Lopez
