Category: San Miguel de Allende History
The fortified town, first established in the 16th century to protect the Royal Route inland, reached its apogee in the 18th century when many of its outstanding religious and civic buildings were built in the style of the Mexican Baroque. Some of these buildings are masterpieces of the style that evolved in the transition from […]
San Miguel de Allende is one of the most beautiful colonial towns. In fact, in 2017 and 2018, Travel + Leisure, a highly rated travel magazine, rated San Miguel de Allende as the best city in the world. The results were based on a survey that included responses from thousands of verified visitors. With San Miguel […]
It’s Christmas time, and December events in San Miguel de Allende sparkle with color and tinsel, piñatas and posadas, high mass and low comedy. Many Mexicans get a longish vacation at Christmas, and though the beaches are the first choice of venue for many, a whole slew of them choose to spend the holidays in San Miguel. It’s […]
In November, events in San Miguel de Allende focus first on death, then on art & craft, jazz, and patriotism. The month begins with one of my favorite Mexican holidays, Día de los Muertos, Day of the Dead. Study it closely, and this holiday will help you understand something of the Mexican character. This is not a heavily touristed […]
In July, events in San Miguel de Allende focus mostly on religious celebrations and film. The main event is the weather. Everyone seems to be outside, enjoying the long, warm days while waiting for the rain to begin—it usually starts by mid-afternoon. July 16 – Fiesta of The Virgin of Carmen. A series of religious celebrations honoring the […]
O n the calendar for June, events in San Miguel de Allende are religious or crazy…or both. The craziest day of the year, Día de los Locos (literally Day of the Crazies), brings crowds and madness to the old cobblestones streets. As the summer solstice approaches, June days are longer—more time to bask and play—and the […]
T he schedule of May events in San Miguel de Allende slows down considerably. By now, many of the winter visitors have flown back north and the temperature rises. May is usually the hottest month in San Miguel de Allende. The air hangs heavy, waiting for the summer rains to cool things off and settle the dust. Some […]
April 2-5: Mid-week Semana Santa Observances. These lesser processions during Holy Week in San Miguel de Allende are no less heartfelt. They provide the big build-up to Good Friday, the most solemn and awe-inspiring day of the year. April – Good Friday. Good Friday is the most solemn and beautiful religious spectacle in the San Miguel de Allende calendar. […]
January 1 – New Year’s Day (Legal Holiday). As midnight begins to chime, locals will eat 12 grapes for good luck in the coming year. Many also go to midnight mass in San Miguel de Allende January 3 – Birthday of two heroes of Mexican Independence—Juan Aldama González and Juan José de los Reyes Martínez Amaro, known […]