Meet me in San Miguel de Allende in October to celebrate the Alborada, the festival of the town's patron saint, Saint Michael Archangel

October 1 is the day that honors the patron saint of San Miguel de Allende, Saint Michael Archangel.  According to the Bible, Saint Michael (San Miguel) Archangel defeated Lucifer and he then became the symbol of good over evil and life over death.   And how appropriate that San Miguel de Allende is where the fight for freedom from Spain was fought.

In my opinion, this weekend, the Alborada, is the most colorful and celebrated.   You will see the wild dancing Mojigangas (giant paper mache figures) and parades featuring the Conchero dancers and the Chino dancers.  There will be religious processions with beautifully designed Xuchiles, the offerings of flowers built upon platforms made of reeds and sticks, then decorated with flowers, mostly marigolds, and cucharillas, the interior of a cactus meaning little spoon.  You will never encounter a weekend as extravagant as this! 

One of the Xuchiles with San Miguel Archangel at the top is propped up to create an decorative archway leading to the Parroquia, the main parish church, right in the center of town.

The interior of the Parroquia is lavishly decorated with floral arrangements.

The beautifully costumed Conchero dancers performing in front of the Parroquia.  This dance represents the conflict between the Spaniards and the indigenous people.

What a striking young lady in her feathered and beaded outfit.

And music...

 Along with the Chinos representing the Spanish Moors.

You will see the the Volvadores de Papantla (the flying pole dance). It is a centuries old tradition, one that the Aztecs performed.  A tall pole is set up in the middle of a plaza, fitted with a small (and I mean small!) revolving platform on top.   Four fliers and a musician climb to the top. The flyers wear a hat with a crest of feathers which give reference to eagles or macaws, the birds dedicated to the sun.

A ceremony is performed at the top on a small platform.  The musician (the captain) faces each direction and leans back, arching his back as he plays his flute and drum. 
The other four men tie the ropes around themselves and fly down.  Making 13 revolutions around the pole and turning a somersault to land lightly on their feet as they reach the ground.  The captain increases the tempo of the music as they near the bottom.  They do not free themselves from the rope until the captain has joined them.  The captain slides down one of the ropes, reaching the ground at the same time as the flyers, without having stopped playing his instruments. Then they all take leave of the rope and dance around the pole.  The crowd goes crazy with applause and admiration.

Numerous Castillos, wooden towers covered with fireworks and rocket-propelled pinwheels,

erected right in front of the Parroquia.

And one of my all time favorite ceremonies is the blessing of the cowboys and their horses.  Riders from all over ride into town from the surrounding pueblos and congregate in front of the Parroquia to be blessed by the priest.  

Please join me October 1 - 7, 2021 for a wonderful week in 
San Miguel de Allende.   
Experience the exceptional treasures of San Miguel:

its beautiful colonial architecture, delicious cuisine, native culture, comfortable climate, elegant accommodations, endless shopping and outstanding service. 

A walking tour on day two with a special lunch at one of my favorite restaurants.  We will take a few side trips.  One will be a day over in Dolores Hidalgo and

Guanajuato where we will experience the elegant architecture,

the Opera House, Diego Rivera Museum, ceramic studios and a sublime, gourmet meal.  Another day we will dine at a superb Italian restaurant in the countryside 

and visit the Sanctuary of Atotonilco (often referred to as the Sistine Chapel of Mexico).  

A market tour and cooking class by Chef Paco that will be one of the highlights of the trip.  And much, much more!

I know we are living in strange and trying times.  Hopefully by the end of summer, we will all have been vaccinated and the worst will be behind us.  Dreaming of traveling again, this is the trip for you.

 

For more information, contact me at robindsg@aol.com.  

Please include your full name, phone number and mailing address.     

October 1 - 7, 2021