Arrival in San Miguel de Allende the first of March was not planned around the schedule of festivals to begin taking place for that month. I had been away from any intensive stay in Mexico for a while, and hadn’t thought to check on what events might be happening during my month long stay. My trip had been planned around volunteering at Casa de Los Angeles, a day care center for low income moms. What serendipity that March was filled with incredible festivals and events culminating in Semana Santa (Holy Week).
The volunteer house for Casa de Los Angeles is about a twenty-minute walk from the Centro Historico/Plaza Principal (historic center of town and garden). Another thing I had not found in all my research on San Miguel Allende (SMA), is that it sits at an altitude of 6,234 feet elevation! I had arrived in SMA March 1st, and didn’t have the energy to walk into town until Friday, the 4th. I could not figure out my fatigue until someone mentioned the altitude. As happened throughout my stay, synchronicity played a huge part in what I stumbled upon in my wanderings.
I rounded a corner to find one of the main streets leading into the Centro, and to find a flow of people headed there. The Indian Conchero Dancers were on their way to participate in the First Friday of March festival of Our Lord of the Conquest. With this, I just decided to go with the flow, follow the dancers, and the deafeningly loud steady drum beat coming from the Plaza/Jardin Principal area. This was an incredibly beautiful and colorful late afternoon event in this incredibly beautiful old colonial town located in central Mexico.
San Miguel is home to many American and Canadian expats, but is also an attraction to visitors from all over the world, and from all over Mexico; it is home to hundreds of artists, writers, and students. The cultural aspect of SMA is unparalleled.
Beautifull 😍😍👌
LikeLike
Thanks so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful colourful images 😃 what a great experience ..
LikeLike
Thanks Julie. It was absolutely wonderful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember that day! I actually knew it was on and planned to go to it. I was not disappointed! What a fabulous beginning to your stay.
Alison
LikeLike
Wasn’t the whole scene fantastic??? I felt giddy at this and having it be a surprise.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a grand experience–enjoyed this part of your trip and will await more about it. Sounds as though you gave and got much in return.
LikeLike
Thank you Sally. It was a wonderful trip.
LikeLike
I love how sometimes the unplanned events turn out to be some of the best! You must have loved being there amid all the atmosphere! I can feel the energy through your pictures. Hope to experience Mexico for myself one day but in the meanwhile I am really enjoying it through your blog and Instagram.
LikeLike
Thanks so much! I sure found out that just going in with a loose schedule and being open to what ever presented itself was a wonderful way to enjoy each day.
LikeLike
Nice photos, Angeline. SMA looks like a great place to visit in March.
Ω
LikeLike
Thanks Allan. As I found out, the month when Easter occurs is the time to be there. It was super great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Delightful experience, post and photos! Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Eric, for stopping to comment. Glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
San Miguel de Allende is such a sunny place – in every respect! You’ve captured it so well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Lex. You’re right, sunny all the way around. Couldn’t help but be inspired while I was there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a cool experience. Mexico is one of the great countries in the world for festivals. Those costumes are very beautiful and elaborate.
LikeLike
It was a most incredible experience, Jeff. I loved every minute.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice shots, señorita.
Where I live is higher than San Miguel. I’ve never felt any effect from the altitude at all though others, obviously, do. I wonder what makes one immune.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It just lasted a couple days. I guess that I was already tired when I got there didn’t help. I thought at first it was my age too, but then the young volunteers felt it too upon arrival…ha!
LikeLike