Fiesta Patrias in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Seldom is a holiday just one day in San Miguel.  This past week was a prime example of that.

Preparing had begun weeks before with flags and buntings and medallions being installed on as many non-moving buildings as possible.  Then add to that all the people buying flags for their homes, funny hats
and those annoying high pitched horns that seem to show up this time of the year.  In red, white and green, of course.

The entire primary school of students across the road from me were given one of those horns at about 8:15AM on Tuesday morning.  The din of horns went on until they were released early from school that
day.  But, even now, every so often, I hear one.  They are unmistakable.

The flags and decorations have added a festive flare to the town.  I always thought that people in the USA were the most patriotic, but I must say, patriotism in Mexico is just as beautiful to see and very prevalent.

Tuesday evening the big El Grito was said by the current mayor who leaves office next month.  It was on the balcony of the Allende house.  Allende was one of the leader's of the revolution so you can imagine how poignant that moment is every year.  It is said that 30,000 people were expected in the jardin........Needless to say, I was not one of them but watched it on webcam from the safety and quiet of my computer in my home.  Crowds do not thrill me - at least when I'm among them.  And, believe me they were packed in like sardines.

Spectacular fireworks accompany every celebration in Mexico and especially San Miguel..........on a continual basis..........morning and night.  There were spectacular fireworks on Tuesday night that began at 11PM.

Wednesday was the military parades and the students marching in uniforms with bugles and drums.  Fireworks began at 10PM that night.

Thursday was the reenactment of the Insurgents riding into San Miguel on horseback - about 300 horses and their riders.  Some in costume, others not.  A ragtag group.

By Friday, I figured all the parades and fireworks were done.  I headed into town about 10:15 in the morning to take care of banking, newspapers, and other assorted tasks.  Ooops, as I turned the corner by the jardin and saw people sitting on the walls and steps of the jardin, I knew a parade must be coming.  Then I heard the sirens and there was no doubt. 

Upon arriving to my next appointment I asked everyone if anyone knew what this parade was about and not a single local Mexican knew what it was about.  When finished with that task, I headed to the jardin to see
WHAT the parade was about.  It was the blessing of the firetrucks and ambulances in front of the Parroquia!
All kinds of things from the taxis to school equipment and evidently the safety vehicles are blessed at some time during the year.

Add to that, there were little kindergartners dressed as doctors, nurses, lab techs, firemen and they rode in the ambulances  and on the fire truck.  By the way, the firetruck and ambulance are relatively new additions to the scene of San Miguel.

Sadly I did not get photos of all the children in the parade, but did manage to catch this precious little girl running back and forth in the jardin in her nurse uniform.  Love the look of pure innocence and joy on her little face.  The house behind her was Allende's home.  That is a statue of him on the wall and the balcony to the left of the statue is where the El Grito is said.   Now there is a relatively new museum on the first floor.

The festivities are over for the time being.  It won't be long, about two weeks, until everything gears back up for the feast of St. Michael the Archangel.  He is the patron saint of San Miguel.  It is a magnificent time to be here for all the indigenous dancers who come to dance and parade all over centro along with the fireworks, of course.

Life is never dull in San Miguel!