San Miguel de Allende’s Celebrations Calendar

A stroll through San Miguel de Allende immediately reveals why it’s beloved by all who visit. Its historic centre features thousands of doors that reveal hidden courtyards and artisan studios, and intimate cobblestone streets lined with fragrant bougainvillea and intricate wrought iron gates. A popular honeymoon spot, several rooftop bars offer sweeping panoramic views of the city’s skyline where domed cathedrals dovetail with surrounding hills. Within this blissful setting resides a community that frequently comes together for occasions ranging from thousand-year-old religious traditions to raucous parades. Planning a stay in San Miguel de Allende? We’re on hand to demystify the city’s endless roster of colourful celebrations.

Each year during the third week of June, San Miguel de Allende bursts into a whirlwind of colour and chaos with the Parade of the Crazy Ones (Día de los Locos), one of the more unique events in the city’s cultural calendar. This one-of-a-kind spectacle comprises a carnivalesque parade, where thousands come to the town to don costumes and handcrafted masks – often resembling cartoon characters, mythical creatures and even politicians. What began as a farmer-led tradition honouring Saint Anthony of Padua has since evolved into a city-wide fiesta.

September in San Miguel de Allende pulses with patriotic pride as the city erupts in celebration for Mexico’s Independence Day. The festivities kick off with the Cry of Dolores (Grito de Dolores), a re-enactment of the 1810 call to arms that ignited revolution against Spanish rule. As the echoes of "¡Viva México!" fade into the night, the energy carries over into the next day, when the streets come alive with a parade. A procession of military forces, school groups and cultural organisations winds through towns across Mexico, including San Miguel de Allende, filling the air with a convivial atmosphere.

Perhaps the biggest festivity, though, is on New Year’s Eve, where a mesmerising fireworks display illuminates the night sky above the iconic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel. There’s no doubt that one of the best spots to revel in the atmosphere of this extraordinary evening is Tunki Rooftop by Handshake on the top of Casa Sierra Nevada, which offers the finest views over the city skyline.

One of Mexico’s most famous cultural exports is the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) festival in early November, where colourful crowns – made from flowers known as cempazúchitl – and eclectic skull-like face paint are paired with a spirit of festivity. While laughter and light-heartedness abound, this is a deeply spiritual affair for Mexicans, combining religious elements with family ritual. A mainstay of festivities is to erect altars, known as ofrendas, which contain the deceased’s favourite foods and other memorabilia, beckoning souls to return for the evening and feel the love of those they left behind.

In April, Friday of Sorrows (Viernes de Dolores) marks the start of Easter celebrations in the city. Intricately decorated altars are erected in homes, churches and public spaces, featuring images of the Virgin Mary in mourning and surrounding by flowers and candles. Meanwhile, Michaelmas (La Alborada) in late September is an important religious celebration in Mexico. In honour of one of Christianity’s most revered archangels, nowhere is this festivity more spirited than in San Miguel de Allende. Streets transform into a lively spectacle of traditional music, dance performances and local crafts stalls.

Ever wanted to try the town’s famous tamales? This Mesoamerican snack, made from steamed corn dough with varied fillings, takes centre stage during Candlemas celebrations each year in early February. In San Miguel de Allende, citizens celebrate this Christian holiday by hosting intimate gatherings where tamales are served, alongside a traditional pre-Hispanic drink called atole, made from corn, milk, cinnamon and vanilla.

December’s Christmas holidays offer the perfect opportunity to indulge in the city’s culinary offerings. Try out a delicious festive drink, ponche navideño, made by simmering local fruits like guava and tejocotes with warming spices. Fried dough pastries known as buñuelos are served with a sprinkling of sugar and cinnamon, while warming bowls of pozole – a rich, soothing soup made with hominy, meat and fresh garnishes – is often eaten on Christmas eve.

Animal lovers will be charmed by the quirky sight of hundreds of pets being led to church to receive a blessing every January, on the feast day of St. Anthony the Abbot, patron saint of animals. You might spot dogs, cats, guinea pigs and even lizards or parrots queuing up for their moment to shine, traditionally enacted to protect pets from epidemics, accidents and other misfortunes.

March brings more vibrant celebrations to San Miguel de Allende with the Feast of the Lord of Conquest and the Festival of Saint Joseph. The former can be traced back to the 16th century, when the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the city. Hundreds of indigenous Hñähñu (Otomi) dancers gather to honour a life-size statue of Jesus that has been safeguarded in the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel for over 400 years. In the latter celebration, a fiesta takes place to honour the patron saint of fathers; a lively procession weaves through the streets, adorned with banners, sacred icons and fresh flowers.