March Events in
San Miguel de Allende

I n March, events in San Miguel de Allende highlight the joy of Spring and then move into the solemn grandeur of the holy days of that most sacred time of year, Semana Santa, the Holy Week before Easter. It's also a time to be outdoors enjoying the perfect weather.

Since high season is still in full swing, look for a full calendar of one-time events like lectures, films, presentations of pre-Hispanic and other music, lots of gallery openings and more. For exact current activites, with dates and times, look in the "Que Pasa" section of Atención San Miguel.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This year, Holy Week 2008 falls entirely in March. Because of Semana Santa/Holy Week celebrations, some other activities may have changed dates or even be canceled. Always check locally for exact dates and times of activities.

For a complete and detailed description of all the events of Semana Santa/Holy Week in San Miguel de Allende, click on the Semana Santa section.

First Friday in March - The Festival of Our Lord of the Conquest. The faithful come to the Parroquia to recite 33 prayers, one for every year of Jesus' life on earth. Indian conchero dancers dance in front of the Parroquia on this day, arriving shortly after dawn and dancing till dusk. They dance in honor of "Christ of the Conquest," one of the most revered statues in San Miguel's Parroquia church. Fashioned of cornstalks and orchid bulbs, the statue was brought from Pátzcuaro and represents the acceptance of Christ by Mexico's indigenous people. The concheros wear elaborately plumed headdresses and costumes festooned with bright colors and metallic fabrics, and move to the deep, steady beat of large drums. This is the most colorful of March events in San Miguel de Allende, and of the entire year. Bring your camera and lots of film or flash cards. This is definitely a "Kodak moment."

March 9 (Two Sundays before Easter) Festival of Our Lord of the Column. At midnight, a procession leaves the Sanctuary at Atotonilco carrying a revered statue of the beaten Christ leaning on a column. He wears a purple loincloth and dozens of scarves draped around him by local women. After a slow march to San Miguel, the procession arrives at the church of San Juan de Diós at about dawn, to deafening bells and fireworks. The scarves, now blessed, are then removed and saved for funerals and other ceremonies. Click this link to learn much more about this procession for Our Lord of the Column.

March 14 (Friday Before Holy Week) Viernes de Dolores, the "Friday of Sorrows" - This day honors Our Lady of Sorrows. It's also called "Day of the Altars." The four dozen fountains dotted around town are cleaned, painted and decorated with flowers, oranges, wheat grass, chamomile, gold foil and crepe paper. Many people also build altars in their homes, most of them visible from the street. Some are very elaborate, filling the entire living rooom, which has been emptied of furniture for the occasion. Others are more humble but no less heartfelt. A lovely tradition is to wander the streets looking at the altars and greeting the homeowners, who frequently offer candy, nuts, or hot drinks to passersby. Many of the best altars can be seen on Calle Barranca. For more on Viernes de Dolores in San Miguel, including some pictures I've taken of the altars, go the Friday of Sorrows page.

March 15-17 - Celtic Festival and St. Patrick's Day. St. Pat's is a surprisingly popular holiday in Mexico. Mexicans use the day to honor the San Patricios. These Irish immigrants to the U.S. were drafted into the army and sent to fight in the Mexican-American War (1846-48). Dismayed at fighting fellow Catholics and suffering from discrimination and mistreatment by their Protestant commanders, hundreds of the Irish soldiers deserted to the "enemy" and formed the San Patricio Brigade of the Mexican Army. Dozens were killed at the Battle of Churubusco in 1847, and many more were captured and executed as deserters by the Americans. The Mexicans remember them fondly as "The Irish Martyrs." An Irish film felstival and parade usually mark the holiday in San Miguel.

March 16 - Palm Sunday. Vendors will be selling beautiful items made of handwoven palm fronds in front of all the main churches today. Some of the best are sold at th Oratorio. There is also a joyous procession today. For full details on this event of Holy Week in San Miguel, click on Palm Sunday in San Miguel de Allende.

March 19 - St. Joseph's Day. San José, the husband of the Virgin Mary, is one of the patron saints of San Miguel. The day is marked by processions and fireworks and a special mass at the Oratorio church.

March 14 (Friday before the first day of Spring) - One of the most charming parades of the year brings out the children to celebrate the official coming of spring. The little ones dress up like flowers and animals—bumblebees and butterflies are particularly popular—and parade around the Jardín. This precious day is another time to be sure to have your camera with you!

March 17-19 - Mid-week Semana Santa Observances. These lesser processions during Holy Week in San Miguel are no less heartfelt. They provide the big build-up to Good Friday, the most solemn and awe-inspiring day of the year. This year, they are part of the March ewvents in San Miguel de Allende. For a full description of what to expect during this time, click on Mid-Week Observances for Semana Santa in San Miguel.

March 21 - Good Friday. Normally, this day is celebrated as the birthday of Benito Juárez, the first president of modern Mexico. It is a legal holiday when schools, banks and most businesses close. In 2008, this holiday coincides with Good Friday and will likely be celebrated on Monday, March 24.

Good Friday is the most solemn and beautiful religious spectacle in the San Miguel calendar. There are two major processions and the Jardín is packed with people all afternoon and into the evening. The final procession happens at dusk and ends by torchlight—a truly inspirational sight.

For more information on what to expect and how to best enjoy it all, go to Good Friday in San Miguel de Allende.

For detailed information on exact dates, times and places for all activities and March events in San Miguel de Allende, go to Atención San Miguel.

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