What a charming vibrant city. San Miguel I a mountain town in the State of Guanajuato. It was established in 1541 by the conquering Spaniards. It is a mix of many architectures.
The Parroquia is the church that dominates the towns public square, called Le Jardin. One writer calls it the living room of San Miguel. It’s a magnet for visitors and locals at all times of the day but particularly at night when people of all ages hang out here.
It’s a noisy town. The church bells start at 6 30am and ring throughout the day until late in the night. The mariachi bands play all over the Jardin in the evenings serenading visitors for 200 pesos a song The parties last into the early morning on the weekends.
We rented a small apartment for the week that is a short walk to the Centro and the Jardin where all the action happens. During our weeks visit we walked all the streets, visited churches, markets, and peeked into many boutique shops. And ate of course a lot.
SMA is known for its beautiful doors and colorful painted buildings.
We spent one morning at La Gruta Spa, a hot springs located 10 minutes from town by cab.
Another morning we explored the Botanical Gardens which sit above the town. We took a taxi up and down as it is a 2.5km steep walk up. Along the way we saw many new subdivisions as this town continues to grow despite a lack of water.
A highlight of the week was a cooking class held at a hacienda nearby. Miguel taught our small group how to make mole and a couple of salsas. The setting was spectacular. An old San Miguel family who once owned the entire block has opened their home as a bed and breakfast and for these cooking classes. If we ever come back we will stay there.
This weekend was a holiday with locals having Monday off. It’s a celebration of many events including birthday of Benita Juarez, St. Joseph’s Day, the Spring Equinox and maybe the anniversary of when the government nationalized the Mexican oil industry. On Sunday afternoon we heard police whistles and sirens. We stepped out our door to a fabulous walking parade with dancing, drum bands, horses, elaborate costumes. It reminded me of a second line parade in New Orleans.
