WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO?
San Miguel de Allende
Highway number 110 will take you from the city of Guanajuato to San Miguel
de Allende, a magical town of colonial charm where
there are at least ten hotels of 4 and 5 star quality as well as four spas. Take
your choice from among those next to the Parroquia de
San Miguel Arcángel, a parish building of the 18th
century that combines various artistic mediums to form a singular architectural
purpose. For breakfast, have some tasty empanadas
de carnitas or
fiambre (pastry pockets stuffed with beef or the
latter, a combination of meat, fruit and vegetables prepared with apple
vinegar) along with a delicious atole de vanilla
(a warm, thick drink of vanilla flavor). Then you can begin your day by
visiting the beautiful historical buildings like the Templo
de la Concepción (Church of the
Conception), a Neoclassic style building inspired by
the Iglesia de Disable in Paris. Another of
these constructions is the Oratorio de San Felipe Neri,
where inside you can admire more than 30 works done by the artist Miguel
Cabrera. The Templo de Nuestra
Señora de la Salud (Church of Our Lady of Health)
located next to the Plaza Cívica Ignacio Allende, an 18th century building which houses
an important pictographic archive of different national artists. Also there, you can see and almost touch the
oldest bell of the city. During the month of June, this city hosts Fiestas de San
Antonio de Padua, festivals celebrated with fireworks and live music. You can also
witness the Procession of the Virgen of Dolores,
which includes a competition for the best decorated alter to this deity. During
your stay in this town, do not miss the celebration of San Patricio (Saint
Patrick), where the descendents of Irish settlers exhibits a large variety of
cuisine and Irish music. Another special festival to see is held each year
during the month of September and is the traditional Sanmiguelada,
a celebration very similar to the Pamplonada of
Spain.
