February 5, Constitution Day

One of the Patriotic Holidays, or Fiestas Patrias, Constitution Day is an official federal holiday.  As such, most government offices, schools and banks are closed on this day.

The Constitution being commemorated was adopted on February 5, 1917, following the Mexican Revolution of 1910-1921.  For a look at this document in English (both readable and fascinating), click here.

February 14, Valentine's Day

In Spanish, Valentine's Day is known as El Día del Amor y la Amistad, which translates as "The Day of Love and Friendship."  And, in fact, it's customary to give a small gift of appreciation to a friend or family member, in addition to that "special someone."  

Actually, there's no avoiding the many gift options of Valentine's Day in San Miguel, as flower vendors populate every corner and heart-shaped balloon and candy sellers line the sidewalks.  Be sure to make your dinner reservations early, as the more romantic spots fill up quickly.

Carnaval, celebrated the week preceding Ash Wednesday

More popularly known as Cascaronazos in San Miguel, this is a day you need to stay "heads up!"  According to tradition, eggs which have been hollowed out and filled with confetti are broken on the heads of friends and love interests.

Nowadays daring youngsters even break raw eggs on the heads of their friends. Stroll the Jardin on this Sunday, or for the less daring, watch it all happen in this video.

Carnaval is a raucous holiday meant to ring in the solemn days of Lent, but here in the relatively conservative town of San Miguel, it generally does not include the more bawdy celebrations found in Carnaval events in other parts of Mexico and Latin America.

Ash Wednesday, celebrated 46 days before Easter.

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the 40-day period before Easter, and you will see that many Mexican Catholics wear the small cross drawn with ash on their forehead throughout the day. These 40 days are meant to symbolize the time Jesus spent fasting in the desert. The ashes are made from old catechisms and readings given at Mass and have been blessed by a priest.

Many Catholics do not eat meat on Fridays during Lent; therefore, butchers are often closed on Fridays during this time as well. Fish and shrimp are commonly eaten instead. Another traditional food during Lent is capirotada, a unique bread pudding. Click here if you'd like to learn more about this delicious dessert and make it yourself.

San Miguel Writers' Conference & Literary Festival (typically scheduled mid-February)

Both for writers and those who simply love to read, the conference includes keynotes, intensive workshops, the opportunity to "pitch" an agent, and more.  The conference has hosted such prestigious authors as Barbara Kingsolver, John Irving and Margaret Atwood.  Most meetings are held at the Hotel Real de Minas.  Go here for more details.

February 24, Flag Day (Día de la Bandera)

A day set aside to pay tribute to the Mexican flag. During civic ceremonies in honor of the flag, you might notice that Mexicans salute the flag with the hand at the chest, palm down.