March 3, Day of the Holy Cross (aka Construction Workers and Albañiles Day)

This religious holiday honoring the cross of Christ has been appropriated in Mexico by builders of all types, and it is now also "their" day to be blessed and remembered.  On this day you will notice that altars have been built at construction sites all over town. Workers begin to celebrate at noon with a party hosted by their employer.  

So, if you have workers building your house on this day, YOU are providing the food and drinks. In return, your workers will pray for the safety of the project and the success of its construction.  For a more detailed description of the origins of this holiday and its connection to construction workers, go here.

"Lord of the Conquest" festivities, celebrated the first Friday of March

For a glimpse into ancient Mexican culture, be sure to see the dancers who honor "El Señor de La Conquista."  These dancers are called concheros and are dressed in elaborate, stunning pre-Hispanic costumes.  They will be dancing in front of the Parroquia at various times throughout the day.  To hear the drums and get an idea of the kinds of costumes you'll see, watch this video.

Benito Juarez's Birthday, celebrated on the 3rd Monday of March

A federal holiday – government offices, banks and most schools are closed.  Benito Juarez served as president of Mexico from 1858-1872, a whopping 5 terms.

He is known for being a reformer dedicated to equal rights, national sovereignty, and democracy.  He is also the only Mexican president of 100% indigenous (Zapotec) ancestry, and his motto was  “Entre los individuos, como entre las naciones, el respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz” which means “Among individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace.”

March 20 or 21, The First Day of Spring

The first day of Spring is ushered in with what is undoubtedly the cutest parade in San Miguel.  School children adorn themselves in costumes symbolic of Spring – bees, butterflies, flowers, etc.  and make their way through town. You can also catch them in the Jardin.

In addition, Spring equinox celebrations are held at the Charco del Ingenio (the Botanical Gardens) and the Cañada de la Virgen ruins.

Easter Week (Semana Santa), usually falls near the end of March/early April.

Also known as Semana Santa, Easter week in San Miguel is probably the most important holiday of the year.  Celebrations actually stretch for two weeks, beginning with the arrival in San Miguel of Our Señor de la Columna, (two Sundays before Easter) and ending Wednesday following Easter Sunday, when Our Señor is returned to Atotonilco.

This is the time of year that most families take their vacations, so expect beaches and other holiday destinations to be crowded.  On the other hand, it's a great time to visit Mexico City - so many residents have left the city that traffic is quite light and lines are short.  Below is a summary of the major events of this holiday. 

For a much more detailed treatment of the events of Semana Santa, go here.

Our Señor de la Columna, celebrated 2 Sundays before Easter

Our Señor de la Columna is a statue carried by a procession of hundreds into San Miguel from where it is housed in Atotonilco. When the procession enters the city at Avenida Independencia, which has been decorated in purple and white for the occasion, fireworks are lit and more worshippers join the procession as it continues on to San Juan de Dios. Watch a video of the procession here.

Here, a mass is held and the statue is kept until the Wednesday after resurrection Sunday. During the weeks that this statue is in San Miguel you can find the famously delicious taquitos de piloncillo outside the San Juan de Dios church.  (Piloncillo is a molasses/brown sugar substance compressed into a cone shape.).

The Virgin of Sorrows (Viernes de Dolores), celebrated the Friday before Palm Sunday

A rather large procession will take place in Centro to observe this day. In the evening, be sure to take a walk to appreciate the many beautiful altars that will decorate the fountains and houses of families all over town. 

March 30, Children's Day

Teachers organize games and music for children while at school, and children sometimes receive gifts from their family on this day. Look for related celebrations at the Biblioteca and Parque Juarez.