Alborada: A Night of Tradition in San Miguel de Allende

The great celebration known as “Alborada” will take place on September 28th in San Miguel de Allende, an event that adorns the city to honor its patron saint, the Archangel San Miguel. This night is filled with joy, music, colors and the magic of local traditions, and thousands of visitors are expected to join the San Miguel community in this vibrant cultural celebration. At 2:30 a.m., from the neighborhoods of Valle del Maíz, La Aurora and La Estación, huge colorful Chinese paper stars, with 6, 8 and 12 peaks, begin to arrive at the Main Plaza.

These impressive stars are not only a visual delight, but also evoke the Virgen de la Luz, venerated since 1930 by those who worked in the old textile factory La Aurora. The stars carry candles inside them, which in times past illuminated the processions when there were still no electric lights in the streets. These dancing figures, held on wooden poles approximately 2 meters high, seem to float above the crowd, creating a magical atmosphere full of symbolism.

The ringing of the main bell at 4:00 a.m. interrupts the revelry and marks the beginning of La Alborada, a luminous offering intended to please the Archangel Saint Michael, which is believed to bestow blessings on the community throughout the year. This event is just the beginning of a series of festivities that take place in honor of St. Michael the Archangel, including processions in nearby communities, novenas and pilgrimages from different colonias. The big party begins on September 28, the day of San Miguel Arcángel, with the traditional mañanitas that fill the air with festive melodies.

The following Sunday, the people of San Miguel celebrate the starry dawn, where the confirmations of girls and boys, the entrance of the xúchiles and several masses in honor of the saint take place. The festivities are not only limited to the religious aspect; they also include diverse social, artistic, sporting and cultural events, as well as the emblematic bullfights. This celebration is almost 500 years old, even before the founding of the city, which makes it one of the most deeply rooted traditions in the local culture.

The Alborada, beginning at 4:00 a.m. at the Main Square, becomes a vibrant spectacle with mariachis and musical groups that cheer up the attendees. People gather to enjoy an impressive fireworks display that culminates at 5:00 a.m., at which time the traditional “Mañanitas” are sung in honor of San Miguel Arcángel. This event is a reflection of the devotion of the community and its commitment to keep these traditions alive throughout the years.