As Eye See It: June Arrives with Longer Days in San Miguel

By Frank "Sugar" Hudson

John Steinbeck told us that in early June every sunset is different. Well, June is here, with longer days and the promise of the coming rains, cooler weather and beautiful sunsets. Early June is still a warm month, with average temperatures fluctuating between 57 degrees and 78 degrees Fahrenheit.  But late June usually brings the rains and cooler weather.

The first major holiday in June is the Feast Day of Saint Anthony of Padua which is celebrated from June 2^nd to June 18^th. This is one of the most important festivities in San Miguel de Allende, and it stands out for it’s  the traditional parade on June 14^th with the Día de los Locos (“Day of the Crazies”).  On this one Sunday each year, thousands of costumed revelers fill the cobblestone streets, dancing, tossing candy, and turning the whole city into a riot of color and noise. It is all done in honor of St. Anthony, the patron saint of difficult causes, and San Pascual Bailon, the patron saint of cooks. This San Miguel de Allende festival is unique in all of México.   

It seems that every day in June brings another pilgrimage, and fireworks in the streets.  The Summer Solstice and Father’s Day will both take place Sunday, June 21^st this year.   In the Northern Hemisphere, the Solstice marks the start of the astronomical summer. Fathers’ Day (Día del Padre) honors fathers and male parental figures in México on the third Sunday of June.

The city’s namesake hero Ignacio Allende was executed in Chihuahua, México. on June 25^th, 1811 by the Spanish royal forces. He was leading the insurgent army to gain México’s independence and was captured, tried for treason and executed by firing squad.  Allende’s death was a significant event in Mexican history and the city honors his passing. He initiated and led the War of Independence, and his demise marked a major loss in leadership.

Another prominent historical figure honored in June is Ignacio Ramirez, El Nigromante. He was born in San Miguel on June 22^nd, 1818 and is considered one of the most brilliant minds of the 19^th century. Ramirez was prominent in the creation of the Constitution of 1857 and the establishment of the separation of Church and State.