As Eye See It: May, A Month Full Of Celebrations

By Frank "Sugar" Hudson

May in San Miguel de Allende marks the transition from the dry spring season into the early buildup of summer. It’s one of the warmest months of the year, with increasingly humid conditions and the first signs of the rainy season. 

The month of May begins with Labor Day, May 1^st, which is celebrated with a parade of Union workers. The real celebration begins two day later on May 3^rd: Día de La Santa Cruz.  Construction workers will show up after attending church services to bring a blessed cross to anoint the top of the project they are currently working on. Don’t count on much work being performed but do plan ahead with a party for the workers with tamales and beer.

Cinco de Mayo, May 5^th, is the commemoration of the Battle of Puebla, which marks the victory of the Mexican army against the invasion of the second French Empire. No, it’s not Mexican Independence Day.

May 10^th is Mothers’ Day in México; it was first commemorated on May 10^th, 1922. The day has gained widespread Mexican popularity over the years; mothers are given flowers and other gifts that symbolize appreciation, respect and love. Mother’s Day is not a public holiday.

May 14^th is Ascension Day and is one of the earliest Christian festivals, celebrating Jesus ascension to heaven 40 days after resurrection.

The Festival of Valle del Maíz is celebrated in the last weekend in May. It is a vibrant festival that showcase’s a mix of Catholic and pre-Hispanic traditions, including indigenous dances and rituals.  The main objective of the festival is to give thanks for the blessings received during the last year and to ask for a good rainy season and an abundant harvest.

As the summer solstice approaches, we look forward to the coming of June.