San Miguel de Allende kicks off Bicentennial celebrations with a parade in honor of Ignacio Allende

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The heritage city of San Miguel de Allende experienced a day of solemnity, identity, and historical pride as it commemorated the 257th anniversary of the birth of General Ignacio Allende y Unzaga, a key figure in the independence movement. The civic ceremony was led by Mayor Mauricio Trejo, who, during his address, recognized Ignacio Allende as “the only Father of the Nation,” highlighting his decisive role in the beginning of the fight for Mexican independence.

In his remarks, the mayor also announced that this ceremony formally begins the commemorative activities for the bicentennial of San Miguel de Allende as a city, a celebration that will culminate in March. He noted that this anniversary represents an opportunity to strengthen the sense of belonging and showcase the historical and cultural richness of the municipality.

Following the official ceremony, civil and military authorities paraded through the streets of the Historic Center to the Casa de Allende, where an honor guard was mounted in front of the building that safeguards the memory of the San Miguel-born insurgent. Later, the official representatives descended to the Municipal Palace to witness the civic-military parade.

Más de 2 mil estudiantes de 30 planteles educativos marcharon por las principales calles del Centro Histórico en la conmemoración.

The details of the contingent were presented by Alain Torres, commander of the parade column, who outlined the participation of security agencies, armed forces, and emergency services. The Mexican Army and the National Guard contributed eight flags, six banners, 348 personnel (including 53 officers), as well as 16 vehicles and two canine units. The Secretariat of Citizen Security contributed four flags, 175 personnel, and 34 vehicles.

Firefighters and paramedics from San Miguel de Allende, the Red Cross, the Patronato Fire Department, and Civil Protection personnel also participated, ensuring preventative coverage throughout the event.

One of the highlights was the participation of the education sector. Thirty elementary, middle, high school, and university schools participated in the parade, carrying 30 flags and approximately 2,000 students who marched with the national colors and messages alluding to local history.

The civic-military parade route began on Calzada de la Aurora, continued along Hidalgo, Insurgentes, Pepe Llanos, Mesones, Núñez, San Francisco, Plaza Principal Norte, Canal, Zacateros, and concluded on Ancha de San Antonio. Afterward, municipal cleaning crews assisted with the cleanup to ensure the downtown streets were tidy.

Autoridades civiles y militares montaron una guardia de honor en la Casa de Allende, sitio emblemático de la historia independentista.

Source: oem