The closing of the Valle del Maíz festival in San Miguel de Allende stretched for several hours into the heart of the city in a procession that wound through the streets, drawing thousands of people.
The enormous and colorful contingent included groups from various municipalities and neighboring states, who paraded through the city’s main streets from the traditional neighborhood to the main plaza, watched by hundreds of spectators of all ages who waited in the blazing sun.
Traditional dances of Apaches, Native Americans, and feather dancers, Matlachines, folk dances, stilt walkers, mojigangas (giant puppets), groups of clowns, marotas (masked figures), and more than a dozen floats joined the procession, marking the end of the festival of the Holy Cross of Valle del Maíz, one of the most deeply rooted and popular celebrations in the municipality.
The traditional mojigangas, led by a striking alebrije (a type of folk art sculpture), opened the procession that departed from the heart of the popular neighborhood, making its way to the Parish of San Miguel and then returning to the starting point. Given the intense heat, which hovered around 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), hydration stations were set up along the route, providing a respite for the marchers.
The thunderous drums of the dance groups and the lively music played by brass bands and sound trucks resonated throughout the city, which joined in the festivities of one of San Miguel de Allende’s oldest neighborhoods.
The celebration, which blends Catholic and pre-Hispanic traditions, culminates with the burning of fireworks, effigies of small figures, bulls, and a castillo (a large firework structure), with the hope that the Holy Cross will grant an abundant rainy season this year and, consequently, a bountiful harvest.
Source: periodicocorreo
