On October 4th, the people of San Miguel de Allende have a date with tradition, celebrating, as they have for 100 years, La Alborada, in honor of Saint Michael the Archangel.
The universal date of this patron saint’s day is September 29th, although the celebration changes dates each year and is held the weekend before or after.
Some History
In 1542, with the arrival of Franciscan friars to San Miguel de Allende, the celebration in honor of Saint Michael the Archangel began every September 29th. From this, the traditional Alborada was born. The first celebration was held on December 8th, 1924, when a group of workers from the La Aurora Factory decided to pay homage to the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception.
For this initial celebration, they dressed up 50 stars, including the sun, the moon, the eyes of Saint Lucy, the three Wise Men, the seven goats, and the comet. This first Alborada was an expression of devotion among the workers from Salvatierra and Hércules, Querétaro, who venerated the Immaculate Conception.
A year later (1995), La Alborada began to be held in honor of Saint Michael and moved to the main parish church, reaching its 101st edition on October 4th.
The Festival in 2025
San Miguel residents once again have a date with tradition this year with this celebration, which begins on the night of October 3rd, with events culminating in an impressive fireworks display just before dawn on the 4th. These fireworks symbolize Saint Michael’s victory over darkness, and of good over evil, as it is believed that Saint Michael led the angels in the battle against Satan. As a result, the festival is a celebration of triumph, protection, and faith, and marks a pivotal moment in the city’s cultural calendar.
During the night of the 3rd, the vigil, gunpowder collection, and star parade will take place starting at 9 p.m., concluding after 3 a.m. on the 4th, giving way to “La Alborada” at 4 a.m. This fireworks display lasts over an hour, signifying a call to heaven, in the main garden in front of the San Miguel Arcángel parish church.
On the afternoon of Saturday, October 4th, the Xúchiles will enter, departing from the Calzada de la Estación del Trento (Train Station Causeway) and running through the main streets of downtown San Miguel de Allende. This procession is a pre-Hispanic dance from the municipality and throughout the country, presided over by large beds of offerings and spoons called “Xúchiles.”
The festival is on Sunday, October 5th. At 11:00 a.m., the castle is burned, dedicated to children, and a parade of local and foreign dances takes place through the city’s main streets, concluding with a dance tribute at the foot of the monument to Fray Juan de San Miguel. The evening concludes with fireworks and music on the esplanade of the main garden.
However, the celebration in honor of Saint Michael will continue until Sunday, October 12th, when the procession of the image of Saint Michael the Archangel takes place through the city’s main churches. This tradition is known as the “Paseo de San Miguel.” This procession ends when, before returning to their parish, San Miguel residents and visitors pass under the mantle of Saint Michael to give thanks for favors and request protection. This year’s celebration closes at night with the display of fireworks in front of the Parish of Saint Michael the Archangel.
To know more
This festival, although strongly rooted in religion, is an inclusive event. Both locals and visitors, religious or not, are invited to participate in the celebration.
Attending La Alborada in San Miguel de Allende is a unique experience.
The Archangel Michael is the figure who represents God’s army of heavenly angels. The Christian religion believes that this saint is charged with protecting the nation from the attacks of the devil or Satan. Every September 29th, the Feast of the Archangels of God is celebrated.
This year, 2025, the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel turns 483.
The origin of this festival dates back to 1542, when the Franciscan friar Juan de San Miguel established the first settlement near the La Laja River, on the outskirts of the present-day town, under the name of San Miguel el Grande (in reference to the archangel), or San Miguel de los Chichimecas (the native population) Izcuinapan.
In honor of Ignacio Allende, the town was renamed San Miguel de Allende in 1826, the birthplace of the Mexican Independence hero.
It should be noted that the Review of the 2025 Alborada in San Miguel de Allende is a preview of the patron saint festival in honor of Saint Michael the Archangel, which will take place on Sunday, August 17, 2025. This event marks the beginning of the festivities and is characterized each year by parades through the city’s neighborhoods, music, and the participation of mojigangas (people’s dances), “Los Colcheros” (The Colcheros), with their dances and floral offerings.
Corrida de las Luces de la Alborada
On the other hand, as part of the celebrations for Saint Michael the Archangel, this year’s bullfighting event, the so-called “Corrida de las Luces de la Alborada,” has already been confirmed. It will take place on Friday, October 3, at 7:30 p.m., at the Plaza de Toros Oriente in San Miguel de Allende.
The bullfighters will be Antonio Ferrera from the Balearic Islands, the host Francisco Martínez, and Héctor Gutiérrez from Aquical, who will carry six bulls from the Carranco pasture in San Luis Potosí.
Ticket sales will be announced soon through the official social media channels of “Feria Toro” and “Ruedo Tres.” Tickets will be available online through Boletea Tickets and in person at the “El Tupinamba” restaurant, located at Zacateros 45, from 1:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., in San Miguel de Allende.
In addition, children under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult in the general area.
Source: lasillarota
