San Miguel de Allende is a beautiful Mexican destination that many visit to enjoy the clean air, warm weather and, of course, the unique history and culture. If you are planning a trip to San Miguel de Allende or just curious about this amazing destination, this article offers ten interesting things you may not have known! Learn all about local traditions, amazing gastronomy and best kept secret places.
Here are 10 things you probably didn’t know about the historic city of San Miguel de Allende.
- The city of San Miguel de Allende was founded as a villa in 1542 by Fray Juan de San Miguel under the name of San Miguel el Grande. Its name is completed in honor of the hero of the Independence, Ignacio Allende.
2. The impressive Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel is a work of religious architecture that was built in 1880. Its builder, Zeferino Gutiérrez, inspired by European Gothic works, designed the parish tower with a neo-Gothic style, which is part of the colonial neoclassical temple. The interior architecture is in the form of a Latin cross.
3. San Miguel de Allende was declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2008, for its remarkable cultural contribution to humanity.
3. The Municipal Palace is one of the most representative monuments of San Miguel de Allende. It was built in 1725 and houses the City Hall (municipality) of the city. The palace is located in the historic center of the city, next to the Parish of San Miguel Arcangel.
5. The city is famous for its festivals and traditional celebrations, such as:
- San Antonio de Padua (June 13). This festival is celebrated with the parade of “Los Locos” (people participate in costume), musical bands and floats.
- Chamber Music Festival (August). The venue for this festival is the “El Nigromante” Cultural Center and the Ángela Peralta Theater.
- Sanmiguelada (third Saturday of September). Pamplona-style running of the bulls. It takes place in the Jardín Principal (Main Garden) before Plaza Allende.
- Feria de la Lana y el Latón (Wool and Brass Fair) (second half of November). Forum in which both national and international producers of these items participate.
- International Jazz Festival (last week of November). Presentations of international bands and soloists.
6. Narrow streets, intense ochers and blues used in Mexican colonial architecture characterize the historic center of San Miguel de Allende. The city center is also located in a zone designated as a protected area by the federal government.
7. The pleasant semi-arid dry season climate is ideal for outdoor activities such as climbing, mountain biking and hiking.
8. San Miguel de Allende has some of the best restaurants in the country and its gastronomy is very varied and includes authentic Mexican dishes as well as international cuisine.
9. The city is not only known for its architectural splendor, but also for being an important cultural center. It is home to many art galleries, museums and festivals of Latin American cultures that attract visitors from all over the world.
10. San Miguel de Allende was the chosen location for the filming of the movie El Padrecito, starring Mario Moreno Cantinflas, one of the most acclaimed and beloved figures in the country.
San Miguel de Allende is a city in central Mexico with a rich history. Over the centuries, San Miguel de Allende has witnessed many important events in Mexico’s history, from the War of Independence to the Mexican Revolution. Even today, the city remains a popular place to visit for tourists and Mexicans alike.
If you visit San Miguel de Allende, leave us in the comments your opinion about this beautiful city.
