Felinni does San Miguel

Larry & Sue in front of city Christmas tree

Procession

We are told that San Miguel is a city of some 80,000 people; that's hard to believe.


We have not explored even a small fraction of the city, but in many ways for us, it seems like a small village.

Bike racers

We are a block from the main square (Jardin) and walk to the market, supermarket, public library, restaurants, and even a French-style bakery in less than 10 minutes.


When there is something happening in the Jardin, and there always seems that there is something, often involving music and dance, we can easily stroll there in two minutes or less; and if we are bored, too cold or too warm--we can go back to our place just as easily. What an easy life!

Just last night, around 10:00 p.m., we heard music and laughter in the street.  Stepping out our door, we were delighted to see Tuna Real, a band of strolling musicians, leading a group of fifty or so celebrants--all singing along with the band. We followed them to the Jardin--wishing we understood the Spanish language songs, but enjoying it tremendously anyway. Tuna seems to be the name for a type of band featuring mandolins and guitars.  They are often dressed in "renaissance style costumes" and entertain with beautifully executed traditional songs and dance.  Tuna Real is one of our favorites.

Dance demonstrations

This past weekend there was a three day music festival, a street theater production, a dance demonstration, the finale of a 1000 person bike race, a native Indian religious procession, and, of course, throngs of tourists who in turn attract street vendors and local artisans hawking their wares--much of it occurring simultaneously. The city also decided to finalize its Christmas decorating and to light the official city tree on Friday evening.

Street theater performers

Bob said it made him feel like he had stepped into a Felinni movie--and we all agreed!

Balloon vendor

One of our favorite recent activities has been the three day Festival de la Sierra.  While we did not appreciate every act, there was so much to listen and dance to.


In this video, you can see the fun of watching the "mojigangas" or large puppets dance to the music of the band and entertain the crowd.  Earlier we had thought the puppets  were called catrinas--but we have since learned that catrinas are the beautifully dressed female skeletons that you see on Day of the Dead celebrations.

Unfortunately, our time here in San Miguel has come to an end. San Miguel is such a great city, all four of us are sad about having to leave it.