ABOUT SAN MIGUEL |
ABOUT SAN MIGUEL
Walking the cobblestone streets of San Miguel de Allende you become part of the history and culture of this magical place, founded in 1542. In the 1800's the brave leaders of the time found in the architecture of this colonial jewel, a feeling of intense pride for their homeland. This passion fueled the Mexican independence movement and that spirit lives on . Artists have been drawn to the provincial color of this hill town because of the ethereal quality of light. In the 1930's legendary Mexican muralist Siqueiros taught painting here and it is currently home to the renowned Instituto Allende and Bellas Artes.
The city is an international center for culture with world class art schools, galleries, film festivals, theatres, concerts, chamber music and jazz festivals year round, and unique cultural and religious celebrations. You can see musicians, poets and colorful costumes on parade. A bohemian atmosphere includes restaurants with exquisite national and international cuisine, live music, and unique performance spaces. The architecture is renowned for it's beauty with magnificent patios awash in the color of blooming bougainvilleas, gothic facades, colonial fountains, soaring cathedrals, stately homes and great mansions that are open to the public. You can purchase one of a kind folk art, handcrafts and superb antiques and jewelry.
Listen to mariachi music under the portals, enjoy a homemade ice cream in the zocalo-town square, ride a horse through the canyons and stroll to the orchid and botanical gardens. San Miguel de Allende, nestled in the mountainous central region of Mexico, is part of the “Bajio” region of the state of Guanajuato. When the Mexican War of Independence began in the nearby town of Dolores on September 16th, 1810, in an act now celebrated as “El Grito”, the rapidly growing revolutionary army came to San Miguel El Grande. San Miguel calls itself the “Forge of National Independence”, for it was here that General Ignacio Allende joined the army as Padre Miguel Hidalgo’s chief lieutenant and led the army to several victories. He is now a national hero, and the town renamed itself “San Miguel de Allende” in 1826 to honor his actions. Declared a National Historic Monument in 1926, San Miguel de Allende retains its colonial architecture and feel. San Miguel de Allende is also world renowned for its community of artists, many of whom, while garnering international acclaim, have chosen to live and exhibit here in the numerous art galleries of San Miguel de Allende. The extraordinary natural beauty, pleasant climate, warm people and dramatic sunsets make San Miguel de Allende and unforgettable artistic escape.
