Driving distance between Guanajuato and San Miguel is only about an hour and a half and unexpectedly through some good climbs and windy roads. Add in a couple stops and traffic and it was early afternoon by the time we arrived to a very full main square - it is a holiday.
Our first stop was to visit the cemetery where the famous musician Jose Alfredo Jimenez is buried in an elaborate grave site with a gigantic sombrero and colorful sarape. He is Mexico’s Elvis and this is like Gracelands. Apparently his music is often sad.
The cemetery is located in the town of Dolores Hidalgo, named after one the hero’s of the Mexican revolution against the Spaniards. There isn’t a town around without a Main street named after him.. Lots of interesting history here. Pretty main square area and full as it was a Sunday. Ice cream stop - just a bit different with flavours like tequila, beer and shrimp with octopus. I was definitely not in to any of these.
The church was very busy as there was a funeral just finishing up. Once inside we saw the two massive altars - wooden on one side and gold leaf covered on the other side.
Feb 2 is another important day for the Mexicans and we learned about an interesting tradition. At the cemetery we saw people carrying dolls wrapped in blankets. They were in the churches and all around. It is called Día le Candelaria or Candlemas Day. People commemorate the presentation of the baby Jesus and take him to church to be blessed. They traditionally eat tamales on this day and it officially ends the Christmas season - that explains why we have seen so many Christmas decorations still up.
We had brief stop to visit the church where Hiladgo ( Father of Independence) had been priest. It was packed with a mass and a pilgrimage so we did not see much of the beautiful murals inside. Outside it was massive! The road in was a challenge - grid lock - we finally got out and walked in to see the church.
And then there is San Miguel with a huge population of expats, mostly Americans but some Canadians. The main square was packed on Sunday in contrast to the next day. Lots of wonderful buildings, handicrafts and delicious food.
One of my favourite things - the decorated door ways make inviting entrances to spend your money!!
Our hotel was charming with a beautiful courtyard that was a perfect location to an evening happy hour. Lots of laughs and a chance to show how well everyone knew their travel companions. It also worked for a few games of cards.
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