Mexican Independence Day in San Miguel de Allende

I was fortunate enough to spend Mexican Independence day in San Miguel de Allende. What’s even more fortuitous is that San Miguel de Allende is the birthplace of the Revolutionary hero Ignacio Allende and the start of the Mexican War of Independence. 

There are many reasons why this tiny pueblo has made the Condé Nast Traveler’s list of top destinations in the world. And honestly, with its beauty, charm and rich historical significance, it’s easy to see why.

What To Expect During Independence Week

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First off, Mexican Independence day is on September 16th, but in San Miguel de Allende, the celebrations start days before and continue after! It’s an easy week-long fiesta! 

Preparations started early. Toward the end of August, huge Mexican flags adorned the side of buildings, decorative streamers stretched across the tops of streets and cohetes–those hard to not notice Mexican fireworks, blasted in the early morning. 

You could literally feel the anticipation building for the main event. 

I’ve been fortunate to be here for several months and with their early preparations, it was pretty obvious to me that San Miguel was getting ready to party!

Carrera de la Conspiración

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There were two big events that took place before the 16th that created a wonderful buildup. 

First came a footrace on September 13th, called the Carrera de la Conspiración (The Conspiracy Race).

When my friend first told me about it I envisioned a 200 person race. How wrong I was.

More than 2,000 enthusiastic San Miguelans hit the cobblestone, from professional runners, to hobbyists ranging from ages and athleticism. You couldn't help but cheer them on!

The race is roughly 5 kilometers and winds through the historic center, beginning near El Jardín. It had the same fun energy as Bay to Breakers in San Francisco but without the crazy costumes

And this is also a locals only race!

I was slightly curious about what it would take form me to participate next year, but those wisps of a dream were trampled on when I learned you had to be a resident of San Miguel. Aw tacos!

It was as if the whole town was taking part, if not in the race, as spectators, cheering away! I looked for a friend, at 6ft 4, I thought he’d be easy to spot but alas he was swallowed by the enormity of the crowd!

But this race is about more than running.

The top 18 male and 10 female runners earn the honor of participating in the following day's symbolic race. Together, the 28 runners travel to Querétaro to bring the fuego Libertario, or Freedom Fire, Back to San Miguel de Allende.

The tradition commemorates the events of 1810, when the independence conspiracy had been discovered. Josefa Ortiz de Domínquez sent word of the danger, and Ignacio Perez, known as the "Messenger of Liberty," carried the warning from Queretaro to Sasn Miguel to alert Ignacio Allende and the other conspirators.

And suddenly this little 5K foot race takes on a whole new meaning!

The Cabalgata de los Conspiradores

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On September 14th, the festivities ponied up to a serious group of horsemen and women who rode from Querétaro to San Miguel, called the Cabalgata de los Conspiradores de Querétaro de 1810.

Again, this symbolic ride commemorates the journey it took Ignacio Perez, who rode from Querétaro towards San Miguel to warn Ignacio Allende and the other conspirators that their uprising had been discovered.

For a horse lover such as myself, it was some serious fun!

And once again, everyone seemed to take part. Families lined the streets to watch the riders come through, while the horses and riders made their way into the historic center.

The Cabalgata is organized by the Groupo Conspiradores de Queretaro de 1810, whose purpose is to preserve the memory of this historic chapter in Mexico's history. In recent years, the ride has included more than 100 horsemen and women, along with government officials and dignitaries.

After the official welcome and speeches, the riders made several passes around El Jardín before eventually trotting away.

Mexican Independence Day Fireworks in San Miguel de Allende

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And then came the big night.

The main Independence celebrations centered around the evening of September 15th, leading into September 16th. In Mexico, this is when the famous Grito de Independencia takes place–the ceremonial reenactment of the call for independence that began the uprising in 1810. In San Miguel de Allende, the ceremony takes place at the Casa de Allende, the former home of Ignacio Allende.

I stayed in the comfort of home and eagerly waited for the runners arrival. 11pm is way past my bedtime! You could hear them in the far distance.

And once the runners passed it wasn’t a tiny fire they were carrying but giant sparklers. They flew down the hill illuminating the way. I real sight to see!

Once they reached el Jardín, the fire was brought to the Casa de Allende, where it became start of the evening's Independence ceremony. Finally!!

On the dot, at 11pm came the fireworks.

And when I say fireworks, I mean FIREWORKS.

For nearly an hour, San Miguel de Allende lit up, and the crowd erupted with excitement.

And You Thought the Party Was Over?

Now you would think that would be the end of it...

Oh no.

This is Mexico.

Festivities continued the next day with more parades, music, and people dressed in Revolutionary–era clothing ridign horses through the streets.

And although the official festivites eventually died down, cohetes and fireworks continued to light up the sky for days afterward.

Again, this is a town that loves to party.

And with October quickly approaching, my guess is this was just a warm–up for one of my favorite times of the year:

Día de los Muertos.