I didn’t think I would make it out to this event. The early nature of this experience and my puppy sleep deprivation weren’t compatible, or so I thought.
But when the puppy woke at 5:00 am to go to the bathroom and the fireworks were loud enough to wake the whole family, I decided that I didn’t need to go back to sleep after all.
I quickly changed my clothes, grabbed my camera gear, and got out the door.
There was still no hint of the sun rising at this hour, and yet there were a lot of other people of all ages making their way toward Independencia to be a part of this celebration.
As I arrived to the bridge where Calzada de la Luz connects San Antonio Abad to Independencia, I was a bit amazed at how many people were there at this hour and also the beautiful displays covering the streets.
Dyed wood shavings were meticulously arranged to create these images. Also, there was chamomile – it was everywhere and more chamomile than I’ve ever seen before.
My spontaneous timing ended up being perfect. I waited maybe a minute before the procession crossed my paths.
The procession started at midnight in the town of Atotonilco, which is about 12 kilometers to the north of San Miguel de Allende. They walked through the night, to bring a holy image (sculpture-like formation) of Jesus to the Templo de San Juan de Dios.
Bringing this particular holy image of Jesus in his flogged state, made from Chichimeca material such as corn stalks, corn starch, and powdered orchid bulbs, has been a tradition for hundreds of years. Specifically, 2024 marks the 201st occurrence of this tradition.
CORRECTION: A reader shared with me that Jesus is not referred to a statue. Out of respect, they call him a holy image.
This tradition, known as El Señor de la Columna, is significant in San Miguel de Allende as it is the beginning of the Semana Santa celebrations, the biggest celebrations of all here in Mexico.
The Procession
Click an image below to enlarge and scroll through.
The Church
El Templo de San Juan de Dios is where the procession ended. The holy image of Jesus will remain at this church here during the following weeks into the Semana Santa holiday, after which it will be returned to Atotonilco until next year.
The Cleanup
San Miguel de Allende does an impressive job of cleaning up after such celebrations. The cleanup crew is quick at returning the streets to normal functioning following processions such as this one.
Amanda is a photographer and website creator (among other things) living in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico with her husband, two kids, and rescued puppy.
