Category: Blog

St. Anthony the Abbot was a hermit and early monk, who lived in seclusion in Egypt’s desert with animals as his only companions. St. Anthony the Abbot’s believed strongly in man’s responsibility to protect otherwise defenseless domesticated animals. St. Anthony also changed ancient man’s perception of …

Attending a birthday party in nearby Los Lopez for a 15 year old girl I was again amazed and awed on all the symbolism mixed into the food, music and fun. A quinceañera, like most every modern San Miguel tradition, has its roots in mixture of indigenous and Spanish …

There is a legendary history behind Dia de Locos (Day of the Crazies) involving the viceroy, birds and the gardeners of San Miguel.  Basically, a friar went to mass on St. Anthony’s day leaving his orchard unattended.  Expecting his fruit to be pecked he was surprised to return to …

You find yourself at a festival or procession when suddenly a dancing dragon appears. Well, this dragon is not like Puff, the Magic Dragon, but a kind of dragon-ish creature. Often with a lion’s head, tortoise shell body and snake like tail. He embodies the legend …

When my kids were young they spent the summer at Colonial Camp living like colonists which sounded like hell to me both then and now, but they loved it.  In the fall were the Civil War reenactments and, naturally, October brought the cemetery tours where actors portrayed …

St. Louis (San Luis Rey) is a unique saint being only French royalty to make the cut to sainthood.  Poor cake-eating Marie Antionette didn’t even come close.  I’ve pondered for some time why St. Louis has multiple cities, churches and babies of both genders named for him …

As an avid reader of the International Creche Herald (don’t scoff, it exists) I’ve long been fascinated by nativity sets and the variety of ways they tell the story of Jesus’ birth.  Suffice to say I was thrilled to move to Mexico and discover a whole new …

You’ve only got a few days, or hours, in a town and want to maximize your experience.  Choosing a tour can be an excellent choice but like with all choices in life it best to know yourself first and decide accordingly. In an effort of …

I lucked out and was asked again to participate in the Good Friday procession this year plus I got a promotion!   No more being sandwiched between sweaty lads carrying Jesus, who is living proof that with his sinewy physique muscle weighs more than fat.  And don’t …

When my children were young I’d like to spook them with tales about the hand door knockers all over town insisting, like Thing from the Addams Family, the hands came to life at night and finger-walked all over town.  That started their instant fascination at pointing (pun intended) …