Search Results for: old san miguel

For over a century the most popular souvenirs from Mexico were a series of paintings depicting racially mixed families and how they were genetically formed among the Spaniards, indigenous and Africans.  This compelling and unique pictorial genre is known as caste (or casta) paintings created …

Dynamic blends of indigenous and Spanish heritage enrich the history of the Mexico; yet, for hundreds of years, Mexican women were restrained by the strong patriarchal traditions of this heritage.  A father’s authority was beyond question.  The strict moral code established by the Church and prevailing …

Mercedes, a senior in my English classes, introduced me to danzon, a style of dance (like tap, square dancing or salsa), forever changing how I experience Mexico.  Through danzon I performed at festivals around town and the country, taught classes hither and yon for years, …

St. Joseph is mentioned only eight times in the New Testament. Prior to the late medieval period, Church doctrine rarely noticed him.  However, in 1555 this humble carpenter, Mary’s husband and foster father of Jesus, was made patron of the conquest and conversion of Mexico forever influencing favored Mexican …

This week was the feast day of St. Paschal Baylon, a lad featured in most every San Miguel de Allende restaurant and kitchen that during the 18th century was a major cause for celebration for those that worked in orchards. Paschal (also known as Pasqual, Pascual and alike) tended …

When I was a child my father would dress up as a nun to be Master of Ceremonies at local churches’ roasts of their priests.  Dad was introduced as the visiting Sr. Virginia allowing him to add “Virgin for short, but not for long.” Since apples …

Gambol into the lobby of the Hotel Real de Minas, cross the courtyard of the Allende Institute or visit any antique store in town and you’re bound to view a painting of a 18th or 19th century nun wearing a crown of flowers.  Who is she?  What does she represent?  Is she …

It is interesting to be at the forefront of a cultural change so you forever know you remember when things were done quite differently before and for a long time.  Think of all the times we needed film to take a picture or knowledge of …

Attending a pal’s funeral this week I learned a bit more about Mexican funeral customs that I had somehow missed in previous ultimate masses (that is, funerals). There is no Biblical or theological reason for the way coffins enter or exit church, rather the tradition is that they enter …

Often folks leave home to have a big, splashy career.  Even Jesus left the confines of Nazareth to start preaching.  Entertainers, in particular, often need to immigrate to find their big successes. Locally we imported from the pampas Margarita Gralia who soared to Mexican soap opera stardom …