Inside San Miguel... The Blog

Feb 2, Not to be Missed -- The Grand Opening of the Gallery at the Chapel of Jimmy Ray

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:21:47 GMT

This Saturday, tog yourself out in your most festive, colorful, jestery clothes. Then head out to La Cieneguita, 5 km from San Miguel de Allende to Anado McLaughlin and Richard Schultz's magnificently eccentric "Casa de las Ranas" for the grand opening of their new Gallery at the Chapel of Jimmy Ray. The Chapel Compound has been five years in the making and the Opening will be a golden opportunity to see this "over- the- top" marvelously magical folly that Anado has envisioned. The Chapel of Jimmy Ray is an ever unfolding homage to Outsider and Visionary Art. Anado will be featuring some new and older works titled "Installed Poetry" inspired by the Major Arcana of the Tarot Deck. Noted New York photographer Spencer Tunick will share the bill with 31 rarely seen photos from Mexico City. For the hungry, San Miguel's own fantastic gourmet food truck, Hierbabuena Cocina, will be on hand with sumptuous delights. Look for some further surprises from Mexico City's Experimental Theater Group, Cartaphilus Teatro to add to this celebration of Mythical Folly and Inspired Revelry. Think Renaissance Faire with a Mexican accent! To get to the Chapel of Jimmy Ray, follow Canal St. all the way out to the Railroad Station. Bear to the left and cross the railroad tracks. Follow the new road to Guanajuato for 5 km. Keep going straight past the left turn sign for Guanajuato and make a right turn about 100 meters past the sign. Go up to the church in front of you and make a short right and follow the signs for Las Grutas de Guadalupe Balneario up the hill parallel to the side of the Church. The Chapel of Jimmy Ray Gallery and Casa de Las Ranas are on your left. It's best to park near the church walk up to the Gallery.

Oct 11, Cheap and Easy Picadillo

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 06:49:12 GMT

Donna's Note: This dish is a staple in many Mexican kitchens as well as in the food stalls at the markets. In San Miguel de Allende, you can try it at

Aug 10, Mezzanine bistro´s European flare

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 06:11:53 GMT

I´d been hearing about Mezzanine Bistro that opened within the last year and how it was completely different than anything else in San Miguel. Portuguese

Aug 10, Beef Tongue Tacos

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 06:06:10 GMT

1 Beef tongue 1 Tbsp salt 1 Tbsp pepper 1 Tbsp garlic powder 1 onion (chopped) corn tortillas Cut thawed beef tongue into 3 or 4 big pieces, place in

Jun 21, Authentic Mexican Capirotada Recipe

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 06:29:29 GMT

Here's a traditional and authentic Capirotada Recipe for the Mexican bread pudidng dessert served during Lent...

Jun 21, Area Code for Mexico

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 06:02:34 GMT

There isn't just one area code for Mexico. If you're calling San Miguel de Allende, here's how to do it...

May 29, Luxury Hotels in San Miguel de Allende

Sun, 29 May 2011 07:18:08 GMT

Looking for luxury hotels in San Miguel de Allende? Here's star all the info you need to be pampered in elegant, 5-star style...

May 11, Don't Believe the Hype About Violence in Mexico

Wed, 11 May 2011 21:22:59 GMT

Here's a nice video about San Miguel de Allende. It debunks the danger factor we are all being encouraged to believe.

Apr 14, Altars & Aguas at Abrazos

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 21:26:33 GMT

Tomorrow, Friday, April 16, as part of your "Night of the Altars" pilgrimage, be sure to visit Patrice Wynne's wonderful boutique, Abrazos, at Zacateros 24 (near Pila Seca). Check out the beautiful traditional altar and enjoy the equally traditional fresh fruit "aguas" being served. Patrice's shop is the most delicious taste of San Miguel available. Mexican kitsch and retro design bursts from the walls in an explosion of color in the form of aprons, handbags, dolls, jewelry, clothes, bathrobes. Everything is made by hand, by locals. It's 100% original and 100% fun and helps support many local Mexican women "artesanas."

Jan 11, Lunch at the Sunset Bar

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 22:48:17 GMT

Foodies in San Miguel de Allende, take heart! Noren, the former owner and chef of the much-missed Burrito Bistro, is now cooking at the Sunset Bar and Cafe, situated on the roof of the hotel Casa Linda, on Mesones, facing the Teatro Angela Peralta. And the wonderful friendly ambiance is maintained by your host, Tim. The terrace is a great place for a bite, a meal or just a drink before a performance at the Angela Peralta. Hotel owner Linda McLaughlin is often on hand, too, as a great hostess. Lots of reasons to stop by. Do it. You won't be sorry.

Sep 17, Bicentennial Fever is Burning!

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 15:55:17 GMT

VIVA MEXICO! The bicentennial celebrations for Mexican independence are in full swing in San Miguel de Allende. Last night, the Jardin was completely packed with locals and tourists alike. Never seen it so full. The most thrilling part (besides the massive fireworks display) was probably the reenactment of the insurgents setting off. When the uniformed riders galloped past the Parroquia, it was literally "spine-tingling." Mexico is throwing herself one very grand party! 200 years and still going strong--despite what you read and hear in the northern press. VIVA MEXICO!

Jul 30, October Events in San Miguel de Allende

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:09:54 GMT

The most important of all October events in San Miguel de Allende is actually in Guanajuato—the International Cervantino Festival.

Jun 14, Holy Crazies! Day of the Locos in San Miguel de Allende

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 06:55:02 GMT

Today, Sunday, June 13th, had to be what is one of the zaniest (and most eagerly awaited) days of the year in San Miguel, El Dia de los Locos. Unique to San Miguel, this crazy holiday typifies the joy and "Fiesta Spirit" of our town. The name literally translates as Day of the Crazies, but it actually has religious roots and begins with a huge outdoor mass at the San Antonio church. But the rest of the day? Crazy indeed. People dress up in the most bizarre costumes and wind through the streets of el Centro in a long parade. They dance like crazy and throw hundreds of kilos of candies to the crowd like Mardi Gras revelers in N'Orleans. It's wise to wear a hat--not only against the summer sun but to protect from the sting of falling peppermints. Those hard candies are hard! Ask me about my bruised forehead. Mummies and pharoahs, wizards and Fridas, and folks in rubber masks depicting politicians, folk heroes and soap opera stars--they all danced along the cobblestones for hours to bad but joyful oompah-band music or rock blared from speakers. What most amazes me about "Los Locos" is the stamina of some of these guys--they never stop dancing from the parade's beginning to the end. No video yet from this year's parade, but here's a delightful taste from an earlier year of what it's all about.

May 13, The Writers Workshop: San Miguel

Thu, 13 May 2010 07:39:15 GMT

You want to write. We're here to help you. Teaching craft and style, motivation and direction for your writing. It's what we do. And at Writers Workshop: San Miguel, we do it well.

Feb 2, Candelaria Has Sprung!

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:15:23 GMT

It's official... sort of. Spring has sprung in San Miguel de Allende. Yes, it's that wonderful flowery time of year again--Candelaria. The annual flower, plant and garden sale has begun it's run in Juarez Park, marking the end of the cold, the arrival of our more normal sunshine and the unofficial beginning of spring. This year, entrances to the park have been garlanded in flowers, turned into springtime bowers. Thousands of flowering plants in every color of the arcoiris line the walkways, where dozens of vendors sell everything for the garden--pots large and small, bags of rich, fertile potting soil, trees, bedding plants. Young boys armed with wheelbarrows will happily follow you through the plant fair to load up your purchases and wheel them back to your car for a few pesos. Look for the plant fair to continue for about two weeks. Now is the time to stock up on all your gardening goodies--even if all you have is a window box or a tiny balcony in a rented apartment or a hotel room windowsill. Do your part to help keep San Miguel de Allende as flowerful and colorful as she is meant to be.

Jan 27, Fantastic Lunch at Baile Cafe - San Miguel de Allende

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 04:00:54 GMT

We had a fantastic lunch/dinner at Baile Cafe--behind the Arthur Murray Dance Studio on Hernandez Macias, next door to Vivoli restaurant. I had the

Jan 15, What's the Weather in San Miguel de Allende?

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 03:29:56 GMT

Find out more about the weather in San Miguel de Allende—which is just about perfect for most of the year...

Jan 15, Calendar of San Miguel Annual Events, Month by Month

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 03:14:21 GMT

There's always something fun going on in San Miguel de Allende. The San Miguel annual events calendar rewards a visit at any time of year...

Jan 14, Atole Recipe--a Delicious Mexican Hot Drink

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 01:59:58 GMT

Here's an authentic atole recipe for the delicious and traditional Mexican hot drink made with cornstarch or masa. Yum...

Jan 14, February Events in San Miguel de Allende

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 01:54:43 GMT

At the height of the tourist season, February events in San Miguel de Allende highlight the coming of spring and patriotic celebrations...

Jan 14, January Events in San Miguel de Allende

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 01:51:19 GMT

As the year begins, the high season ramps up. In January, events in San Miguel de Allende happen one on top of another...

Jan 7, San Miguel shoes: The Original Combat Cocktail Sandals

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 08:50:44 GMT

San Miguel Shoes are the original "combat cocktail sandals" from San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. Designed for walking on cobblestones, they're comfortable, durable, stabilizing and pretty.

Jan 5, Toller Cranston in San Miguel de Allende

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 21:59:04 GMT

Long famous as the greatest men's figure skater of the 20th Century, Toller Cranston always defined himself first as "a painter who skates." Here's a look at his home, his life and his painting...

Dec 29, Cafe Iberico - A Gem in San Miguel de Allende

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:55:57 GMT

We seek out, know, and much appreciate fine food. I've traveled throughout Spain and even lived in Barcelona for a time, so when we visited San Miguel

Dec 4, December Events in San Miguel de Allende

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:47:58 GMT

It's the Christmas season, and December events in San Miguel de Allende sparkle with tinsel and colored lights, music and donkeys in the streets...

Dec 4, Christmas in San Miguel de Allende

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:13:46 GMT

Here's a calendar of official holiday events for Christmas in San Miguel de Allende, 2007...

Dec 2, Spanish Tapas and Paella at Cafe Iberico-San Miguel de Allende

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:47:10 GMT

On of the best restaurants in San Miguel de Allende, Cafe Iberico is located in Colonia San Antonio Norte (#20). A small, intimate cafe, it offers a

Aug 26, Lucy to Present Her Vision for San Miguel de Allende

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 20:36:35 GMT

San Miguel de Allende's new mayor-elect, Lucy Nunez, will be inaugurated as the town's first female mayor on October 10. Lucy, as everyone calls her, was unusually open to the foreign community during her recent mayoral campaign, soliciting their input and explaining her ideas for San Miguel's future. She was elected in a landslide victory over the PAN candidate with 65% of the vote. She belongs to no party, but was endorsed by three of San Miguel's four main political parties. This Sunday, August 30, she'll present her vision for San Miguel at the Unitarian Universalist meeting, 10:30 am at the Posada de la Aldea. She'll cover such issues as crime, development, the economy, health care and how she intends to involve ex-pats in her administration. There will also be an opportunity to ask her questions. Nunez earned degrees in communications in California and speaks excellent English. With her husband, she owns the local San Miguel radio station, XESQ, a cable TV station, and an advertising agency. Mayor-Elect Nunez is originally from Mexico City, has lived in San Miguel de Allende for 25 years and has two teenage daughters. Nunez' election is definitely a sign of change to come. Sunday's meeting can be a great opportunity to get a peek into San Miguel's immediate future and to give this dynamic woman your input on YOUR vision of San Miguel.

Aug 17, This Video Captures the Essence of San Miguel de Allende

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 01:51:22 GMT

I've just come across another video about San Miguel de Allende. They seem to be thick as fleas right now on YouTube. But this one is far superior to most others I've seen. Produced by Ambassador John McDonald and Anitra Thorhaug, shot and edited by Alan Geoghegan, its human touch, lyrical videography, poetic voice-overs and loving view of our city really--and especially of her people--captures the essence of San Miguel de Allende for me. If you love San Miguel--or want to know her better--I know you'll enjoy it.

Jul 1, A Lovely Piece of Writing--San Miguel and Casita de las Flores

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:30:30 GMT

A couple of years ago, when I needed a place to stay in San Miguel just for a couple of days and I was on a budget, I discovered the Casita de las Flores. It was a charming experience. Francoise, the owner, has created a friendly family-like place that feels just a bit like a hostel for grown ups--but with your own room. There are two shared baths and one shared kitchen, plus a common patio garden with hammock, so meeting the other guests is inevitable and friendships flourish. It's the kind of place beloved more by true travelers than by mere tourists. Francoise has recently started a blog and it made me discover she is also a gifted writer. Click on the link below to read her story about moving to San Miguel de Allende, finding her property, and creating this pleasant home-away-from-home for travelers.

Jun 20, El Jardin, San Miguel de Allende's Heart

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 06:06:50 GMT

In San Miguel de Allende, the central plaza is where everything happens. Read about El Jardin, San Miguel de Allende's heart...

Jun 2, At Last! Some Positive Ink for San Miguel de Allende

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 05:32:30 GMT

All of Mexico has been taking a real beating in the media of late--what with narco gangs followed by the flu scare--and the results are not pretty. Tourism is seriously down all over Mexico, even in San Miguel. So it was a very pleasant surprise to see that Continental Airline's inflight magazine has a nicely upbeat piece about San Miguel in the May issue. The focus is on learning. The author took classes or indivual lessons in pottery, nicho making, Spanish, photography and cooking during her short stay in town. And she clearly loved her time here. She passes her enthusiasm on well, and, unlike so many articles about San Miguel de Allende, she gets the details right. (Well, she did call the Parroquia a cathedral, twice, which it is not; it's a parish church. But we'll forgive her that common mistake.) And I, for one, thank her for coming, thank her for telling the truth, and I hereby pass her article on to all of you to enjoy. Just click on the link below.

May 25, New Restaurants in San Miguel de Allende

Mon, 25 May 2009 02:11:35 GMT

New restaurants have been opening in San Miguel de Allende at an amazing rate. This page will keep you up to date on the newest and best restaurants in San Miguel...

May 18, Bargains Abound Right Now in San Miguel de Allende

Mon, 18 May 2009 00:44:20 GMT

Combine all the dire stories in the news media about Mexico with the usual slow season in San Miguel de Allende and what do you get? Bargains! In conjunction with the San Miguel Department of Tourism, many hotels in SMA are offering special 2-nights-for-the-price-of-1 mid-week packages to lure tourists to town in this slow time. And the range of options is huge. For instance, at Guadiana Bed & Breakfast, you can now get a double room mid-week for two nights for about US$60. And at the high-end, the luxurious Orient Express Hotel Casa de Sierra Nevada will cost you around $US260 for two nights. That's a real bargain. There are 20 participating hotels on the Tourism Department's website, so you should have no trouble finding one that fits your budget and your style. For a complete list of participating properties, with prices and links to their websites, click on the link below.

May 16, Help Bring The Amazing Race to Mexico

Sat, 16 May 2009 22:47:54 GMT

Tourism is enormously important to the economy of Mexico, and it's taken a really bad hit recently. First, all the blood-and-gore news about narco-violence and exaggerations of dangers to tourists had people afraid to cross the border. And then the H1N1 flu virus picked poor Mexico to break out into the open. People began staying home in droves. Mexico deserves a break, some positive images going out over the airwaves that will make people say. "Hey, let's go see that!" You can help that happen. The Discover Channel's mega-hit "The Amazing Race" is coming to Latin America for the next season, and the producers are asking the audience to choose which country they'll visit. Mexico, with its huge range of typography, climate, and peoples, is the perfect choice. As of this writing, Mexico has 42% of the vote to Colombia's 43%. That can change drastically very quickly. Please cast your vote and help Mexico show its stuff on next season's show. If you're not familiar with the show, you can see a video clip (in Spanish) at The Amazing Race. Then click on the link below to cast your vote. Please. Mexico needs your support.

May 15, A Barbecue Bash for the Fourth of July

Fri, 15 May 2009 06:15:29 GMT

It's still a few weeks away, but you can start making plans now for a bang-up 4th of July in San Miguel de Allende. And for U.S. citizens feeling a bit homesick on our national holiday, what could be more "4th" than a good old barbeque? Vista Antigua, a gated community at the top of Independencia at the Libramiento, will be the host for the Mexico Invitational El Grande Cookoff. Teams of cooks will go head-to-head for points and trophies in several categories, including best brisket, ribs, sausage, "open" category (which is really wide open--anything that can be cooked on a grill or in a pit), Texas-style chili, beans and margaritas. Oh man, this is making me hungry just writing it! And while you're feeding your face with all that finger-licking stuff, you'll also be helping feed Mexican kids. The event is a benefit for Feed the Hungry and Patronato Pro Ninos, old-time charities in San Miguel that help thousands of Mexican kids every year. Several well-known San Miguel restaurants are expected to field teams of cooks, but anyone is welcome to enter. The variety of tastes and textures should be staggering...and very filling. Mark you calendar...and get the napkins ready.

May 7, SMAtterings

Thu, 07 May 2009 10:22:12 GMT

Newsletter for experience-san-miguel-de-allende.com

May 4, Bellas Artes in San Miguel de Allende

Mon, 04 May 2009 06:59:04 GMT

The best art school in San Miguel de Allende is Bellas Artes, the Centro Cultural de Bellas

May 3, About Flu Paranoia and Economic Disaster--Here's a Great Read

Sun, 03 May 2009 21:31:54 GMT

I've written on this blog recently about the overblown paranoia and fear-mongering among the press concerning the recent outbreak of the H1N1 flu and its effect on Mexico. I've talked a bit about what it's doing to the economy and daily life of San Miguel de Allende. But I haven't done either of those things as well as Jan Baumgartner does in the article at the link below. The piece was written for OpEd.com and I really hope you'll go read it. It mirrors my own feeling exactly... and is brilliantly done. Thank you, Jan.

Apr 29, A Taste of Italy at Cafe Vivoli--on a Budget

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:12:12 GMT

So, just for a change, let's talk about something other than the flu. If you're in San Miguel right now--and lucky you if you are--and you like good Italian food (who doesn't?), here's an event you won't want to pass on. Tomorrow night, Thursday, April 30th, Cafe Vivoli is offering "A Taste of Italy." Come in between 5 and 7 pm, buy any drink for $50 pesos (~US$4) and indulge in a delicious complimentary buffet of Italian specialties. Part of the same chain as the famous Cafe Vivoli on Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood, this place really knows Italian. Here's your chance take a virtual trip to Italy for a great price--and give Cafe Vivoli a try if you've never been there. I do recommend it. Cafe Vivoli is located at Hernandez Macias 66, on the east side of the street. For more info call (415) 152-0045 or email donato@vivolicafe.com

Apr 28, Flu Updates - Who Are You Listening To?

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 23:12:17 GMT

Among the spate of recent media reports in the U.S. and elsewhere about "swine" flu, many would have you believe that people throughout Mexico are dropping like flies from the coming "pandemic." Dozens dead, hundreds dead, the reports vary but all are alarming. Without minimizing the very real concern about the spread of the disease, I'd like to remind readers that not everything you read in the media, and certainly not everything printed on a blog or passed among friends, is true. I suppose it is human nature to exaggerate, especially when talking about something as dramatic as a potential pandemic. So I went to the World Health Organization website to see what they had to say about levels of infection and deaths. You can see the daily report at the link below, but to summarize: As of Tuesday, April 28th, the U.S. government had reported 64 laboratory confirmed human cases, with no deaths. Mexico had reported 26 confirmed human cases of infection including seven deaths. Other countries had reported a total of 15 cases with no deaths. Due to the lack of Mexican laboratories capable of detecting the virus, samples are being sent to the CDC in the U.S. for analysis. The numbers for Mexico will likely be somewhat higher when all lab tests come back. Compare these figures with the fact that approximately 36,000 people die in the U.S. every year from normal flu infections. We are all watching the news as these figures change daily. Schools all over the country are closed until May 6th, and the Mexico City government has ordered all restaurants and eating establishments in the city to close for dine-in customers. They may only serve take-out orders. But the country is not in total upheaval, as some press pundits would have you believe. Nor are people dying in the streets in every town and village. San Miguel de Allende is relatively unaffected at this point. We'll be watching the most reliable news sources we can find to help us all stay informed, so we can be concerned and vigilant, but not panic. The best advice: read reliable news sources, filter what you hear and read through a mask of common sense and then make your own judgments, uncolored by the unreasonable panic the fear-mongers seem to enjoy spreading.

Apr 28, Flu Precautions Reach San Miguel de Allende

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:34:44 GMT

Despite the fact that as of Monday, April 27th, no cases of unusual flu have been reported in or near San Miguel de Allende, we are feeling the effects of the nationwide state of alert and precautions. Today, the Mexican government announced that ALL schools in the whole country, from kindergarten through university, will be closed until May 6th. The Biblioteca Publica in San Miguel has also closed for the same period. One mother in San Miguel reported that her teenage daughter was also told that the kids are to stay at home--not go into the centro or up to the mall. And she was given a LOT of homework to keep her busy. While certainly worrisome, the practical results of the school closing in terms of missed classes are not quite as drastic as they at first might sound. Students would have been off school from this coming Friday through next Tuesday anyway for the Labor Day holidays. Still, the move is proof that the government is taking this health threat very seriously.

Apr 27, Best above all: Dos Casas

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:32:36 GMT

Where in San Miguel de Allende can you find the ambiance of an upscale New York restaurant complete with smoked mirrors and linen table service?

Apr 26, Guanajuato Health Officials "Alert but Not Alarmed" About Possible Spread of Flu

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 18:34:33 GMT

The new outbreak of influenza in Mexico City has people in San Miguel de Allende rightfully concerned. But to date, there is no real cause to be alarmed. According to the state health secretariat, the state government has begun an intensive campaign to search out and detect possible centers of infection, particularly in schools and workplaces, but up until now there have been no school closings or suspensions of public events. The Secretary of Health for the state of Guanajuato, Jorge Armando Aguirre Torres, has announced that there has been NO evidence anywhere in the state of any cases of the swine or viral flu currently affecting Mexico City. In news reported today, Sunday, April 26th in El Correo newspaper, Aguirre goes on to say [translation mine], "We are keeping an exhaustive watch. We're not waiting until people arrive at health centers, but are watching schools and workplaces so that probable cases can be identified in an opportune manner. Because flu is seasonal, when we identify it quickly it can be cured. The important thing is to identify it quickly to save the lives of people affected." He added, "Even though in Guanajuato we have not registered a single case of the mutation of swine and avian flu, we must keep working to maintain that fact. It's a case of being on alert but not alarmed." [Emphasis mine] The State Committee on Health Safety met in extraordinary session this week to determine necessary measures to contain any possible outbreak in the state. After the meeting, they announced that the federal government is expected to send 10 thousand doses of flu vaccine to the state in the next few days. These will be administered to health workers, the population most vulnerable to possible contagion. The U.S. Consular Agent for San Miguel de Allende, Ed Clancy, also posted a "Warden Message" from the U.S. State Department about the outbreak this week, emphasizing that people should follow normal good health habits, including frequent hand-washing, avoiding close contact with sick people and staying home when you are ill. Alsos todat, the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) updated a notice about H1N1 "swine" influenza and travel to Mexico. The notice does NOT recommend that people avoid travel to Mexico at this time and suggests precautions travelers and U.S. citizen residents in Mexico can take to reduce their risk of infection. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City will post additional information about the outbreak on the embassy websiteit becomes available.

Apr 26, San Miguel de Allende Heats Up and Slows Down--But Plays On

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 05:13:24 GMT

We're coming into slow season in San Miguel de Allende. The winter visitors, like good snow-birds everywhere, have flown back north. The heat is building and folks are shopping at Mega and Elektra for floor fans to get through the few weeks of heat. A few restaurants are getting ready to close up shop for the month of May, a time for owners to take their vacations or use the hiatus to refresh and refurbish their premises. But San Miguel never goes completely to sleep anymore. There's still something going on all the time. And late April-early May is no exception. It's just easier to get tickets. Here's a quick look at some of what's coming up. Harold Pinter's dark play about passion and politics, Betrayal, is prepping to take the stage of the Teatro Santa Ana next week. It runs April 30-May 3. Check the theatre for curtain times. Tickets are $150 pesos. At the Atelier Flor Acosta, Fabrizio Viglioni will open an exhibit of photographs of Mexico City "DF" on Thursday, April 30 at 7 pm. Entitled Visiones DF-ectuosas Viglioni's array of stark photos capture the stories, the laughter and the misery, the trash, the dark night, and the absolute overpopulated immensity of the world's largest city. The gallery is located at Tata Nacho #8 in Colonia Guadalupe. For music lovers, a special prize is the upcoming series of three concerts by well-known Mexican cellist Jimena Gimenez Cacho beginning Wednesday, April 29th at 7:30pm at Teatro Santa Ana. She'll offer pieces from opposite ends of the musical spectrum, ranging from the Baroque, with pieces by J.S. Bach, to contemporary works by the Mexican composer Julian Carrillo. It's a program of extremely difficult music technically. Though written in the 1960s, most of the pieces by Carrillo had never been performed publicly until Jimena Gimenez premiered them in 2006. Tickets for the concerts are $150 pesos. Just more proof that San Miguel de Allende is a feast for culture hounds of any stripe at any time of the year. Come on down!

Apr 25, About San Miguel de Allende

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 20:50:49 GMT

Some fast facts to answer your first questions about San Miguel de Allende—like where is San Miguel, what's the weather like, how do I get there, stuff you need to know....

Apr 21, Vacation in Mexico? Here's the Perfect Weekend Visit

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:56:22 GMT

Are you planning a vacation in Mexico? Here's how to spend just 36 hours in San Miguel de Allende and have an unforgettable weekend...

Apr 14, U.S. Passport Deadline is Looming

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 21:34:49 GMT

For more than a year now, there's been a lot of confusion about whether or not U.S. citizens need a passport to travel to Mexico. The answer was yes and no--depending on how you were planning to enter the country. After June 1st, there need be no more confusion. The answer, in all circumstances, will be YES. In another two months, travelers crossing the border by car will no longer be able to reenter the U.S. with just a birth certificate and photo ID. A passport will be required. You can get a passport application online at the U.S. Passport Office site. The huge clog-ups of last summer seem to have been mostly avoided this year, but if you're planning a trip to San Miguel de Allende (or anywhere else in Mexico) and are worried about getting a passport in time for your departure, there are a number of private expediting services that will speed the process dramatically for a fee. You can check one of them out at the link below.

Apr 12, San Miguel de Allende as TV commercial Location

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 22:54:06 GMT

In mid-February, a film crew had the area in front of the Jardin in San Miguel de Allende closed off for a day or two while they shot a TV commerical for a new VW model called, I think, the CC. The commercial recently made its debut on YouTube.
Nice car. Nice commercial. Great setting!

Apr 12, Childhood or Adult--the Magic of a Puppet Speaks to All in San Miguel de Allende

Sun, 12 Apr 2009 05:14:36 GMT

Next week, the esplanade in front of the Parroquia church of San Miguel de Allende will be wall-to-wall packed, from the east end to the west, from the Parroquia's iron fence to the Jardin wall, with kids of all ages--including some with gray hair. Some in this massive audience won't even understand the language of the show they are watching. But the voice of a puppet seems to have a language of its own, one that speaks to all ages and all cultures. Next Monday begins the 6th International Puppet Festival of San Miguel--El Festival Internacional de Titeres. And if past festivals are any guide, it will be a pure joy from beginning to end. Nine different puppet companies will travel to San Miguel from Spain and Jalisco, from Mexico City, Michoacan, Morelos, Queretaro and San Luis Potosi. Their puppets will range from simple "sock puppets" pulled over expressive hands to figures made of sticks and string to the elaborate and completely engaging detailed marionettes of Armando Ramirez and El Teatro La Luciernaga. The puppeteers, or titiriteros, cover the whole range of the art of puppetry and even enlarge it with their cutting-edge experimentation. There will be nine performances, running from April 13th through the 19th, in the Jardin, in the auditorium at Bellas Artes and at the Teatro Angela Peralta. And best of all, every one of them will be given free of charge. If you are in San Mgiuel de Allende next week, don't miss this charming, wacky, moving range of performances and the joy of watching the audiences young and old enjoy them too. As the festival's website says, "You are invited to embark on a voyage through time, on board the ship called 'imagination.'" For a complete schedule of performances, click on the Festival's link below.