We celebrate the Holy Cross non-stop in the San Rafael neighborhood. Next stop: Valle del Maíz 🌽
by Fer + Pablo
Amidst the burning of bulls, popular music and stars, the celebration of the symbol considered the most important in the Catholic religion comes to an end.
According to history, Empress Helena, Constantine's mother, was the one who, on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem (around 326 AD), searched for the cross on which Christ had died. She is said to have found three crosses on the Mount of Golgotha. To find out which one They were the ones of Jesus, Elena decided to touch a sick woman with the three crosses, and when she was touched by the third one she stood up, miraculously cured; in this way they realized that they had found the Holy Cross.
In Mexico, the celebration of the Holy Cross begins on April 27 and ends on May 4, coinciding with the beginning of the rainy season. This festivity acquired many meanings, as it is also related to the harvest, the fertility of the land and the life of the community.
As an important fact, in Mexico the Cross became the patron saint of bricklayers; in some places it is customary to place a Cross on the top of buildings or houses under construction. This custom dates back to the time of Fray Pedro de Gante, founder of the first school in Mexico.
In San Miguel de Allende, all neighborhoods and colonies have a chapel of the Holy Cross. In the specific case of the San Rafael colony, this celebration is of utmost importance, as well as being one of the most deeply rooted. Lasting a weekend, it begins with a novena of masses, the Cross is blessed and decorated with natural flowers.
The next day, when daylight begins to appear on the horizon, there is a dawn celebration followed by a special mass. The community of neighbours volunteer to hold a short street procession. During the day there are performances of crazy people, chinelo dances, foot races and mummery performances; lunchtime is accompanied by a refreshing drink; and at night, we can find the burning of bulls, accompanied by popular music groups.
Dare to experience the customs and traditions of San Miguel like a true local!
