By Joaquín Sierra Rangel

One hundred years ago, in 1925, the Dawn lived a moment that marked San Miguel de Allende forever. What had begun months before in honor of the Immaculate Conception in the temple of the Nuns, was moved to the Parish of St. Michael the Archangel, patron saint of our city at the initiative of Father Refugio Solís.

The workers of the La Aurora Factory, along with their families, brought music, stars, and gunpowder that awakened the entire town. Soon, the neighborhoods of Valle del Maíz and La Estación joined in, adding strength to this celebration with their joy, firecrackers, and faith, which has since become a part of all San Miguel residents.

Since that early morning in 1925, the entire city has been dressed up for the celebration: rockets sound, music fills the streets, and stars illuminate the darkness to announce that San Miguel is celebrating.

Throughout this century, La Alborada suffered the passage of the Cristero War, social changes, and moments that jeopardized the realization of this celebration with the closure of the La Aurora factory.

Today, a century after that historic transfer, we remember with gratitude those who began this tradition and passed it on as a legacy of faith, identity, and joy.

Long live Saint Michael the Archangel!
Long live the Alborada!
Long live our traditions!