What a pleasure it is to meet San Miguel residents like Mr. Patricio Espinoza who makes a great effort to keep the spirit of our Mexican traditions more alive than ever.

Not only does it help the Los Locos parade take place, but in the month of September, it is a fundamental part of our tradition of “The Arrival of the Insurgents” same as that which is included in a recreation that our National Heroes once performed to initiate the Independence of Mexico. 

In the reinterpretation, figures such as La Corregidora, Miguel Hidalgo, Aldama and Ignacio Allende are represented by locals in costume and they are joined by the people who together take a symbolic tour through the streets of San Miguel. 

The requirements for people to participate in the parade are to wear peasant clothing and not have flashy decorations such as colored ribbons. People must not wear makeup or wigs or anything too flashy and they are asked to carry an old tool recreating a weapon. As for footwear, tennis shoes or other shoes that are not huaraches or bare feet are prohibited. 

For the riders, their riding skills are evident and those attending are asked to remain calm so as not to excite the nerves of the horses that are not used to such a crowd of people, as it is a tradition that grows year after year and increases in attendance thanks to the media and international tourism. 

For Patricio, it is an honor and pride to be able to follow a route similar to that of our heroes of yesteryear. The tour begins on Avenida Independencia, then moves on to Calle Hernández Macías and Calle de La Canal, and finally ends in the center, where a ceremony is held to take San Miguel el Grande. 

There, the spectators die of joy and euphoria as they shout out at the top of their lungs cries such as “Long Live Mexico” and “Death to Bad Government.” The patriotic fervor is such that even the youngest children run to hug their national heroes with emotion. 

For all those who would like to be part of the parade, don't forget to arrive on Saturday, September 16 with your costumes at Calzada de la Aurora number 8 and for the intrepid riders, their steeds await you on Calle Hidalgo with Marisol Vidargas.

Don Patricio will be there to ensure that the national legacy continues to be fulfilled and that the joy of being Mexican is present in each and every San Miguel resident.