Population boom around San Miguel — especially spooky couples — means Dia de Los Muertos is nearly here

^{This wedding couple, or someone very much like them, shows up on the El Cardo roundabout every year at this time. Always of comfort to see.}

You meet the strangest characters on the streets of San Miguel de Allende at this time of year.

Bigger than life, a bit on the emaciated side, and not that responsive to a cheery hello. Their appearance marks the run-up to Dia de los Muertos — Day of the Dead — although I’m seeing that more and more in the plural, Days of the Dead, as just one day no longer seems enough.

Bars, hotels, and boutiques seem to especially revere the dead as they decorate and plan events for days leading up to the traditional Nov. 1 celebration. Door frames get beautiful floral treatments, too.

Yes, this is a great time to be in San Miguel de Allende — as opposed to last year when it was a horrible time.

^{Hmmm …. a matchmaker for the loving couple in the background? A jilted lover set on revenge? There is a story here! Only last week, the bride (above photo) was the only figure on the roundabout. This week, the groom and dog and the lady above appeared here. What’s the story?}

I have not gone out of my way to photograph decorations but sometimes the camera just demands that you capture all that cleverness and beauty. So, here’s a sampling of what’s in doorways — and surrounding doorframes in San Miguel.

Tomorrow (Nov. 1) it will be the turn of real people, dressed as Catrinas and Catrinos and heaven knows what else.