Tonight’s pilgrimage to the Parroquia de San Antonio de Padua was the last before Sunday’s massive Confite de Locos parade.

It was probably the most poignant.

Tonight, pilgrims walked to the church on their knees. There were nearly a dozen. And it gets me every year.

Mostly middle-aged men and women, some are older. Some are held up by their arms by one or two family members. Some have family running towels, cardboard, or even a yoga mat to drop down in front of their knees. Some make the slow and painful journey quite alone.

What motivates these people to make this insanely painful journey — guilt? Gratitude? Fulfillment of a promise? Devotion? A sacred vow? A still-unfulfilled petition?

As the pilgrims make their painful way up the flagstone street, they are passed by various contingents of crazies, indigenous dancers, twirling stars, mojigangas. These people will do it all again tomorrow, starting around 10 a.m., but in the company of thousands more locos.

For now, there is food, live music, and fireworks waiting at the church.

Tomorrow, there will be more of everything.

On the streets of San Miguel de Allende.

Click on any photo to expand:

And the finale ….

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