Happiest parade in San Miguel de Allende

You’re carrying a big and colorful star on a stick that you can wave and twirl to cheering crowds while surrounded by insanely peppy music and joyfully crafted mojigangas.

How can you NOT smile and laugh as you bounce up and down on the streets of San Miguel?

This is the Reseña de La Alborada de Estrellas — a preview to an even bigger and happier parade coming next weekend, at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30.

The parade is in honor of the namesake of the city, the Archangel San Miguel.

This is truly a family affair. Generations of families have been crafting the big “estrellas” and march to represent their colonias and even nearby cities. There are also mojigangas, the giant puppets that rest on the shoulders of energetic young men and women, and do their own giddy dance and twirls up the avenues.

Friday’s preview drew crowds five and six people thick along the streets bordering the Plaza Principal. Children on the shoulders of parents laughed and cheered at the puppets and colorful stars. Their eyes were wide with awe and joy as they clapped along with their parents below.

As a new and dear friend likes to say, “It is to wonder.”