This weekend has been a massive celebration of our community’s namesake, San Miguel, the archangel who drove the devil from heaven. We call it the battle of Good versus Evil.

There was a massive fireworks battle in the Jardin, with rockets shooting over the treetops — the forces of good on the Parroquia side and evil on the side that houses government offices. OK, the optics aren’t all that great for local government, but they must have signed off.

Fortunately, it was all symbolic.

People generally get along well here with those of different persuasions.

Scores of horse riders filled the Jardin courtyard the day after the battle for a special Mass by the Catholic Church.

And today, it was time for a massive parade of many different indigenous peoples, dressed in traditional costumes, historic costumes, ceremonial costumes, and some, well, check out the pictures. I lack the vocabulary to explain it all.

Joyous? You bet. When a whole day is set aside to dance, how can you not feel giddy?

Mojigangas lead the parade:

I don’t recall a parade in the past six years that I have lived here that was this joyful, this colorful, and this engaging. Perhaps an absence of two weeks from Mexico has made my heart grow fonder.

I was struck by how many families dress up, parade, and dance together. Men were holding babies. Mothers held infants. Couples walked with their children and the grandparents. It was the same with spectators on both sides of the Ancha de San Antonio, families as far as you could see.

Purple whirls and twirls:

I hope these photos reflect some of that joy. Remember to click on any photo to see a larger version. And feel free to share with your own friends and families, especially if they are forever asking you, “Why Mexico?”

This is your answer.

Portraits of paraders:

Delicate balance:

Arcangel Saint Michael:

For the love of a parade:

Last but definitely not least: