All of San Miguel de Allende knew something was up today, if only because the cohetes exploded us out of our slumber at 5 a.m. and hardly stopped for the next two hours.

That’s way more spiritual pyrotechnics than a minor saint receives, most mornings.

This morning heralded the Festival of Saint Michael the Archangel and the patron saint of San Miguel de Allende. Granted, the festival is not until the weekend of October 3-5, but we are not above having parades to announce future festivals.

Indeed, today’s procession through the community is called La Reseña de la Fiesta Patronal, and it is both an announcement to the community and an invitation to participate in the celebration.

Here are some images from today’s parade, which started around 11 a.m. in Las Cuevitas barrio before rumbling up Canal into the Central plaza, past the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, before looping back to the start.

I missed the start of the celebrations because Arsenal was beating Manchester United, in the Old Trafford no less, and I really thought this would be the year ManU got its act back together. So, no pictures of donkeys or steers or other traditional barnyard participants.

What the heck, come back October 3-5 and get the real deal. Mexico awaits you.

Click on any photo to enlarge it and click on “Like” below, if the spirit moves you. It doesn’t make me any richer, but I get the warm fuzzies when you like what I do.