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by Joseph Harmes. Reprinted with permission. www.thebestofsanmigueldeallende.com Friday, May 5: Cinco de Mayo. A small group of Mexican soldiers routed a French battalion twice its size near the city of Puebla in 1862. The army of Napoleon III, at the services of Maximilian, Archduke of Austria, returned on May 16 and defeated the Mexican forces. On April 15, 1867, the forces of President Benito Juárez (led by Gen. Porfirio Díaz) vanquished the French in Puebla. The day is marked locally at a block party on Cinco de Mayo street with bands, food and children's' activities. Saturday, May 6: Día de la Ascensión del Señor (Ascension Day). Churches throughout the city mark the fortieth day after Easter Sunday, one of the most solemn of the Ecumenical feasts (after the Passion, Easter and the Pentecost). The day extols Christ's entry into heaven and the glorification of human nature. Monday, May 8: The birthday of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, the cleric and teacher who issued the Grito de Dolores. Considered the high point in Mexican history. Tuesday, May 10: Día de las Madres (Mother's Day). The date of Mother's Day is fixed (as opposed to the United States) and constitutes an unofficial holiday. Government offices are at a stand-still and many shops begin closing even before lunch. Observances start the night of May 9 when special Masses are said to honor deceased mothers, and their children visit their graves. Serenades (Las Mañanitas sung at almost every one) herald the dawn, followed by special programs at schools. Reservations are needed for many restaurants that afternoon when families toast mom at a traditional comida. Flowers vanish early and telephone lines are jammed throughout the day. Monday, May 15: Día de San Isidro Labrador (St. Isador Day): An important day in rural areas in honor of the patron saint of rain, agriculture, herds and flocks. Farmers bring their animals-many decorated with flowers, ribbons, necklaces of oranges and paper garlands-to the local parish, where priests bless them. Horses are raced in headlong dashes down a straight track at many farms and ranches, notably the San Isidro Ranch outside of San Miguel de Allende. Monday, May 15: Día del Maestro (Teacher's Day). Cards, gifts and parties in all schools. |