By Fernanda Noriega
As you may know, the name of our heritage city was once la villa de San Miguel el Grande. But on March 8, 1826 what was previously villa—town, was elevated to ciudad—city, and the name “el Grande” was changed to “de Allende.” This was done in honor of General Ignacio Allende, one of the leaders of the insurgents, native of San Miguel, who was most significant in the fight for Independence of Mexico. Currently, the name of this city is formed by the names of Fray Juan de San Miguel, founder of the town, and Ignacio Allende.
For this reason, in January San Miguel de Allende celebrates and honors the military revolutionary leader from New Spain, Ignacio de Allende y Unzaga. He was born in what was then known as San Miguel el Grande, on January 21, 1769. Music, festivities, bullfights and other activities will be part of the Cultural Week in honor of the Hero of Independence. The celebration will culminate with a parade and a civic act on January 21 that commemorates the anniversary of his birth and which. Like other years, a music band and war tanks will take off from the Civic Square at 10am.
