As Eye See It: Easter In San Miguel: A Time Of Reflection

By Bill Wilson

“Más sabe el diablo por viejo que por diablo” (A Mexican dicho about being older and respecting elders) 

It was a hot Spring Sunday, my first Easter in our new home more than 20 years ago. And it happened to be the first anniversary of my Mother’s death on Holy Saturday. As a Quaker, I often said if you live in México you kinda become Catholic. Catholic traditions and indigenous beliefs collide here. It’s part of the rhythm and melody of México.

I decided that being Easter I should go to church. Being hale and healthy back then I hiked up the Ancha to the iconic Jardín in San Miguel de Allende. The striking Parroquia was decked out, the church packed, and the jardin was absolutely magical. I managed to grab a seat in the back of the church. I knew a lot of the liturgy of the Mass so I was somewhat comfortable. An elderly gentleman next to me tapped my shoulder and handed me a printed sheet with the service in Spanish.

Here I was alone and somewhat maudlin worshiping in another language.

(I came down that Spring to set up our home before our epic move from Philadelphia to San Miguel de Allende— a 2,500-mile trip with two cars, two dogs and a trailer.) Selfishly, I was wrapped up with details of the move, the memory of my parents and leaving our family behind, and this old gentleman showed me the kindness and Christian love that exemplifies the Church.

My religious background is somewhat convoluted, a mixture of Jewish, Lutheran, and Catholic faiths. As I grew older, I became a Seeker and eventually sought “The Light” which is part of Quakerism. During the service, I was filled with the magic of México, the grandeur of the Parroquia and the power of the Catholic Mass. After the service, I returned the paper to the old man, thanked him and as we shook hands he asked me in Spanish if I were Catholic. I told him that I was a Quaker and explained that “The Light” we sought was in fact Christ.

He smiled and we left the church. I sat for a moment on a Jardín park bench and reflected. The day before I had witnessed my first exploding Judases. What a tradition, I thought. Indeed, I was a stranger in a strange land, but I learned quickly that kind souls were everywhere. Especially in the Church and the Jardin. The bells of the churches were ringing out. Vendors were hawking. Mariachis seemed everywhere. Add some barking dogs and fireworks and you have what I call “The Music of México.”  This music is everywhere especially in my heart. All thanks to a kind old man who taught me to listen with my heart.

BITS AND PIECES

Sandra Cisneros Gains Honor

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has announced the 2025 recipients of the Order of Lincoln, the state’s highest honor for professional achievement and public service. Sandra Cisneros is one of the six recipients join more than 350 distinguished Illinois residents who have joined the Order of Lincoln over the last five decades. Cisneros, poet, short story writer, novelist, and essayist whose work explores the lives of the working-class. She lives here in San Miguel de Allende and the US.

Day of The Dead’s La Catrina Was Created as a Satire

Another interesting fact about México is the history of the celebrations for The Day of The Dead. It was actually originally designed by José Guadalupe Posada as a satire referencing the high-society European obsessions of Porfirio Díaz.

The Flag is Full of Symbolism

The Mexican flag has three vertical stripes that have had different meanings throughout history. Some say that green represents hope, white represents unity and red represents the blood shed by national heroes. The flag symbolizes the legend of the eagle and the cactus of the Mexica Empire, which tells how Tenochtitlan, present-day México City, was founded. The fable relates the path that the citizens of Aztlán had to walk until they found the eagle (the reincarnation of the god Huitzilopochtli) devouring a snake perched on a cactus.

Tip of the Hat

Kudos to the men and women who sweep the highways and the jardin and other public spaces. They keep our town looking perfect.

A mil gracias to the tránsitos (our traffic cops) that have a tough and often thankless job keeping traffic moving. Handling traffic in centro especially of weekends and holidays often seems impossible.

Hasta el próximo mes!

Bill Wilson, 20-year San Miguel resident has a journalism career spanning 50 years covering everything the United Nations to Cub Scout news. He’s also a weather buff and first responder.