By Natalie Taylor.
Dr. Eleazar Romero is an integral part of San Miguel de Allende—both by virtue of birth, and by virtue of his years of working for the community. He has played many roles in the city—from lawyer, to director of Cañada de la Virgen, to a short stint as director of Culture and Traditions, to finally second city chronicler of San Miguel.
His ties to San Miguel run far beyond the fact that he was born here. The maternal side of the family goes back to the 18th century, to a famous historical figure: Juan José Martínez, better known as El Pipila. A legendary, native Sanmiguelense who was most important during the fight for independence from Spain in 1810. Dr. Romero is a direct descendant by way of one of El Pipila’s daughters, Soledad, and because of this the Martínez name has now disappeared in their family.
He grew up in a large family of nine boys, with him the youngest. His next, older brother, a scholar and athlete, and his personal idol, died tragically as a teenager, leaving a profound and lasting wound.In high school, Romero became fascinated with apiculture, learning how to care and tend to bees, and his love and respect for them has remained to this day. He always wanted to go to UNAM, considered one of the best universities in Latin America, and did receive a law degree from that university.
One time, returning home during school break, he was amazed at seeing masses of people walking toward San Miguel. It was the procession of the Lord of the Column, the statue of Jesus being carried to San Miguel de Allende. That moment was pivotal in helping him realize how significant his home town was, and prompted his life-long study of its history. That passion has remained, and has been responsible for much of what he has accomplished.
For him, two important San Miguel heroes are Ignacio Allende and Ignacio Ramírez, El Nigromante. Two great men, with superior intellect, high morals, and historical significance. He has written much about both of them. The allure of history was responsible for one of his greatest contributions to San Miguel de Allende. In 1997 he was visiting the town of Matera, in southern Italy, where the movie “The Passion of Christ” (With Mel Gibson) was filmed. The ancient city lies in ruins; however, it is a World Heritage site and since that designation it has revived, with new residents coming to settle there. And what about San Miguel de Allende? Romero thought. Accordingly, he rerouted his return flight to Paris, went directly to the headquarters of UNESCO, and requested the criteria for a world heritage designation. Then he began his work. Eleven years later, he faced the commission in Mexico City, with five other cities contending for the prize. His powerful argument about our amazing architectural and cultural significance resulted in San Miguel de Allende receiving the UNESCO heritage site classification in 2008.
Dr. Romero exemplifies one of his own favorite sayings, paraphrasing the philosopher Bertold Brecht, who said that a man who toils for one day is valuable, one who toils for many years is more so, but those who fight their entire lives are indispensable. In keeping with his interest in history, Dr. Romero is now the second city chronicler. He can now continue to study, promote, and record the history of the city, and its impact on the rest of the history of Mexico. San Miguel de Allende is an amazing and has always been an example of a crossroads. Ever since pre-Hispanic times, through the present, it is a magnet for outsiders to settle and contribute to this most cosmopolitan place. San Miguel is the true cradle of Mexican Independence, the home of Ignacio Allende, the military and intellectual genius responsible for the birth of Mexico as a sovereign nation. Instead of Miguel Hidalgo, it is Ignacio Allende who deserves the highest esteem, and needs to be recognized as the true father of the nation.
Asked about how he would like to be remembered, Dr. Romero replied without hesitation: “A fighter for social justice, and a friend.” He has always fought for others, for the underdog, for the community, and for the recognition of San Miguel de Allende as an outstanding example of the preservation of architecture, culture, and traditions.
As he continues in his role as city chronicler, we are fortunate to have such a passionate and capable supporter of all that is good.
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