It’s still officially winter in the central mountains of Mexico, and in recent weeks the weather has been especially overcast and cold. But this past Tuesday was like a welcome summer’s day – with clear, sunny skies, near-80-degrees (F.) temps, and just a hint of an autumnal breeze. And the fact that I spent the afternoon at the Candelaria fair, an annual rite of spring here in San Miguel de Allende for the past sixty-four years, made it a day for all four seasons rolled into one for me.
In previous years the Candelaria plant-and-flower fair has been held in Parque Juarez, a charming, lush, early-20th century French-style city park just a five-minute walk from my apartment. But this year, because Parque Juarez is in the process of being torn apart and restored to its original splendor, the Candelaria, which began on January 30th and lasts until February 16th, is being held at the newly inaugurated Zeferino Gutierrez Park.
This new park is a forty-five-minute hike from my home, but on Tuesday it was well worth the trek there and back. I drank in the beauty of the fair’s thousands of flowers, thrilled to the throngs of happy Mexican children playing on the vast park’s lawns, almost danced to the music coming from seemingly everywhere. And I learned things, too:
Zeferino Gutierrez Park was named in honor of the indigenous bricklayer and self-taught architect who was responsible for the current Gothic façade of San Miguel’s iconic Parroquia church. According to Wikipedia, “It is said Gutierrez’s inspiration came from postcards and lithographs of Gothic churches in Europe; however, the interpretation is his own and more a work of imagination than a faithful reconstruction.”
Here are some of my many photos taken Tuesday at the Candelaria fair in Zeferino Gutierrez Park, to help you believe that spring is really on its way, wherever you may be:
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Sweet!
When will the park renovations finish? Time to plan a visit….
Thanks, dear Carol. Yes, you must plan a visit soon! The Parque Juarez renovations are nearing completion. I go for my daily walks there and admire the workmen’s impressive progress.
Hi Bonnie, I missed it this year so I especially enjoyed this reminder of a lovely holiday. xxoo
It’s still going on, Kim! It ends on Sunday, so if your schedule permits, you can see it all first-hand this weekend. — xx
I’m almost relieved I wasn’t there yet to see it, Bonnie. It would be so wrenching to take in all those wonderful plants without taking any home! I loved the little boy standing on the sidewalk looking at the flowers. ❤️
Oh, yes, I fell in love with that little boy, too, Be! I’m glad I caught him before he ran off. It’s overcast and cold here this morning — not yet spring, alas.
Eye candy indeed for all us gardeners. We just had a meeting yesterday here in snowy Taos to continue plans for our new educational botanical garden next to Taos Public Library. It is looking good already, and will install finishing touches on it this season.
Cheers!
Oh, how you would LOVE this Candelaria Fair here, fellow-gardener Theresa!
How beautiful! El dia de la Candelaria. In Cuba, people cut their hair on that day…not sure why 🙂
You’ll just have to investigate the “why,” Te, and include a scene of it in one of your forthcoming books! 🙂
Loved your blog AND. The park
Thank you, dear Pat! Yes, the new park is certainly impressive!