by John R. Hall / June 28th, 2016
As if by osmosis, Mexican-Spanish is creeping into my daily language. My city of temporary residence is San Miguel de Allende, proudly proclaimed by locals to be “Mexico’s Corazon”. This is Mexico’s heart for at least two reasons. It is as near the geographical center as you can possibly estimate in an odd-shaped country like this, and it was the beating heart of The Mexican War of Independence, finally ending the occupation by the Spanish Empire nearly two centuries ago.
This article was inspired by last night. A long, sleepless night in which this entire neighborhood partied, children laughed and danced in the streets, and then, of course, there were the obligatory fireworks. Mucho fireworks. Mexicans do love their celebrations, and apparently last night’s sleep disruptions marked the 205th anniversary of the conviction and execution of this city’s namesake and most famous resident, for the crime of treason against Spain. Ignacio Jose’ de Allende y Unzaga was born and raised just a few blocks from my casita. His home is now a public museum, across from the Jardin.
-Ignacio Allende statue in San Miguel de Allende
When Mexicans in these parts speak of the war which freed them from Spanish rule, two names come up: Ignacio Allende, the soldier and Miguel Hidalgo, the parish priest. Once called San Miguel el Grande, this town changed its name to San Miguel de Allende in honor of the…