RESORT-STYLE LIVING FOR CITIZENS OF THE GLOBE
CULTURE, TRAVEL
Tequila Tales: An Evocative Liaison in San Miguel de Allende
Words: Robbie Woodward
15 Oct 2023

Let the Tequila Tango begin; San Miguel is calling, and it's not taking 'no' for an answer.
In the heart of Mexico, where the sun kisses the cobbled streets and the air is thick with the scent of tacos and tequila, lies a town as vibrant as your grandma's quilt and as spicy as your last Tinder date. Welcome to San Miguel de Allende, where tradition and tequila collide in a riot of colour that will make your Instagram filters blush; every day is a tequila-soaked fiesta, and the only prospect of regret comes from not experiencing it sooner.
Forget about traffic lights and orderly queues. In San Miguel de Allende, every night promises a dance with the devil in a town that's as provocative as it is intoxicating; chaos is an art form, and the streets are its canvas. A parade of mariachi bands and street vendors hawking everything from embroidered sombreros to questionable potions that promise eternal love. It's a symphony of chaos, and you're invited to revel in the mayhem.
As you wander through the narrow alleys, you'll notice that the buildings here have personalities. Each facade tells a story; some might whisper sweet nothings if you listen closely enough. The architecture blends colonial elegance and Mexican exuberance, a lovechild of history and fiesta. The streets are alive.
If San Miguel de Allende were a box of crayons, it would be the deluxe edition with hues you didn't know existed. The buildings are not content with just being yellow or red; not lightly, they're deep ochre and powder bomb red. It's a surrealistic dream that Salvador Dalí would have traded his moustache for.

Head to the main square, El Jardín, and brace yourself for an explosion of colours that rivals a psychedelic trip. The cathedral looms large, its pink facade standing out like a flamenco dancer in a sea of black suits. Grab a seat on a bench, order an ice-cold cerveza from a street vendor, and let the kaleidoscope of colours sear into your retinas.
But the real vibrancy of this colonial town is in its point-blank refusal to be anything other than Mexican! For starters, it's a gastronomic playground where your taste buds will thank you for the adventure. The local cuisine is a fiesta on a plate, and the Sanmiguelense make you feel like you're a VIP guest.
Hit up the local markets for a dining experience that will make your taste buds do the cha-cha. Fresh produce, aromatic spices, and the occasional street performer juggling avocados—it's a sensory overload. Don't be shy, but brace yourself and carry some water, as the street food in San Miguel manifests a simple equation—the spicier, the better.

Naturally, it'd be wrong not to mention the tequila. This is Mexico, after all. But this isn't your watered-down, college-party tequila; this is the real deal. Sip it, shoot it, hell, bathe in it if you're feeling adventurous. In San Miguel, tequila is not just a drink; it's a religion. Probably not the best place for those embracing a life 'sin alcohol.' Tequila fuels most parties here, and San Miguel de Allende loves a good parade, and they most certainly don't discriminate. Whether it's a religious procession or a spontaneous celebration of someone's birthday, the streets are always ready for a fiesta. Floats adorned with marigolds, dancers twirling in traditional attire, and locals throwing confetti like there's no tomorrow. Any excuse, really.
The most famous parade, however, is La Calaca, the Day of the Dead procession. It's a macabre carnival of skeletons, where death is the guest of honour. The streets come alive with the flickering glow of candles, and the air is thick with the scent of marigolds. It's a celebration of life, death, and everything in between.

San Miguel de Allende is a haven for established and aspiring artists. Every nook and cranny seems to be adorned with a splash of creativity. Galleries line the streets, showcasing everything from traditional Mexican folk art to avant-garde installations that will make you question the meaning of life.
For a taste of the local talent, head to Fabrica La Aurora, a former textile factory turned art space. The walls here breathe with artistic expression, and you might find yourself face-to-face with a masterpiece that speaks to your soul. And who knows, maybe you'll leave with a piece of San Miguel to hang on your living room wall.
After a day of exploring the kaleidoscope that is San Miguel de Allende, it's time to unwind. And what better way to do that than soaking in the thermal waters of the nearby hot springs, or aguas termales, as the locals would have it? Picture yourself sipping on a margarita, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Mexican countryside. It's the perfect remedy for sore feet and overstimulated senses.
As night falls, the town transforms into a different kind of spectacle. The streets, now bathed in the warm glow of street lamps, come alive with the sultry sounds of jazz and the rhythmic beats of salsa. The bars are buzzing, and the mezcal flows like poetry. Find a rooftop terrace, order a nightcap, and let the charm of San Miguel de Allende seduce you under the starlit sky.

As you nurse the inevitable tequila-induced hangover the following day, take a moment to reflect on your whirlwind affair with San Miguel de Allende. It's a town that doesn't just welcome you; it wraps you in a technicolour embrace and leaves you breathless.
Tradition and tequila dance a tango that's both chaotic and elegant. It's a town where every corner tells a story, every meal is a fiesta, and every night is a celebration of life. So, pack your sombrero and leave your inhibitions at the border—San Miguel de Allende is waiting to steal your heart, one tequila shot at a time.
Salud! to the town where the streets are paved with colour, and every day is a carnival for the senses.