San Miguel de Allende, Gto., Mexico                                                   www.smalions.org 

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San Miguel is a beautiful place to visit, one of Mexico’s historic towns located high in the center of the country; with an almost ideal climate; excellent restaurants, shopping, and cultural events; much to see and do.  Yet, in spite of the wealth spurred by tourism and the retirement community, there are very significant needs here.  Although the town is obviously Spanish-speaking, there is a sizeable English speaking community, and most people speak at least some of both languages, which makes San Miguel an easy town to visit.   San Miguel is located close to two international airports.

Founded in 1542 by Fray Juan de San Miguel, a Franciscan monk, San Miguel de Allende is one of the most charming towns in Mexico with its cobblestone streets and beautiful Spanish colonial structures, many of which have been restored to their former splendor. Throughout the year, there are generally clear cool nights and warm days.   San Miguel was declared a National Monument in 1926, and architectural controls remain tight.  For a town of some 85,000, there are practically no neon signs, certainly no McDonalds, no steel and glass eyesores, and no traffic lights, and no real industry except tourism. San Miguel retains all of its old Mexican charm.  Many travelers come to visit and just never seem to make it home.

San Miguel de Allende is a mecca for the arts, with art institutes, numerous galleries and many artists-in-residence. Attracted by this atmosphere, the sizable foreign community lends a cosmopolitan flavor to its activities.  Many international magazines have ranked San Miguel as one of the best cities for ambiance and one of the ten best places in the world to retire.

Built on a hillside, the town is compact and invites walking. Suitable walking shoes are an absolute requisite, as well as care to avoid a twisted ankle on the picturesque cobblestones. In the center of town, cement and stone buildings along narrow treeless sidewalks, sometimes gives the streets a sterile appearance in spite of colorfully decorated facades. But behind the walls, there is totally different world. One has but to step through a heavy door in the facade to enter an enclosed sunny courtyard softened by flowers and trees, the sides shaded with colonnaded porches, often with a pretty fountain in the center. Doors of restaurants and shops indeed are often left open to invite pedestrians into the cool green courtyards.  In front of the main church, there is a large tree-filled park (the Jardin), where you can stop, sit and relax, listen to the occasional musicians or just watch the constant activities that are a part of San Miguel.

Yet in spite of all the charm and the wealth that exists in San Miguel, there is another side which is not obvious to the casual visitor.   Among segments of the Mexican population, there exists extreme poverty, educational, environmental and healthcare needs.   The need for eyeglasses is great as are various eye surgeries.   Like the US economy, the Mexican economy has suffered with free trade, with many industries having moved to Asia.  

The community has a number of organizations which are working to improve conditions, such as Feed the Hungry, our Lions Club, and two Rotary Clubs.  We invite you to visit us on your next trip to San Miguel and to support any of these organizations. 

Many thanks to the Midday Rotary Club of San Miguel for the information for this page

Last modified: 08/16/07