San Miguel Arcángel

Feast of San Miguel Arcángel (St. Michael the Archangel) with the traditional celebration.

This event is held every year on 29 September, the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, shared since 1969 with the archangels Gabriel and Raphael.

What happens. A novena of masses in the nine preceding days, the principal mass on the day, and a procession with the image of the archangel through the streets. Outside the church, a fair with food stalls, rides, bands, dance groups and fireworks, often running for several days around the date.

Why Saint Michael is so widespread here. Michael was one of the figures the mendicant orders used most in the sixteenth century, and dozens of Mexican pueblos took him as patron. In Mexico City alone several original pueblos — in Tlalpan, Azcapotzalco, Xochimilco and the southern sierra — hold their own feast on the same day, each with its own programme.

Going. These are community occasions organised and paid for by the mayordomía, not ticketed events: entry is free and the pueblo is the host. Confirm the programme with the parish a few days ahead, bring cash, and ask before photographing people or the image.