Dia de los Locos San Miguel de Allende
If you’ve never experienced Día de los Locos in San Miguel de Allende, prepare yourself—it’s not just a festival, it’s a full-blown sensory explosion of color, chaos, costumes and candy. Held every year on the first Sunday after June 13, this is one of the most beloved and high-energy traditions in the city.
Known as the Desfile de los Locos, the parade is a playful and wildly creative celebration of San Miguel’s communal spirit. Thousands of participants—dressed in everything from skeletons and devils to celebrities and cartoon characters—take over the streets, dancing to thumping music and showering the crowd with sweets. It’s joyful, unpredictable and unforgettable.
Why We Love It
We’re originally from Austin, Texas, where the motto is Keep Austin Weird—a celebration of creativity, individuality and not taking life too seriously. In other words, Día de los Locos is right up our alley. The whole town leans into the madness, and we’ve made it a tradition to host a brunch bash before the parade kicks off.
Because in our opinion, the best way to experience the Locos is with a plate of pancakes in one hand and a mug of Café de Olla in the other.
Throwing the Ultimate Día de los Locos Brunch
Hosting a pre-parade brunch is the perfect way to gather friends, fuel up and get into the spirit before the spectacle begins. Here’s how to do it right.
Pick the Right Location
If you can host along or near the parade route—do it. Your guests will thank you. Just remember: many streets close early and parking is nearly impossible, so guests should walk in.
Serve Early and Keep It Casual
Start serving brunch by 9:00 a.m. The parade kicks off at 10:00 a.m., and people will want time to eat, chat and scope out a good viewing spot. Guests will drift in and out throughout the event, so grazing-style food works best.
What to Serve
Here’s a tried-and-true brunch menu that hits all the right notes:
Pancake buffet with toppings like cajeta, berries, chocolate chips and whipped cream
Mini tamales or chilaquiles
Fruit skewers with lime and Tajín
Café de Olla (recipe below)
Mimosas or aguas frescas
Café de Olla: The Soul of Your Brunch Table
No Día de los Locos brunch is complete without a big, fragrant pot of Café de Olla—a warm, spiced, slightly sweet coffee steeped with cinnamon and piloncillo.
Traditional Café de Olla Recipe
Ingredients:
8 cups water
3–4 oz piloncillo (or ½ cup dark brown sugar)
1–2 cinnamon sticks
2–3 whole cloves (optional)
2 star anise (optional)
Zest of 1 orange (optional)
½ tsp nutmeg or allspice (optional)
½ cup coarsely ground dark roast coffee
Instructions:
In a large pot, combine water, piloncillo, cinnamon and any optional spices or orange zest.
Bring to a gentle boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
Add ground coffee, stir and reduce heat.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes, then turn off heat.
Let steep for a few minutes, then strain through a mesh sieve.
Serve hot and let the cinnamon-laced aroma do the rest.
If you have children in San Miguel de Allende, you already know how beautifully international this town is. Kids here come from all over the world—British, Scandinavian, South African, American, Mexican, and more. Holidays in San Miguel are like putting a tradition into a cultural blender—you never quite know what will come out, and that’s exactly what makes it so fun.
Halloween has really found its footing in San Miguel over the past few years. What started as a niche celebration has blossomed into an eclectic mash-up of traditions: think costume contests, pumpkin carving, Trick or Treating, and even the occasional piñata—all blended with the spirit and style of Día de los Muertos.
A few years ago, I was asked by parents in my daughter’s class to host a Halloween party. At the time, I had mostly set Halloween aside in favor of Día de los Muertos, which I had fallen in love with. But when your child is the only American in class and everyone’s asking for a Halloween experience… well, how could I say no?
We rallied our amazing neighbors—a mix of Mexican and American families—and put together a Halloween block party to remember. Here’s how you can do it too!
Know the Parade Route
The parade follows a lively path through the heart of town. If you’re meeting up with friends or scouting a good viewing spot, here’s the general route.
Start
Iglesia de San Antonio (Salida a Celaya)
Then winds through
Ancha de San Antonio → Zacateros → Canal → Hernández Macías
Ends at
Jardín Principal
Tip: Rooftops along Zacateros and Canal offer great views and a chance to toss candy down to the crowd.
Don’t Forget the Essentials
Umbrellas for sun or sudden rain—also helpful for catching or deflecting candy
Water bottles and sunscreen
Candy bags for kids
Step stools or boxes to help little ones see over the crowd
Comfortable shoes—you’ll be standing or walking for a while
Final Thoughts
Día de los Locos is a celebration of community, creativity and letting your silly side shine. Whether you’re dancing in the streets, tossing candy from a rooftop or sipping café de olla with friends, this is one of those magical San Miguel days that reminds you why you’re here.
So bring the color, bring the music, bring the pancakes—and let the locura begin.
