La Torre Gloriosa

On our first Sunday evening in San Miguel, we 'happened' upon one of my favorite events - a light show on the cathedral.  We were in the central plaza, El Jardin, when all the lights went out and the show began.  This one was amazing, lasting about 15 minutes and choreographed to music. It was difficult to make out all the imaging but afterwards, I found out more information.


2010 marked the 200th anniversary of Mexico's 'El Grito' (Cry for Independence) against the Spanish colonial government.  Cities in the state of Guanajuato (Dolores Hidalgo, San Miguel de Allende, Queretaro, and Guanajuato) are considered the birthplace of the independence movement.  

To celebrate the bicentennial, the French artist Xavier de Richemont created this light show, 'La Torre Gloriosa' (The Glorious Tower), to be displayed on San Miguel's gothic-designed parish church, La Parroquia. The images represent the heroes of the independence movement (San Miguel de Allende is named for one of them - Ignacio Allende), the area's mining history, and Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico's most popular religious image. The show continues through 2011. 

It's difficult to capture the event with only the single images below.  Here's also a link to a 30-second video that gives a brief idea:  

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8379908@N08/4900242056/

The passionate music, the bright colors, and the flow of movement all give me goosebumps!  The Mexican people are extremely proud of their heritage and their heroes.  When I see their historical struggles represented in this show,  it's impossible to not feel their emotion.