The Festival of Our Lord of the Conquest is an annual event which happens the first Friday each March, in remembrance of Christ's death. Hundreds of concheros - dancers - dressed in colorful, feathered Pre-Hispanic costumes - travel from various areas in the state of Guanajuato - Silao, Lagos de Moreno and Ciudad Guanajuato - to pay homage to Nuestro Senor de la Conquista, with a marathon of dancing in the Jardin - San Miguel de Allende's central square.In their dances, the concheros form crosses with their feet, which represent the four cardinal points. Dried seed pods adorn dancers' ankles and combine with the drumming to create a symphony of sound. That, along with the brightly colored costumes and synchronized dance, provide a feast for the senses.
This festival is a tribute to Nuestro Senor de la Conquista, who represents the acceptance of Christ by Mexico's indigenous people. Dancing is combined with religious ceremonies, starting Thursday night and continuing through Friday night.
The expatriots and tourists stand by, with gaping mouths and cameras clicking, while the dancers whirl, seeming to be unaware of the audience.
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