por Francisco Peyret
Photography by Lander Rodríguez
During the second half of the 20th century, San Miguel de Allende became a truly unique destination for Mexico. On one hand, it transformed into one of the most desirable places to relocate, particularly for Canadian and American expatriates. On the other, it gained fame as an ideal spot for young artists to spend extended periods studying at the Bellas Artes school and the Instituto Allende. In many ways, the vision of figures like Cossío del Pomar and Stirling Dickinson was realized.
San Miguel embodied an almost dreamlike blend—a small town with an artisanal soul and spectacular festive traditions, combined with a cosmopolitan atmosphere that drew thousands of tourists eager to discover one of Mexico’s colonial gems.
Entering the 21st century, San Miguel underwent significant changes that have profoundly impacted its current social and economic dynamics. Over the past 20 years, the population has grown by roughly 50%, while tourism surged from about 500,000 annual visitors to nearly 2 million. Gentrification, environmental concerns, public safety, and real estate speculation have become recurring—and worrying—issues for the community.
Today, we find ourselves in a moment of social uncertainty, transitioning from a quaint town to a small city. San Miguel must address its most pressing challenges, but one stands out above all: preserving social cohesion, culture, and quality of life—our special community built by sanmiguelenses, expats, and Mexicans from across the country.
That’s why, at Planeta San Miguel, we recognize that we can’t keep longing for the idyllic little town that once made us so happy—that San Miguel is gone. Nor do we seek to assign blame for today’s problems; ultimately, a society collectively shapes its own present. Instead, we aim to create a fresh, meaningful communication channel—a reference for locals and visitors alike, with cultural and artistic relevance—that connects us in the present and serves as a bridge to build community toward a hopeful, happy future.
Welcome, dear reader! Our contributors—a network of writers, philosophers, journalists, designers, and more—take pride in presenting this project. We sincerely hope it becomes both a resource for San Miguel and a window into its people, traditions, and potential.
