Curve-billed Thrasher on Nopal

As we approach the vernal equinox on March 20, I yearn to experience balance. Equal times of day and night, light and darkness. In such days of turmoil and incertitude, the concept — and experience, of the sheer predictability of the equinox offers a sense of solace.

Here, in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, the anticipation of spring actually began in February. It was palpable primarily about town but not in the campo quite yet. For a season-loving New Englander like myself, tuned into signs of change, I felt rewarded. Of course, there are no crocuses or trillium to announce this new beginning and the bougainvillea here barely slowed down in the winter. Still, other “indicators” than bulbs would come into play.

One announcement in town is the yearly extensive plant sale in a park that accompanies the Candelaria, or Candlemas Day. In Mexico, this celebration marked by a profusion of plants offered (or rather sold), is another example of the melding of the Spanish Catholic faith commemorating Christ entering the temple in Jerusalem with pre-Hispanic traditions.

One doesn’t have to go to a plant sale though. Other taunting reminders of this temporada or season also appeared in town along the cobblestoned streets. Here, one could come across guys adorning doors and windows with paper, fabric or plastic flower garlands and women creating delicate flower “tiaras” in the Jardin or plaza by the Parroquia church.

Best of all, while walking along a narrow street and looking upwards (not a good idea on these streets!) one might notice two small pots of flowers mounted on a bicycle enhanced by a wall painting. Adding to the composition is the pet dog with a red collar peering out from a balcony decorated with shiny, color-coordinated ribbons blowing in the breeze. How those flowers, set high above the street, could be watered seems like a bit of a challenge…

Heading out to the campo, in particular the impressive botanical garden, El Charco del Ingenio, one would soon come across native flowering trees such as the yellow “button blooming” Huisache, aka sweet acacia. Just ask my allergies… Still, I wish I could include here its intoxicating scent used for perfumes.

Just around the corner, I await the glorious burst of Jacaranda trees that dot the town’s landscape.

As last year’s photo and the last in this piece with a display of Jacaranda petals strewn on a windshield, reminds us: this too will pass…