The ‘La Traída del Señor de la Columna’, Atotonilco’s unmissable Easter tradition

Published March 1st, 2023

Can you imagine a tour through streets that make you feel as if you were in Juan Rulfo’s Comala in his Pedro Páramo? Perhaps this is the sensation you will have when you visit the town of Atotonilco, after attending the beautiful and impressive procession of the Lord of the Column, a tradition that dates back to 1823 when a plague struck San Miguel de Allende; stories say that upon his arrival, the plague ended.

During a 12-kilometer procession at night, armed with lanterns, bandanas, candles, blankets, and staff, the pilgrims carry the Lord of the Column, with the intention of bringing goodness and prosperity to the town of Atotonilco. The hustle and bustle grow and Christian devotion flows. The streets are adorned with Chinese paper lace, and their floors are swept, watered, and sprinkled with mastranto, heliotrope, ash, and fennel along with rose petals.

The sculpture of the Lord of the Column is life-size and was commissioned by Cayetano Vargas in gratitude for a miracle he had received. He was not satisfied with the first version of the work and then Father Remigio Gonzalez had the goodwill to build the second one which is the one that, which was full of realism, and is venerated since then in the Sanctuary of Atotonilco.

Thousands of people from different places participate in the pilgrimage and join the Sanmiguelenses who “go for the Lord”, with the intention of keeping this tradition alive.

What is the town of Atotonilco like?
Atotonilco is a small and colorful town located 30 kilometers from the Magic Town of Dolores Hidalgo and 14 kilometers from San Miguel de Allende. Magical and blessed location?

Arriving at Atotonilco you can appreciate a market installed in the vicinity of its main street. It is the only one where you can perceive activity and movement because the town is actually silent, in these days of tradition.

Among these streets is the majestic sanctuary of the eighteenth century, dedicated to Jesus of Nazareth. Construction dated in 1746, work of the Jesuit friar Luis Felipe Neri de Alfaro. It is said that this building was planned after the friar in question dreamed of Jesus carrying the cross.

What to do in the town of Atotonilco?

1. A visit to the Sanctuary is definitely a must when arriving at this small Mexican spiritual corner. Its architectural and artistic value is worthy of a unique experience.
2. You can take a walk through the center and soak up the tradition and culture of the town, buy handicrafts, and chat with the locals; you will surely leave with a pleasant experience.
3. Don’t forget to visit the spring located one kilometer from downtown. It has thermal waters that are said to have healing properties. You can also enjoy some of the spas in the surrounding area.
4. Enjoy the Holy Week celebration. When it’s all over, keep your eyes open; the time has come for the traditional “Traída”, a procession that dates back to the 19th century. It begins on Saturday at midnight. Here is the moment of the appearance of the Lord of the Column.