In short: the Desfile (or Convite) de los Locos is a costumed street parade held in June, linked to the feast of San Antonio de Padua (June 13). Thousands of people in costumes and masks dance through the streets throwing candy, and the city has reported crowds of more than 160,000 people.
When it happens
Sources place it on the Sunday after June 13, or the first weekend after the feast of San Antonio de Padua, so the exact date changes every year. Check the municipal announcements each spring.
What you will see
Groups of “locos” parade in homemade costumes: superheroes, wrestlers, devils, skeletons, clowns, giant mojigangas and parodies of current events. Participants throw candy to the crowd; México Desconocido notes the local custom of carrying an umbrella upside down to catch it. After the parade, according to UnoTV, the locos return to the San Antonio de Padua parish and keep dancing in the afternoon.
How big it is
For 2024, Posta reported that the city government counted more than 160,000 attendees and more than 7,000 direct participants, up from about 5,000 the year before. UnoTV described the parade as more than 40 years old in 2022, while other sources trace related celebrations back to colonial times.
What it means if you live here
- Colonia San Antonio and nearby streets are at the heart of the celebration: expect music, crowds and closed streets that day. Many residents love it; if you prefer quiet, plan accordingly.
- Traffic: in 2022 the city deployed more than 100 traffic officers and barriers for alternate routes (UnoTV). Avoid scheduling moves, deliveries or showings that day.
- Heat: in 2024 there were about 50 pre-hospital attentions, mostly for heat and dehydration (Posta). Bring water, a hat and sunscreen.
Thinking about San Antonio? Read our San Antonio neighborhood guide.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Desfile de los Locos?
In June, usually the Sunday after the feast of San Antonio de Padua (June 13). The exact date changes each year.
Is it family-friendly?
Sources describe it as a family event. Expect large crowds, heat and loud music.
Can visitors take part?
UnoTV reports that residents and visitors can join; ask a group before joining a costume troupe.
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Sources
- Live in San Miguel, “Join the madness: San Miguel’s Locos parade”
- México Desconocido, “La fiesta de los Locos en San Miguel de Allende”
- Posta, “Convite de Locos 2024 reúne más de 160 mil asistentes” (16 Jun 2024)
- UnoTV, “Cumple 40 años el festival de los locos” (20 Jun 2022)
Dates change every year; confirm with official announcements. Sources consulted on 11 Nov 2026.