This evening, as we walked to an opening reception at Bellas Artes, another procession was starting up in the centro. As the countdown continues toward the city’s biggest celebration, the feast day of San Miguel, a seemingly endless assortment of small churches parade their statues of the archangel through the streets.

We have found San Miguel to be a study in contrasts. Everything happens at its own pace. People enjoy life simply, but fully.  Sometimes it’s hard to tell which century you happen to be witnessing. Yet, three blocks (and 300 years) from this little procession, the opening reception we attended at Bellas Artes unveiled cutting-edge contemporary design within the walls of a colonial convent. It was a dramatic and beautiful collision of time and place.

Jewelry designers from throughout Mexico and beyond came to San Miguel this weekend for a competition and fashion show featuring their new works. The jewelry — fine silver, precious gemstones, innovative and detailed craftsmanship — was displayed in glass cases placed throughout the courtyard. We spoke with some of the young designers. Then we watched the fashion show, carried out to the beat of Mexican techno music. Cool!

Heidi’s friend, Lisa Simms, won the competition with a lavish piece from her Wearable Sculpture collection. Lisa’s studio is here in San Miguel.

Here’s a shot from the fast-moving fashion show.