While I visited San Miguel in the week leading up to Dia de Los Muertos, this book is not meant to be a comprehensive study of that particular celebration. It is, instead, an introduction to the lively, vibrant city of San Miguel de Allende. The city and nearby Sanctuary of Atotonilco were declared World Heritage Sites in 2008. Sixty-four blocks of the historic center, and the Sanctuary, were chosen for their well-preserved Baroque colonial architecture and layout. With no parking meters, traffic signals or fast-food restaurants, the historic center of San Miguel remains much as it was 250 years ago. With its estimated two thousand doors (behind which lie private courtyards), cobblestone streets, bougainvillea vines, and a mixed population of many nationalities, the city charms all who are drawn to wander. It is this charm, and the people of the city, that I sought to capture with my photographs. The celebrations surrounding Dia de Los Muertos were the icing on the cake.