The rites and celebrations begin two Sundays before Easter. In SMA, the image of Our Lord of the Column is carried through the night from the Sanctuary of Atotonilco (a nearby village) to San Juan de Dios church in San Miguel. The dramatic march involves thousands of people who walk for several hours, pausing frequently for prayers, songs, and rituals. The marchers are then greeted by townsfolk with fireworks, bells and rejoicing as they enter San Miguel at dawn.