In the interest of preserving local folk history, Chapala’s Historical Archives recently sponsored a contest to compile a written collection of tales that have been passed down orally from generation to generation.
A total of 11 compositions selected from among more than 20 submissions will appear in a bound publication to be released next fall.
First place honors were awarded to Pedro Ramirez Hernandez for a piece entitled “Totolin,” relating the story of an indigenous bird hunter who became Chapala’s original founding father.Luis Alberto Muñoz Hernandez earned second place for “Los Enanitos del Cerro de las Antenas,” referring to mysterious elves inhabiting the hills above Ajijic.
Third place went to Ricardo Real Bermejo for “La Mujer del Rostro Mular” (The Mule-Faced Woman), a story about a drunk who becomes enamored with the Devil in female disguise.