The calendar of special events tied into the September 16 celebration of Mexico’s independence goes into full swing throughout the north shore area this weekend. Here’s a glance at the many options of things to do, see and cheer on with your friends and neighbors.
Saturday, September 7
Tractor races and farming equipment expo, Jocotepec Malecon, 10 a.m.
Dance party featuring Norteño Banda XO and Sonora Santa Cruz, Club Exotica at the Ajijic plaza 8 p.m., admission at the door 100 pesos per person.
Sunday, September 8
Jocotepec celebrates Dia del Charro with a horsemen’s parade through town, 1 p.m., followed by a baby bullfighting event at the Plaza de Toros, 4 p.m.
Globo de Cantoya (tissue paper hot air balloon) exhibition, Jocotepec Malecon, 2 p.m.
Santa Cruz de la Soledad festivities in honor of religious patroness Our Lady of Solitude, with procession starting from the parish church, 6 p.m.; typical village fair with food stalls and live entertainment, from 8 p.m.
Colorful Rebozo and Village Customs parade, Ajijic Plaza, 5 p.m. Dancing on the square with Banda Incomparable, from 7 p.m.
Monday, September 9
Zumba Parade, running from the Ajijic plaza to Seis Esquinas via Hidalgo, returning on Ocampo and Marcos Castellanos, ending with zumba dancing on the square, from 7 p.m.
Wednesday, September 11
Art exhibit opening, Sincretismo Magico retrospective collection by Jesus Lopez Vega, Chapala city hall lobby, 5 p.m.
Thursday, September 12
Conference on historical episodes of the Independence Movement in the lakeshore region, Casa de la Cultura Jocotepec, 7 p.m.
Friday, September 13
Commemoration of the Defense of Chapultepec Castle, Niños Heroes Monument opposite Chapala city hall, 9 a.m., and Jocotepec Plaza, same time.
Live music at the Jocotepec plaza, from 6 p.m.
Saturday, September 14
Ajijic Globo Regatta, balloon flying extravaganza at the soccer field next to the highway, entrance on Calle Revolucion at Guadalupe Victoria, from 3 p.m.
Puppet show, clowns and theatrical monologue, Casa de la Cultura Jocotepec, from 5 p.m., followed by amateur singing contest at the plaza, 8 p.m.
Coronation of Ajijic Fiestas Patrias Queen, at the plaza, 8:30 p.m.
Gala town dance, San Juan Cosala plaza, from 9 p.m.
Sunday, September 15
Traditional fishing tournament, Ajijic Malecon, 9 a.m.
Bicycle racing circuit, central Ajijic through La Floresta, 10 a.m.
Ajijic’s Dia del Charro celebration, Mass at San Andres, noon, followed by horseman’s parade and equestrian spectacle at the Liezno Charro, 2 p.m., admission 50 pesos, kids free. Chapala Grito festivities outside the Palacio Municipal, street fair from 5 p.m.; rebozo and typical Mexican costume contests, live music and folk dance, coronation of Fiestas Patrias Queen, from 7 p.m.; ceremony 10:45 p.m., followed by town dance with Sonora Caramelo.
Ajijic Grito festivities at the plaza, traditional games for kids, 5 p.m.; live entertainment throughout the evening; ceremony 11 p.m., followed by town dance with Banda Caramelo.
Jocotepec Grito festivities at the plaza from 6 p.m.; Noche Mexicana, reception of the Flame of Independence, Torch parade and Señorita Jocotepec coronation, from 8 p.m.; ceremony, 11 p.m.
Santa Cruz de la Soledad Grito festivities at the plaza, village fair, Fiestas Patrias Queen coronation and ceremony, from 9 p.m..
Monday, September 16
National holiday: government offices, schools and banks close for the day. Parades in downtown Chapala, Ajijic, Jocotepec and Santa Cruz, starting between 9 and 10 a.m., depending upon location.
Viva Mexico party and feast at the Lake Chapala Society, 2 p.m., Admission 150 pesos. Look in next week’s Reporter for full details on other Independence Day activities, as well as the patriotic festivities coming up September 21 and 22 in San Antonio Tlayacapan and San Juan Cosala.