Chapala’s Carnaval celebration blasts into action Friday, February 17 as crowds of revelers join in the traditional opening night dance parade along Avenida Madero to the new fairgrounds at the east end of Paseo Ramon Corona, starting around 7 p.m. Festivities continue there with the Entierro del Mal Humor, a symbolic burial of somber vibes, introduction of El Rey Feo, the Mardi Gras monarch, voting and coronation of the Carnaval Queen and a free concert by Banda El Pueblito.
The local blow-out preceding Lent runs unabated through February 28, with a full calendar of special events based at Carnaval headquarters, free with the price of general admission (35 pesos for adults, 25 pesos for children) unless otherwise indicated.
Saturday, February 18: Rap Fest, 4 p.m., extra entry fee.
Sunday, February 19: Los Angeles Azules concert, 4 p.m.
Monday, February 20: Comedy Night with Toño Banderín, 9 p.m.
Tuesday, February 21: Mi Banda El Mexicano concert, 5 p.m., extra entry fee.
Wednesday, February 22: Tecate Fest and mixed martial arts cage fights, 6 p.m.
Thursday; February 23: Joe Parra Electro Fest, 9 p.m.
Friday, February 24: Claudio Alcaráz y Su Banda La Mundial, 9 p.m.
Saturday, February 25: Chuy Lizárraga concert, 9 p.m., extra entry fee.
Sunday, February 26: Tribute to Mike Laure, 4 p.m.
Monday, February 27: Lucha Libre AAA wrestling matches, 8 p.m.
Tuesday, February 28: Closing Night Dance, featuring Grupo Máxio Grado, Banda La Interactiva, and Remmy Valenzuela, 9 p.m. ‘til dawn, extra entry fee.
Events at other venues
February 19, 24, 25, 26, 27 & 28: Toros, traditional bull-riding hoe-downs with live banda groups, Lienzo Charro opposite Pemex Station, 4 p.m., paid admission, 70-150 pesos per day. Preceded each date by the Recibimiento (ranchers reception) at the Chapala Plaza, 2 p.m., with free drinks and live music.
February 24-26: Copa Porche International Sailing Championship, Club de Yates. Admission by invitation only, free public viewing from Cristiania Park and waterfront Malecón.
February 24: International Brotherhood Rock Concert, featuring Oscar Reyes Re-Evolution de Emiliano Zapata, 6 p.m., Ajijic plaza, free admission.
February 26: Carnaval Parade, Avenida Madero, Chapala, 11 a.m. Followed by Festival Chapala en Lodo (Mud Fest), lakeshore at north end of Cristiania Park, 4 p.m.
February 28: Ajijic’s madcap Desfile de Carnaval, Constitución-Ocampo to Seis Esquinas and Hidalgo to the Plaza, 11 a.m. Followed by Recibimiento at the Malecón, 1-2 p.m., and Toros at the Charro arena, 4 p.m.