A cappella group to perform
The distinguished, 10-member, a cappella group Cantabile is set to perform a free Christmas concert on Sunday, December 18, 8 p.m., at Nuestra Senora de Loreta, on Avenida Circumvalacion Agustin Yanez, one block from Avenida Arcos (near the Minerva glorieta). The singers will do 18 Christmas songs, many in English, said director Jesus Chavez. The group was founded as a children’s group by American musician John Brown. It has been directed for several years by Chavez.
Dinosaurs
Fans of Discovery Channel’s “Dinosaur Animatronics” should get down to the Plaza Liberación, where 14 life-size robotic dinosaurs should be on display next week until February 2. (At press time the dinosaurs were held up in customs and the December 17 inauguration had been put on hold) Alongside the prehistoric beasts – which include an iconic Tyrannosaurus Rex, 13 meters long and six high – there will be educational workshops, a fossil exhibition and a 3D cinema. The dino extravaganza has already captivated millions of people across Latin America, but is not normally free, as it will be in Guadalajara.
Ice rink
Last January, 1,100 Tapatios took to the ice and now they can again: the ice rink returns to the explanade of the Cabañas Institute in downtown Guadalajara from December 18 to January 16. Free entry.
Huichol Rose
The Huichol-decorated rose that represented Mexico during the Pan American Games as part of Rosafest 2011 is to go on display in the Museo Regional. Previously exhibited on Avenida Chapultepec, the colorful, embroidered rose, titled “From the heart of the Earth,” features traditional Huichol beaded designs. Representative of indigenous culture from central western Mexico, the rose can now be seen in the “Xatsikayari Wixaritari” exhibit in the Museo Regional de Guadalajara at Liceo 60, one block north of the Plaza de la Liberacion in the historic city center. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.; Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.
Film festival
The United Kingdom will be the guest of honor at Guadalajara’s 2012 International Film Festival, which takes place from March 2 to 10. A new award known as the “Maguey Prize” will be introduced this year to honor gay-themed cinema. Movies that explore sexual diversity are already celebrated at many of the world’s top film festivals, including Cannes, Sundance, Venice and Berlin. Homage will also be paid to renowned gay English film director Derek Jarman.
The deadline to register movies for the festival is February 16.