Prisoners paint
Perhaps the most unusual annual art exhibition to grace the outdoor patio of the Ex Convento del Carmen has once again been hung — the prisoners’ collective entitled “Mas Alla del Horizonte” [Beyond the Horizon].
And, once again, the infamous Myriam Yukie has a number of paintings included, leading some to wonder how many years she got for her conviction in 2003 for injecting cosmetic surgery clients with inappropriate substances.
Several large, brightly colored paintings by Yukie are shown along with work by twelve other artists, only one other a woman. Several pieces are of a quality unexpected in such a show. The work is for sale. For information, call administrators at the Ex Convento, (33) 3030-1385.
The show is open until February 13 in the Ex Convento’s street level, outdoor gallery. 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily except Monday. Juarez 638 near Federalismo. (33) 3030-1385.
Taco Master wins plaudits
“Taco Master,” a videogame produced by local company Kaxan Entertainment, beat the latest incarnation of Angry Birds and many other top competitors to win “Best Game for Portable or Mobile Device” at the MTV Game Awards last month. Taco Master is a simple but addictive game in which users must take increasingly complicated orders from customers and prepare their tacos as quickly as possible. Compatible with iOS, Android and Symbian operating systems for smartphones and tablets, it was among the top sellers in Apple’s App Store last year and is the best selling Mexican-made video game in the world.
Bulfights
Mexico’s most controversial sport returns to Guadalajara next month when the most important bullfighting season of the year (la temporada grande) gets underway at the Nuevo Progreso Plaza de Toros.
The corridos take place every Sunday in February at 4.30 p.m. First up on February 3 are matadors Rodolfo “El Pana” Rodriguez, Morante de la Puebla and famed Spanish pin-up Julian “El Juli” Lopez.
The bullring is located beside the Estadio Jalisco soccer stadium at Pirineos 1930, just off the Calzada Independencia in Colonia Monumental. Tickets range from 90 to 1,350 pesos and are available from the box office from 11.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday, or from 10 a.m. on Sundays. For more information or to buy tickets online visit www.plazanuevoprogreso.com.mx.
Bullfighting is not for everyone but still maintains an important place in Mexico’s cultural heritage.
Sign up for half marathon
Around 5,500 runners are expected to participate in Guadalajara’s 27th annual half marathon early on Sunday, February 17. It is the second biggest such event in the country, after Mexico City’s half marathon which typically draws around 17,000 competitors.
The 21-kilometer race has different categories, with prizes for first place ranging from 5,000 to 53,000 pesos. There will also be a bonus prize of 35,000 for any male or female runners who break the respective race records.
To sign up visit www.comudeguadalajara.gob.mx.
Equestrian news
Guadalajara will not host the Equestrian World Cup in 2015, after the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) revoked the city’s right to stage the event last week.
Guadalajara’s bid to host the FEI World Cup Jumping and Dressage Finals in 2015 was approved in June 2012, but the organizers have been unable to meet in full the requirements imposed by the FEI. The event will most likely be held in Las Vegas, which also launched a bid last year to host the finals.
Beaten Bears
Mexico’s pro basketball regular season came to an end this week, with the Osos de Guadalajara finishing a dismal 15th out of 16 teams. The Bears won just six games and lost 34 in their debut season in the National Pro Basketball League (LNBP). In a press release, the side’s directors thanked the fans, media and sponsors for their support and announced that the franchise will return next season under the name “Osos de Jalisco” so as to represent the entire state instead of just its capital city.
Upcoming pro soccer
- Leones Negros vs. Neza (Estadio Jalisco) Sunday, Jan. 20, 12 p.m.
- Guadalajara Chivas vs. Cruz Azul (Estadio Omnilife) Sunday, Jan. 20, 5 p.m.
- Estudiantes Tecos vs. Veracruz (Tres de Marzo) Friday, Jan. 25, 8 p.m.
- Atlas vs. America (Estadio Jalisco) Saturday, Jan. 26, 9 p.m.