The popular annual International Gastronomic Festival (food fair) organized by the Guadalajara Consular Association returns on Sunday, March 30, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at DIF Guadalajara headquarters at Euligo Parra 2539 (one block from Av. Lopez Mateos) in Guadalajara’s Colonia Cicunvalacion Guevara.
Here you can sample the cuisine from some 25 countries prepared by “natives” living in Guadalajara. Among those participating will be France, Malaysia, Italy, Russia, Peru, the United States, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Israel, the Dominican Republic, Argentina, Japan and more.
A parade featuring representatives from the participating countries will set off from the corner of Avenida Hidalgo and Lopez Mateos at 10 a.m. to make its way to the venue.
Music courtesy of several bands of various genres (including mariachi) will enhance the festive atmosphere and a range of cultural activities for both children and adults are planned. Entry to the event is 25 pesos.
The food fair benefits Guadalajara’s Desarrollo Integral de la Familia (DIF), the municipal social assistance institution that focuses on strengthening and developing the welfare of the Mexican families.
Blues & cars
Guadalajara city hall and DIF Guadalajara are putting on a blues festival and antique automobile show in the Parque Avila Camacho on Saturday, March 29, from 5-10 p.m.
Some of the city’s best exponents of the blues genre will be in stage to entertain the crowds: the Chester Blues Band, Changos Blues Band, La Mancha Blues, Tren Nocturno, Dirty Bkack Bird, Los Villanos.
The entrance to the Parque Avila Camacho is on Avenida Avila Camacho, about 200 meters before Avenida de la Patria.
Spring bazaar
Guadalajara city hall is hosting an open-air “Springtime Bazaar” to showcase “100-percent Mexican-made” products on Saturday, April 5 and Sunday, April 6 at the Jardin Juan Manuel (Av. Hidalgo, between Tucidides and Fidias).
Casa Huichol
Sunday, April 6 sees the second “kermesse” held at the Casa Huichol, a refuge for members of the Wixarika indigenous people who are obliged to travel to Guadalajara for medical treatment.
This year’s fair will raise funds for the most economically-challenged communities in the isolated Huichol sierra of northern Jalisco and Nayarit.
The fair begins at 12:45 p.m. with a traditional Huichol fire ceremony. There will an exhibit of Wixarika art, and indigenous crafts will be on sale at discount prices. As well as music and plenty of food and refreshments, documentary films on the Wixarika culture will be screened.
The cost of entry is 30 pesos or with a donation of a dispensa (food package containing staples such as beans, rice, lentils, coffee, chocolate, tobacco, candles, etcetera).
The Casa Huichol is at Beatriz Hernandez 1354, Colonia Zoquipan, Zapopan. This is a good opportunity to visit this important charitable institution and see the work they do.