Daily activities at the Carnaval Chapala fairgrounds (Cristiania Park) are concentrated in late afternoon and night time hours, winding up from 4 p.m. on weekdays and as early as 10 a.m. on weekends.
Cultural programs featuring local talent will be staged at the Teatro del Pueblo amphitheater, beginning in 5-7 p.m. time slots. An adjacent area will house the Villa Infantil, where youngsters can busy themselves in a variety of creative workshops focused on environmental themes. Headline entertainment shows take place in the park’s enclosed pool area.
General admission to the fairgrounds costs 20 pesos for adults, with a children’s passport including unlimited access to mechanical rides for 15 pesos. An extra entrance fee is required for some special events in the pool area. Advance tickets are are available at reduced rates from MG&M law office, Degollado 353-A, and a number of liquor stores located in Chapala, San Antonio and Ajijic.
All program events are subject to last-minute changes, cancellations and extremely flexible starting times. Expats accustomed to strict punctuality are advised to stay loose and go with the flow.
Friday, February 10
Opening Night Parade runs from the north end of Avenida Madero to La Cristiania Park, starting sometime between 7 and 8 p.m. Followed by Coronation of the Ugly King and Burial of Bad Humor, inside fairgrounds around 9 p.m.
Saturday, February 11
Alternative Music Fest in Defense of Lake Chapala and Peace, pool area at fairgrounds, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Opening acts by Machingon, Charales K, Monte Bong, FCKN Burritos and Rap Sin Formato precede headline performance by Panteon Rococo. Advance tickets 50 pesos.
Sunday, February 12
Dance concert featuring Chuy Lizarraga & Banda Tierra Sinaloense, pool area, 5 p.m. Advance tickets 50 pesos.
Monday, February 13
For Women Only & For Men, Too sexy dance spectacle, pool area, 9 p.m. Not apt for minors.
Tuesday, February 14
Fiesta Mexicana Radio 923 FM music fest, featuring live banda groups, pool area, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, February 15
Queen of Carnaval beauty pageant and coronation, pool area, 8 p.m., followed by performance of the famed Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan.
Thursday, February 16
La Mejor FM Radio music fest, featuring live bands, pool area, 6 p.m.
Friday, February 17
Noche de Comediantes, featuring television comedians Toño Balderin and Salomon, Teatro del Pueblo, 8 p.m.
Saturday, February 18
Dance night featuring Banda San Miguel, pool area, 9 p.m. Advance tickets, 50 pesos.
Sunday, February 19
Chapala Carnaval Parade, running north to south on Avenida Madero starting from the Lienzo Charro, 10 a.m.
Bikini Car Fest, auto show and hot chicks, pool area, Noon to 7 p.m. Extra adult admission fee 40 pesos covered at the gate.
Monday, February 20
Enanitos Toreros (“little people” matadors) and other entertainment geared for kids, fairgrounds, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, February 21
Ajijic Carnaval Parade, Calle Constitucion-Ocampo & Hidalgo to the plaza, 10 a.m.
Ajijic Carnaval de Noche, dance parade from Seis Esquinas to the Malecon via Hidalgo and Colon, starting 6:30 p.m., followed by Festival de Arte program at the waterfront.
Carnaval Chapala finale, all night banda dance concert featuring Sonora Kaliente, Esencia Norteña, singer Mimoso and the Julion Alvarez band, pool area, from 9 p.m. to the wee hours. Advance tickets 150 pesos.