Expats keen on soaking up local holiday customs should keep an eye out for the traditional posada festivities that will take place in lakeside communities every day from December 16 through 24.
Crowds of local kids gather in the late afternoon for street processions reenacting the Holy Family’s quest to find lodging in Bethlehem. Youngsters dressed up as Mary and Joseph lead an entourage of pastores (shepherds) carrying walking staffs decorated with paper streamers as they make their way from door to door asking for shelter. At the last stop the little pilgrims are rewarded with a lively piñata party. Posada celebrations in San Antonio Tlayacapan are particularly appealing for their authenticity and live tableaus of Biblical scenes displayed along the route.
Various other special events scheduled for the coming week will also pump up holiday spirits.Saturday December 15
- Jugueton Ajijic Toys for Tots festival will be held at the waterfront Malecon, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Jugueton Chapala Toys for Tots gift collection campaign kicks off at Chapala Plaza, 7 p.m., running through 10:30 p.m. Sunday night with lots of live entertainment.
- Los Cantantes del Lago and CREM Orchestra Christmas present a Christmas Concert at Plaza de la Ribera (formerly Sol y Luna), Rio Bravo 10, west Ajijic., 7 p.m. Admission 250 pesos.
Tuesday, December 18
- The Instituto Cultural Cabañas Monumental Chorus will appear at Chapala’s San Francisco Parish for a Christmas Concert. Performance starts around 7:45 p.m., following evening Mass.
Wednesday December 19
- Orquesta Axixic will present a Christmas Concert at Ajijic’s San Andres Parish, 5 p.m.