Mardi Gras madness takes Ajijic by storm Tuesday, February 12 as the townsfolk let off steam in the last blast of frivolity before the start of Lent.
A full day of rowdy festivity begins with the Desfile de Carnaval, a spectacular parade featuring gaily decorated floats, costumed revelers, marching bands and charro equestrians. The line-up forms at the corner Calle Revolucion and Constitucion around 10 a.m., heading out for a straight run across town to Seis Esquinas, Ocampo at Alvaro Obregon, then doubling back towards the plaza via Hidalgo.
Spectators waiting along the route will get the first hint that the parade is approaching when they spot a throng of kids racing along the cobblestones to escape the band of Sayacas and Sayacos (see story left) who lead the merry-making. These outlandishly dressed masked marauders generate laughter and mayhem as they romp about pelting everyone in sight with fistfuls of flour or confetti stashed inside over-sized purses and woven shoulder bags. Along the way they pause for some dancing to the furious beat of the Jarabe Tapatio (Mexican hat dance), La Jota or other traditional tunes. As the parade breaks up, the hoopla picks up at the plaza where Ajijic’s charro association sponsors live music, dancing and boozing at the Recibimiento, a welcome party for ranchers providing livestock for the afternoon’s toros (bulls) at the local arena.The bull-riding bash featuring live music by Los Presumidos de la Sierra and Banda Perla Azul, starts at 4 p.m., with admission for adults set at 100 pesos. Toros are also scheduled daily Saturday through Monday, 4 to 7 p.m., admission ranging 50 to 80 pesos a head.
On the waterfront
An alternative Carnaval music fest is booked for Tuesday afternoon, 5 to 9 p.m. at the outdoor amphitheater on the waterfront Malecon (free admission). Featured groups are Tintas Diztintaz (hip-hop), Goldern Calavera (surf zombie) and King David Bailey (reggae).
The celebration continues after dark with the second annual Carnaval Nocturno parade, leaving Seis Esquinas around 7 p.m, to roll east along Hidalgo to the plaza, turning south at Colon to end at the Malecon. The evening of fun caps off with a tongue-in-cheek beauty contest in which guys in drag will compete to wear the crown as Ajijic’s Carnaval Queen. Word has it that at least one well-known expat is listed among the contestants.