Ajijic’s central plaza is an enticing spot to hang out, sip a freshly brewed cup of java and engage in casual people watching.
A special lure for shoppers is the Callejon del Arte, the block-long pedestrian walkway branching off from the northeast corner of the square where more than a dozen street vendors set up most days of the week to hawk a wide array of handicrafts and artisanal products.
Veteran expat residents remember the days when Calle Guadalupe Victoria dead-ended at the edge of the plaza and the occasional incidents when Guadalajara tourists with a few too many tequilas under their belts caused harrowing moments by driving their cars amidst folks who were peacefully passing the time of day. That last stretch was finally closed to through traffic in the late 1990’s as part of a plaza renovation project that included the installation of a cantera stone fountain at the corner of Marcos Castellanos, serving as both a roadblock and gateway to the heart of the village.From that time forward the Callejon del Arte has been a focal point for artists and craftsmen to show off their creations. Today it’s a perfect place to enjoy a leisurely stroll and peruse merchandise offered at pocketbook-friendly prices.
On a recent Sunday--the prime day of action--vendors stationed on either side of the path were selling gorgeous hand-loomed Mexican blankets, serapes and rebozos, embroidered clothing, intricate rainbow-hued beadwork jewelry and objets d’art fashioned by the Wixarica (Huichol) people of northern Jalisco, lush pots of flowering plants, garden greenery and kitchen herbs, a varied selection of bracelets, necklaces, earrings and other fashion baubles, affordable works by several lakeside artists, homemade miniature pies and the latest product to emerge on local the market—home-brewed wine made from organically grown raspberries.
So why not live it up by taking a gander at all the knickknacks, trinkets and goodies, relishing the chance to chat with the craftsmen and watch many of them at work. With the local economy currently on downswing and recent business hampered by this January’s unusual spell of inclement weather, the enterprising artisans of Callejon del Arte will appreciate your patronage.