Traditional no-holds-barred Carnaval celebrations in the Chapala area will be underway as of this weekend, running in full-tilt party mode to peak on March 4, coinciding with Mardi Gras blowouts elsewhere around the globe.
Chapala’s loaded calendar of special events starts Friday, February 21 with the Entierro del Mal Humor (burial of bad humor) and coronation of the madcap Rey Feo (Ugly King) who will rule over the 12 days of unbridled festivity.
Carnaval headquarters at La Cristiania Park will be the main hub of afternoon and evening activities. Admission to the fairgrounds costs 30 pesos for adults, 15 pesos for kids, with bonus coupons for a free drink, a mechanical ride and entry to the Villa Animal wildlife exhibition area, plus a free pass to a show at Cinemas del Lago, included in the price.
A series of raucous live music shows will be the strongest magnet for much of the local populace and hoards of outside visitors. There is an extra charge for entrance to banda concerts booked for February 21, 22, 28 and the March 4 all-night finale. The same holds for the Carnaval Queen pageant and coronation, February 23; RockFest, February 26, ElectroFest, March 1; and Moto Bikini Carshow, March 2.Advance tickets are on sale at the Carnaval office, Av. Cristianía-González Gallo 17-A, across the street and a half block north of the park entrance.
Free events include a performance by three banda groups, February 25, 7 p.m., to be broadcast live on Televisa’s Channel 4, and varied cultural programs presented most evenings at the outdoor amphitheater. The equine exhibition area is also open to visitors at no cost.
This year’s Carnaval Parade will be held Sunday, March 2 along Avendia Madero, with a very flexible starting time scheduled for 10 a.m. A 3,000-peso prize will be awarded to the group taking part with the most attractive float. Interested parties should visit the office for more information and registration. Look for Carnaval Chapala on Facebook for other details.
Good times are also rolling in Ajijic where villagers enjoy their own brand of Mardi Gras merrymaking.
The town’s association of charro horsemen sponsors a series of loose-knit bull-riding contests coupled with banda concerts held at the Lienzo arena on Calle Revolucion. Los Toros run on succeeding Sundays, three days prior to Fat Tuesday and that day as well, starting at 4:30 p.m.
The morning prelude to each event is the Toro de Once, an offbeat street parade in which La Sayaca – a unruly band of cross-dressing masked dancers decked out as busty broads and bearded gents – tear through the streets, chasing after taunting children and showering on-lookers with flour and confetti. The antics start on Calle Galeana behind the San Andres church around 11 a.m.
Afterwards crowds congregate the plaza for the Recibimiento, a courtesy reception honoring of ranchers who provide bring livestock for the afternoon’s toros. The welcome party involves live music for dancing and free-flowing booze.
Ajijic festivities will hit a crescendo with an eye-popping Mardi Gras parade on the morning of March 4, followed by the after-dark Noche de Carnaval celebration.