Customary no-holds-barred Carnaval celebrations in the Chapala area get underway this weekend, running in full-tilt party mode through Fat Tuesday, February 9.
This year’s slate of musical shows for Chapala’s blowout offers a wide variety of genres to appeal to all preferences and age groups.
Program highlights listed below take place at Cristiania Park unless otherwise specified. Admission to the fairgrounds is free of charge every day, with entry fees applying only to selected entertainment shows.
Friday, January 29: Kick-off parade, 7 p.m., runs from Paseo Ramón Corona for full loop along Avenida Madero, ending with explosive Entierro del Mal Humor at the Malecón. Live entertainment cranks up with at the fairgrounds, 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 30: Festival Ecuestre dancing horse spectacle, 7 p.m.; Playalimbo romantic pop show, 8 p.m., paid admission.
Sunday, January 31: Dog show, noon; dancing horses, 6 p.m.; banda groups, 3 p.m. to 1 a.m., with Chuy Lizarraga in closing act.
Ajijic: Toro del Once Sayaca parade, from La Floresta to Seis Esquinas to Lienzo Charro arena, 11 a.m.; Fiestas Taurinas bull riding and banda for dancing, same location, 4 p.m.
Monday, February 1: Proceeds count for Reina de Carnaval candidates, at Chapala Plaza, 6 p.m., with music by Banda La Colegiala and Mariachi Aguilas de Chapala.
Tuesday, February 2: Los Morenos Brazil dance show, 7 p.m.; Carnaval Queen Coronation, 8 p.m., with Mariachi Sol de México, 9 p.m.
Wednesday, February 3: Gastronomy fair and Master Chef International contest, 5 p.m.; Big Band Rafael Terriquez, 5 p.m.
Thursday, February 4: Dancing horses, 6 p.m.; Memory Lane Dance, romantic tunes by Terricolas de Lenis Beatriz and songster Jorge Muñiz, 8 p.m., paid admission.
Friday, February 5: Dancing horses, 9 p.m.; tropical pop band Jenny and the Mexicats, 6 p.m., opening for DJ Meire Carvalho and Electrofest, paid admission.
Saturday, February 6: Quarter horse show, 5 p.m., dancing horses, 7 p.m.; Cumbia band Los Angeles Azules, 9 p.m., paid admission.
Ajijic: Toro del Once, 11 a.m.; Expat Day at Lienzo Charro, banda concert, 4 p.m.
Sunday, February 7: Chapala’s Carnaval parade, 10 a.m., same route as opening night; dancing horses, 5 p.m.; Rapfest, 6 p.m., paid admission.
Ajijic: Toro del Once, 11 a.m.; Fiestas Taurinas, 4 p.m.
Look for a run-down on the final days in next week’s Reporter.