After many years of farming out Chapala’s Carnaval (Mardi Gras) festivities to private promoters, the local government has taken charge of organizing the activities this year, bringing back some lost traditions while introducing novel attractions.
Among the innovative ideas to come about was roping in more expatriate residents, both as attendees and active participants in program events.
The involvement of foreign residents has been achieved through close contact with the service organizations connected through the Lakeside Assistance Group (LAG) that arranges importation of donated equipment for firefighters and first responders.
It all started with an appeal for LAG to take on sponsorship of Zuly Flores de la Torre as a candidate for 2016 Carnaval Queen. Her rival is Johana Guadalupe Mercado Aceves, sponsored by Chapala’s Chamber of Commerce.
The winner will be determined according to success in fund raising for a worthy cause. Zuly’s kitty will go towards a physical rehabilitation center for seniors. Johana is collecting for a women’s shelter for victims of domestic abuse.
With everything clicking along nicely on the beauty queen front, Carnaval organizers reached out to LAG again with additional proposals. The group is now lined up to operate a booth in the food and drink corridor at the Cristiana Park fairgrounds, serving a menu of north-of-the-border specialties, plus tequila, beer and soft drinks. The stand will be in business January 30 through February 9, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Profits will help cover LAG’s shipping costs from Canadian sources. Volunteers willing to lend a hand can sign on with John Kelly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The group is also taking on the task of running Carnaval’s Master Chef International contest, set for Wednesday, February 3, 5-7 p.m. Expats cooks are invited to prepare favorite dishes to be judged by a panel of local food experts who will award first, second and third place prizes. For details contact Vince Britton at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 331-358-8944 (cell).
The Lake Chapala Society and Lake Chapala Shrine Club are the main sponsors of Expat Day at Ajijic’s Lienzo Charro bullring on Saturday, February 6, 4 p.m. Local organizations will have spaces for information tables, while foreigners and their Mexican neighbors rub elbows during one of the town’s traditional bull riding and musical parties.