The fifth annual Festival Cultural Sangre Viva, slated for Friday, January 26 through Sunday, January 28 in Ajijic, will encompass diverse activities to develop connections to Mexico’s ancestral roots.
A craft fair set up daily around the village plaza is the place to purchase unique handmade goods directly from artesanos visiting from different parts of the country, as well as a big selection of medicinal herbs, typical cooking ingredients and food items.
Experience physical and spiritual cleansing in the Temascal ritual sweat baths to be offered periodically throughout the weekend at a site on the Ajijic beach.
Live entertainment going on after sundown will feature performances by the Chichimecas Jonaz pre-Hispanic dance group from Guanajuato, Grupo Macehual, a pre-Hispanic musical ensemble from Colima and Mariachi Traditional Acatic from Jalisco, along with four other groups playing fusion styles that mix reggae, ska and electronic music with ancient sounds and beats.
The Living Blood happening will also include the screening of the documentary “Koneline: Our Land Beautiful,” conferences on archaeology and herbal medicine, workshops on making reproductions of pre-Hispanic instruments and painting and ceramic workshops for children.
Complete program details were not available at press time. All activities are open to the public free of charge, although there will a donation box to collect voluntary contributions toward festival expenses.