Open Circle
Loretta Downs will present “How Rituals Can Serve to Heal Grief” at the next meeting of Open Circle at the Lake Chapala Society, on Sunday, October 27, 10:30 a.m.
This event kicks off a special week of commemoration and celebration at LCS, highlighting Mexico’s most beloved annual ritual, Día de Muertos.
We all experience losses, from meaningful possessions to abilities, identities, dreams, hopes, and most painfully, the people and animals we love. Grief is a natural response, a seven-step process that can ultimately lead to healing.
Loretta will explain how grief is an active and dynamic process that continues throughout life, exploring rituals as tools for creating peaceful transitions through the stages of grief.
Witches and Zombies
Join the fun as witches, warlocks, and zombies dance to DJ Panda’s tunes at the 14th Thrill the World Ajijic event on Saturday, October 26. Doors open at 2 p.m. at the Ajijic Malecon Basketball Court. Food and drinks will be provided by American Legion Post 7 Chapala. All proceeds benefit the Rotary Club of Ajijic.
Life and Death at LCS
As part of the Intercultural Celebration of Life and Honoring Death at LCS, there will be a free children’s Halloween party on Sunday, October 27, from 3 to 6 p.m. Tickets are available at LCS. On Monday, October 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a community altar will be built to honor the lives of loved ones, followed by a Celebration of Life Candlelight Ceremony from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., featuring inspirational speakers. More information at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Vote From Abroad
Volunteers will be available to provide last-minute voting assistance to U.S. citizens on October 28, 31 and November 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the LCS Blue Patio. If you still need your 2024 ballot, visit VoteFromAbroad.org immediately to check your options. Questions? Call the new hotline at 332-969-1209.
Chapala Birders
The Lake Chapala Birders will meet on Thursday, October 31, at the “Sculpture” in La Floresta, departing immediately for Villa Corona on Lake Atotonilco (a 60-minute drive). Expect to see shorebirds like white-faced ibis and roseate spoonbills. Bring your own mid-morning refreshments, with a snack break scheduled for 11 a.m. The group will return to Ajijic by about 1:30 p.m. If you plan to attend, email John at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least two days in advance, indicating if you can bring a vehicle or if you need a ride.
Fundraiser
Celebrate the Day of the Dead in Ajijic by participating in an event that honors the lives of loved ones while supporting a cause that transforms lives. Proceeds will support scholarships for spiritual leaders in Hispanic communities for attendees of the Convention of the Americas, a local community that practices and teaches the philosophy of the Science of Mind.
Take part in the “ofrenda” by bringing a photo or object for the altar, either virtually or in person at Calle Nicolás Bravo 17 on either November 1 and 2. To purchase tickets, visit conventionoftheamericas.systeme.io/evento. Questions and more details at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or text 1-575-650-7344. Also, see conventionoftheamericas.com.
Legion Halloween
American Legion Post 7 will host a live show and dance party on Thursday, October 31, 7 p.m., with Frad and her band providing entertainment. A costume contest with great prizes will be held. No reservations required—first come, first served. Tickets, priced at 150 pesos, are available at the Legion (Morelos 114) and Tengo shoe store (Madero 417a).
Dawg Gone Ranch Faire
The Ranch, a no-kill dog shelter caring for over 100 homeless dogs, is hosting its must-attend Dawg-Gone Ranch Faire on Sunday, November 3, from 2 to 5 p.m.
The event includes dancing to the Charlie Cook band, carnival games with prizes, a hot dog bar (vegetarian options available), and a cash bar. The event will be held at a stunning estate in upper Ajijic. Directions are printed on the back of each ticket. Tickets, priced at 550 pesos (including food and one drink), are available at It’s Kinda Bazaar in Riberas del Pilar, Hola Markets (East and West), and The Art Connection in Centro Laguna Mall. Questions? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,
Golf Tournament
The Chapala Chapter of Cruz Roja (Red Cross) will hold its 22nd Annual Golf Tournament on Thursday, November 7, at the Chapala Country Club. This year, the Red Cross aims to double last year’s record of 176,000 pesos, with a goal of 500,000 pesos. Thanks to a matching grant from Cruz Roja President Yoli Martinez, the total could reach one million pesos.
Tickets for the tournament are 1,500 pesos for Chapala Country Club members and 1,700 pesos for non-members. They can be purchased at the Country Club Pro Shop and include a continental breakfast and dinner (with a choice of pig roast or vegetarian lasagna). There will also be live and silent auctions featuring impressive items.
Flower Show
The Lakeside Garden Guild’s 2024 Floral Art and Design Show will be held on Saturday, November 16, from 3 to 6 p.m. Tickets, priced at 500 pesos (including canapés and a complimentary drink), are available from Sue Williams at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or any Guild member.