Open Circle
The Pedro Rey Mariachi School in Ajijic will present a Valentine’s concert at Open Circle, at the Lake Chapala Society, Sunday, February 11, 10:30 a.m.
The Escuela de Mariachi Pedro Rey is teaching mariachi music to a new generation and helping preserve Mexican traditions by offering a musical study program focused on mariachi for children, youths, and adults.
School director Dany Medeles, one of the key founders and driving forces behind this program along with dedicated music teachers, provides instruction and motivation to students. They ensure the correct execution of instruments such as guitar, violin, trumpet, vihuela (a five-string guitar-like instrument from 19th-century Mexico), guitarrón (a very large, deep-bodied Mexican six-string acoustic bass guitar), as well as a children´s choir.
The musicians will play songs in the tradition of mariachi music, also called “son jaliscience” (Jalisco sound), native to this state and made famous in Guadalajara. Donations collected during the presentation will go to support the school and its unique programs.
Free spay and neuter
Tails of Mexico sponsors a free dog and cat sterilization campaign for residents of San Juan Cosala, Sunday, February 11, at the Primary School at Calle Cardenal 25 in San Juan Cosala. For more information ,call 333-247-6944.
Voter Assistance
Need help requesting your ballots for 2024 U.S. elections? VoteFromAbroad.org Voter Assistance volunteers will be at the Lake Chapala Society Monday, February 12 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. 2024 Elections in progress now! So requesting /sending your ballots back now is smarter. Especially if you can only return your ballot by snail mail. VoteFromAbroad.org Voter Questions? Email VoteLakeChapala @gmail.com.
Chapala Birders
Thursday, February 15, the Lake Chapala Birders will meet at 8 a.m. at the sculpture at the traffic light in La Floresta, leaving immediately for the Sierra de Tapalpa (a 90-minute drive). The group will bird from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Expect to see higher altitude birds such as acorn woodpecker and slate-throated redstart and if lucky trans-volcanic jay.
Bring your own refreshments for the morning. At 1 p.m. the group will end up in Tapalpa to have lunch at a restaurant overlooking the square. Expect to be back in Ajijic about 4 p.m.
You must reserve by emailing John Keeling at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least two days ahead indicating if you can bring a vehicle and can take others, or you would like to be a passenger. (There aren’t always have enough cars.) Bird-walks are open to all those interested in birds, beginners and experienced birders. Just bring binoculars. There are always knowledgeable birders on hand to identify the species.
Cooking Club
A friendly fun competition cooking event sponsored by the Lakeside Cooking Club will be held Wednesday, February 21, 4 p.m. at the Lakeside Presbyterian Church, San Jorge in Riberas del Pilar. The theme is Mardi Gras/Carnaval. A 50-50 raffle, and a great door prize will be on the menu, as well as the option to cook or present your favorite savory or sweet Mardi Gras or Carnival dish. To sign up for a cooking/presentation slot, email 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.. You can choose to be in competition or not in competition. Those not presenting are charged 200 pesos. There is no charge for those cooking or presenting. Wine is available for 50 pesos per glass. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to reserve your place at dinner.
Let the good times roll! Laissez le bon temps rouler!
Democrats Abroad
The Democrats Abroad Lake Chapala Chapter is holding a Valentine’s Week Happy Hour
Monday, February 12 at 4 p.m. at La Bodega Restaurant, 16 de Septiembre 124 in Ajijic. Join them for this special Valentine’s Week Cocktails & Conversation as the 2024 election season revs up. No need to RSVP. Just drop by!
Latin Nights
Latin dance tutorials by Richard Gomez at La Estacion Pizza and Bakery in Riberas del Pilar are every Wednesday from 5 to 6 p.m. From 6 to 8 p.m., the Latin Big Bang Band plays. The cover charge is 50 pesos.
Drag for paws
Bone Voyage Dog Rescue is holding a Bingo night at Fonda Doña Lola Thursday, February 29, 5 p.m. 500 pesos for 8 rounds of bingo. The last round has a grand prize of 10,000 pesos. All proceeds go to Bone Voyage. Get a reserved table with the purchase of ten tickets, available at Lucky Bar and Fenix Realty.