It is daunting to try to select the highlights of the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra’s (OFJ) first temporada of 2015 — its big 100th anniversary year — because, as OFJ staffer Julia Gonzalez puts it, the season, which lasts until April 26, is “muy saturado” (very saturated). In other words, chock full. 

This year the College Board in the United States revised the Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. history course in order to imitate the process a historian goes through to explore the past. This is why insightful analysis of documents is required, as well as research and critical thinking, which will culminate in a three-hour and 15-minute exam to be held in May.

Native folk from 13 communities in the state of Michoacan will showcase their crafts, customs and regional cuisine at the Ajijic Plaza during the Union de Pueblos Purépecha Festival to be held next weekend, kicking off on Friday, December 12around 5 p.m.

The event will offer holiday shoppers a perfect opportunity to pick up great deals on hand-embroidered clothing, rebozo shawls, hats and choice artesanias fashioned from pottery, copper, straw and wood.

Entertainment highlights will include performances by the masked Diablo dancers from Tocuaro and the ancient Juego de Pelota (warriors’ ball game) demonstrated by a group from Tzintzuntzan.