The Christmas buzz gripped the Guadalajara city center this week as the traditional lights were turned on and several associated seasonal attractions opened to the public.
Energy-saving LED light bulbs are being used for the first time on the decorations strung up along the Vallarta-Juarez-Javier Mina axis, Belisario Dominguez, Chapultepec, 16 de Septiembre and Corona.
The ice rink, tree and life-size nacimeinto (creche) in the Plaza Liberation are once again the focal points of the seasonal diversions.
At 800 square meters, the ice rink in the plaza is bigger than last year’s, and includes instructors, brand-new skates for public use, and cute “walkers” for young kids (see photo page one).
The rink will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. through January 6. Children aged 4-12 must be accompanied by an adult, who will be required to sign a document acknowledging their responsibility for them. There is no charge but expect to wait at peak times and on weekends.
This year’s activities include a tour bus replete with Christmas decorations and music that will take locals and visitors on special trips around the city center.
The 14-million-peso tab of the yuletide season’s amusements will be picked up by the Chamber of Commerce (Canaco), the state government and metro-area municipal governments.
One Christmas “tradition” that won’t be visible this year is the presence of Santas in the city center. Under new regulations imposed by Guadalajara Mayor Enrique Alfaro, Santas and their photographer assistants will not be allowed to ply their trade over the next few weeks. Some photographers say they have been taking photos of children with Santa Claus for 40 years and that many youngsters will be disappointed.