National pride and high spirits will mark the series of lakeside area events programmed in conjunction with the September 16 celebration of Mexico’s Dia de Independencia, offering all sorts of things to do, see and cheer on with your friends and neighbors.
September 15 is highlighted by modernized reenactments of Miguel Hidalgo’s Grito de Independencia (Cry of Independence) centered at the principal government buildings in most towns. Crowds will begin gathering well beforehand at those locations to enjoy live entertainment and fireworks displays programmed to juice up the holiday mood. Civic parades and additional festivities continue throughout the following day. Festivities are delayed until the following weekend in San Antonio Tlayacapan and San Juan Cosala.
The Fiestas Patrias calendar includes September 13 ceremonies honoring Los Niños Heroes, the young military cadets who sacrificed their lives in defense of the nation as U.S. troops stormed Chapultepec Castle in 1847 at the height of the Mexican-American War. It also wraps in the Dia del Charro, playing up the national sport Charreria with equestrian parades and horsemanship competitions held on September 14.
Of special note this year will be relays of Flame of Independence originating in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, the cradle of Independence where Hidalgo issued his famed call to arms to free the nation from Spanish rule.
Students from Jocotepec’s CETAC high school make the trip each year, passing the torch from hand to hand as they return on foot for delivery to municipal officials waiting at the town square.
Chapala area horsemen will also carry the torch this year, departing from Presa Corona at 5 p.m., riding through Atotonilquillo, San Nicolás de Ibarra and Santa Cruz de la Soledad on route to the municipal seat, where the flame will be handed over to Club Salvajes runners for the final leg to Ajijic.
Here’s a glance at key events on the Fiestas Patrias calendar. Punctual expats should keep in mind that the announced times are always subject to last minutes changes or unforeseen delays. Traffic congestion and parking problems are to be expected in the area where parades and some other activities are underway.
Friday, September 12
- Recognition of local dance groups, 8 p.m., outside the San Francisco Church, Avenida Madero, Chapala.
- Conference on Jocotepec’s role in the Independence movement by town historian Aida Aguilar, exhibition of historical memorabilia, live music, 8 p.m., Casa de la Cultura adjacent to the Jocotepec plaza.
Saturday, September 13
- Commemoration of the Defense of Chapultepec Castle, Niños Heroes Monument opposite Chapala City Hall, 9 a.m.
- Ajijic Globo Regatta, balloon flying extravaganza, from 3 p.m., Cruz Azul soccer field next to highway, entrance on Calle Revolucion at Guadalupe Victoria,
- Traditional Musical Serenade, 8 p.m., Chapala Plaza
Sunday, September 14
- Carrera Jo-Color, a 4-Km. foot race with runners getting doused with powdered paints along the way, starts at the Jocotepec Plaza, 10 a.m., following a route along the main streets to finish at the waterfront Malecon.
- Día del Charro, Chapala: Horsemen’s Parade, noon, full loop on Avenida Madero, followed by activities at the J. Jesus Gonzalez Gallo Lienzo bullring opposite Pemex station, including celebration of Mass, 1 p.m., and equestrian events from 2:30 p.m.
- Día del Charro, Ajijic: Mass at San Andres, Noon, followed by Horseman’s Parade around the town, 1 p.m.; Equestrian spectacle and live entertainment at the Lienzo Charro bullring, Calle Revolución, from 3 p.m.
- Desfile del Rebozo, a colorful costume parade showcasing the typical Mexican shawl and village fiesta customs, Ajijic Plaza, 5 p.m.
- Traditional Musical Serenade, 8 p.m., Chapala Plaza
- Fiestas Patrias Queen Contest vote count and Coronation, 9 p.m., Ajijic Plaza, followed by dancing on the square.
Monday, September 15
- Chapala: Sports walk along Avenida Madero; 9 a.m. Evening festivities outside the Palacio Municipal-dance performances, 8 p.m.; Coronation of Fiestas Patrias Queen, 9 p.m.; music by Cantos y Redes Chorus, 9:30 p.m.; Equestrian Escort arrives with Independence Torch around 10 p.m.; Grito ceremony, 11 p.m.; fireworks and street party featuring Gala International dance band, from 11:30 p.m..
- Ajijic: Festivities at the central plaza – greased pole, greased pig, sack races and other traditional games for kids, 5 p.m.; hypnotist act, 8 p.m.; ballet folklorcio, 9 p.m., amateur singing contest, 10 p.m., Grito ceremony 11 p.m., followed by fireworks and town dance with La Nueva Casta band.
- Jocotepec: Festivities at the plaza from 7 p.m. - Reception of the Flame of Independence runners and Torch Parade, Ballet Folklorico Son de México, live mariachi music; Grito ceremony, 11 p.m., followed by fireworks.
Tuesday, September 16
- National holiday: government offices, schools and banks close for the day.
- Chapala: Civic Parade, 9 a.m., Avenida Madero. Traditional games at the Chapala beach, 4 p.m.
- Jocotepec: Civic Parade, 9 a.m., starting from the Plaza winding through the center of town. Traditional games and live entertainment, from 6:30 p.m. at the plaza.
- Ajijic: Civic Parade, Calle Constitución-Ocampo to Seis Esquinas, doubles back to the Plaza via Hidalgo, followed by fair at the Plaza. Combate de Flores, Fiesta Queen and Princesses parade around the plaza showering on-lookers with flowers and confetti, 8 p.m. Town dance, from 9 p.m., same location.
September 19, 20, 21
Fiestas Patrias festivities in San Antonio Tlayacapan.
September 20, 21
Grito celebration and Independence Parade in San Juan Cosala.