Patriotic spirits will soar in the Lake Chapala area throughout the coming week with special activities scheduled to mark the anniversary of the 1810 start of Mexico’s Independence struggle against Spanish rule.
Here’s a condensed rundown on some holiday happenings that might appeal to Reporter readers.
AJIJIC
Saturday, September 9: Regatta de Globos balloon exhibition, 3 p.m., Cruz Azul soccer field.
Sunday, September 10: Final vote count and coronations of Fiestas Patrias Queen, 8 p.m., at the plaza with live mariachi music.
Wednesday, September 13: Fiestas Mexicana, 5 p.m., Lake Chapala Society gardens. Mexican buffet, complimentary drink, ballet folklórico and mariachi entertainment included in 200-peso ticket price.
Friday, September 15: Grito ceremony and town dance, from 8 p.m. at the plaza, with live entertainment and fireworks.
Saturday, September 16: Traditional fishing tournament, 9 a.m., at waterfront beach. Independence Day parade, 10 a.m., runs east to west on Calle Constitución-Ocampo to Seis Esquinas, doubling back to the plaza via Hidalgo. Fiestas Queen and princesses lead traditional Combate de Flores (flower battle), 7 p.m., at the plaza, followed by town dance.
Sunday, September 17: Annual Uses and Customs of the Rebozo (Mexican shawl) fashion parade, 7 p.m., at the plaza.
CHAPALA
Friday, September 15: Grito street party celebration outside at City Hall, from 6:30 p.m., includes live entertainment, arrival of Fuego Patrio runners and coronation of Fiestas Patrias Queen preceding Grito ceremony, 10:45 p.m. Festivities continue into the wee hours at the Malecón.
Saturday, September 16: Civic parade running full loop of Avenida Madero, starts at the intersection of Paseo Ramón Corona, 9 a.m.
JOCOTEPEC
All events take place at the central plaza unless noted otherwise.
Saturday, September 9: Los Huaraches perform comical Mexican folk music, 8 p.m. Followed by Gala Independence Dance, 9:30 p.m., with Orquesta Chamaco Guerrero at the municipal auditorium.
Sunday, September 10: Colores de mi Patria recreational race, starts 8:30 a.m. at the waterfront Malecón, running through main streets. Dia del Charro parade from Barrio La Campana through town, Noon, ending with equestrian sport at the Lienzo Charro arena. Orquesta Típica de Chapala appears at the plaza, 8 p.m.
Tuesday, September 12: Sopa de Piedra reggae group performs, 8 p.m.
Wednesday, September 13: Niños Héroes Ceremony, 8:30 a.m. Amateur singers contest, 7 p.m., followed by Ballet Folklórico Coxalá, 8 p.m.
Thursday, September 14: Folk harp father-son duo Los Centenarios, 8 p.m.
Friday, September 15: Noche Mexicana, from sundown, features reception of the Fuego Patrio torch runners, Ballet Folklórico Jocotepec, live mariachi, coronation of Señorita Fiestas Patrias and Grito ceremony.
Saturday, September 16: Flag ceremony, 8 a.m. followed by Independence Parade along main streets, 8:30 a.m. Sinfónica Tonantzín performance, noon. Craft beer festival, noon, waterfront Malecón; traditional games for kids, 4 p.m., same location.