Chapala’s waterfront promises to be abuzz with activity Thursday, May 30 through Sunday, June 2 during the run of Expo Internacional de Prácticas y Energías Sustentables, a multi-faceted event revolving around climate change and other environmental issues that impact Lake Chapala.
The expo will be mounted at different points along the length of the malecón, with goings-on scheduled daily between 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., all open to the public and free of charge.
A main attraction will be the “time machine” pavilion set up by Chapala’s Instituto Tecnológico Mario Molina, where visitors can take guided virtual tours of Lake Chapala, spanning from 50 years in the past to 30 years in the future.
The program also incorporates the Festival de Aves, an educational celebration of the area’s endemic and migrating wild birds organized by Instituto Corazón de la Tierra, a prestigious NGO dedicated to pro-environment actions in the Lake Chapala basin and its watershed.
A commercial fair will showcase an array of earth-friendly products and services, including electric, hybrid and non-motorized vehicles, solar power options, gardening and farming goods, organic produce, artisanal foods and handicrafts.
The daily program available at press time lists confirmed entertainment and a series of conferences to be presented in Spanish by well-versed guest speakers.
Thursday, May 30: Inauguration, followed by a performance by the Ballet Folklórico Guadalupano, 10:20 a.m.; “Alternative energy sources for water treatment plants,” 11 a.m.; “30 years in the life of Lake Chapala,” noon; “World Day of Migratory Birds,” 1 p.m.; speaker José Antonio Flores, 4 p.m.; speaker Bernabé Robledo, 5 p.m.; an appearance by the Ballet Folclórico del Ayuntamiento de Chapala, 6 p.m.
Friday, May 31: “Climate Change,” 10 a.m.; “Environmental certifications,” 11 a.m.; a performance by Danza Polinesia, noon; “Kidney disease prevention,” noon; “Impact of water hyacinths in Lake Chapala,” 4 p.m.; “PET plastic system,” 5 p.m.; a performance by Danza Aerea, 6 p.m.
Saturday, June 1: Family bicycle excursion from El Torito supermarket in Ajijic to the expo venue departs, 9 a.m., with group return ride at 1 p.m.; a performance by Danza Folclórico Maestra Celina, 10 a.m., repeated at 1 p.m.; “Progress in implementation of sustainable practices in the municipality” by Chapala Mayor Moisés Anaya, 11 a.m.; and “Sustainable Fishing in Lake Chapala,” 1 p.m.
Sunday, June 2: Performances by Desperanto dance group and Ballet Folkloico Jocoeptepec, times TBA.