Despite the cancellation of this year’s Independence Day festivities, a fundraiser to support the restoration of Ajijic’s Capilla del Rosario will embrace the spirit of the season.
The Fiesta Mexicana taking place Sunday, September 19, in the chapel atrium gets underway at 8:30 a.m. with a food fair offering a variety of typical Mexican dishes such as menudo, pozole, tamales, tacos, sopes and enchiladas, as well as an assortment of dessert goodies and beverages. Live entertainment is programed throughout the morning and afternoon.
The ongoing collection of 10-peso coins laid down along the chapel’s vintage tile floor will also continue during the event, with the goal of completing a kilometer-long line of contributions towards the restoration expenses. Coins be also be added every Monday evening, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., during the weekly meetings of the project support group Sumando Voluntades.
The 18th-century stone chapel located at the northwest corner of the Ajijic plaza is the home of the town’s original religious patron, La Virgen del Rosario. The treasured antique image has been kept at San Andrés parish church since the chapel was closed two years ago due to structural damages. Costly repairs will be carried out following the guidance of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).