The San Sebastián fiesta in upper Ajijic was interrupted on Saturday, January 20 when an electric shock injured the man in charge of igniting the evening’s fireworks display.
He was standing at the foot of the castillo tower as a rain storm struck with brisk winds that tilted the tall structure onto the high voltage wires strung over the street, causing a life-threatening discharge.
The experienced pyrotechnician, identified as David Rochín, 31, was rescued by first responders and rushed to the Municipal Clinic for medical evaluation and emergency attention. He survived the electrocution and was pronounced in stable condition, but remains under treatment for third-degree burns he suffered on his hands and feet from the incident.
Rochín’s family and Ajijic neighbors are getting involved in fund-raising activities to help cover expenses incurred during his recovery, including putting up an empanadas stall at the food fair kermes set for Sunday, February 11 at the Malecón. Donations of assorted goods and services are also being collected for a benefit raffle that includes several bottles of tequila and, ironically, a torito fireworks device for the town’s May 3 celebration of the Day of the Holy Cross.
While Rochín recognizes the perils of his line of work, he has expressed no intention of giving up a trade that creates so much delight among the fiesta-living populace of his hometown.