Those in search of materials to create Day of the Dead altars should head no further than the Feria del Carton y del Juguete (toys and paper crafts fair), which opened last weekend in downtown Guadalajara’s Parque Morelos.

The recent Mariachi Festival may have been a damp squib but the stirring sounds of Mexico’s much-loved musical genre are once again being heard in Guadalajara’s historic center.

It was a happy “homecoming” for 89-year-old Spanish filmmaker Carlos Saura, who was honored and whose work was showcased at the recent Guadalajara International Film Festival (FICG).

A surprise, live concert under the banner of the 28th International Mariachi Festival was announced midweek.

Jalisco government officials last week welcomed the organizing committee of the Gay Games, a worldwide sport and cultural event featuring lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) athletes, artists and other individuals, which promotes the acceptance of sexual diversity.

Up-and-coming musical director Vladimir Gomez—who may be more up than coming—has masterminded a recorded collaboration among his Zapopan Chamber Orchestra (OCZ), two iconic figures in popular Mexican music, Jalisco’s revered Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, and a host of distinguished local and international musical entities.