While the Guadalajara Reporter strives to keep readers apprised of accurate news on current events, our writers often confront the foibles of journalism as an inexact science.

One of my personal struggles is attempting convey precise scheduling information about lakeside happenings, frequently provided by less than reliable sources and always subject to last minute changes.

A case in point was the traditional Christmas Eve display of live nativity scenes outside Ajijic’s San Andrés Church. The event, confirmed two days prior to the date, was cancelled with no prior notice.  As I stood dumfounded in the empty atrium, more than a few disappointed expats approached me to mock the notice I had penned for these pages.

I expect more derision for my “fake news” on special events wrapped into the area’s Carnaval festivities.

I reported the time and route for last Sunday’s big parade in downtown Chapala.  It began more punctually than usual, but I was stunned to discover that it ran only along the north-south lane of the main avenue, instead of the customary and announced full loop in the opposite direction. The change was made that very morning when unexpected number of participants appeared on a moment’s notice, the City Hall press chief explained.

I also made a big deal about the tribute to the town’s late musical hero Mike Laure. I spotted a few anxious Anglos hanging around at the scheduled 4 p.m. starting time. They didn’t stick around for long after tedious sound checks finally got under way 30 minutes later. 

And I can’t say how the concert finally turned out as I myself bailed after suffering through more than an hour of crummy rockers taking turns on stage.  I later heard that the main acts booked to perform Laure’s signature Mexican cumbia hits finally went on around 9:30 p.m., long after I was comfortably settled in bed. 

I know well enough that this country and our community operate on a mysterious time frame. But from here on out, remember that no matter what my stories may say, things will happen when the moment is ripe. No sooner, no later.