Chapala’s no-holds-barred Carnaval celebration get underway this weekend, running in full-tilt party mode through Fat Tuesday, March 5.
This year’s program offers a full gamut of activities with appeal to all tastes and age groups centered at La Cristiania Park fairgrounds unless otherwise specified. General admission is 25 pesos 
for kids, 35 for adults. Extra entrance fees apply to concerts with big name performers. Admission is charged for jaripeo bullriding with live banda music at Chapala’s Lienzo Charro González Gallo, opposite the Pemex station.
Friday, February 22: Kick-off parade, 7 p.m., runs north to south along Avenida Madero, ending with the explosive Entierro del Mal Humor, crowning of the Rey Feo (Ugly King) and dance party at the fairgrounds.
Saturday, February 23: Concert with two bands, plus Pancho Barraza*, 9 p.m.
Sunday, February 24: Rap Fest, from 2 p.m.; Dance party with four live bands plus Original Banda el Limón, from 4 p.m.
Monday, February 25: Lucha Libre wrestling, 8 p.m.
Tuesday, February 26: Carnaval Queen Pageant & Coronation, 8 p.m., with comedian Teo González.
Wednesday, February 27: Radio Grupera music fest, from 4 p.m.
Thursday, February 28: Wapayasos y Horripicosos, acrobatic and musical clown show, 7 p.m.
Friday, March 1: Jaripeo, 4 p.m., Lienzo Charro; Concert with four bands plus Alfredo Rios “El Komander” from 4 p.m.
Saturday, March 2: Jaripeo bullriding with banda music, 4 p.m., Lienzo Charro González Gallo; Bailazo dance party with Los Meros Reyes, Alta Consigna and Banda Los Recoditos*, 8 p.m.
Sunday, March 3: Carnaval parade, 10 a.m., Avendia Madero; Chapalazo Mud Fest, 11 a.m.; jaripeo, 4 p.m., Lienzo Charro; Cultural entertainment, from 3 p.m., Malecón east end Forum; Electro Music Fest, 6 p.m.
Monday, March 4: Jaripeo, 4 p.m., Lienzo Charro; Midget Matadors show, 7 p.m.; Cultural entertainment, 7 p.m., Malecón east end Forum.
Tuesday, March 5: Jaripeo, 4 p.m., Lienzo Charro; Cultural entertainment, 7 p.m., Malecón east end Forum; Carnaval Finale, with Norteño VIP, La Arrolladora Banda el Limón and Chuy Lizrraga, from 8 p.m.
Carnaval festivities in Ajijic are set for February 24, and March 2-4, with Toro del Once Sayaca parades, 10:30 a.m.; Recibimientos at the Malecón, 1 p.m., and jaripeos at the village bullring, 4:30 p.m., closing with the colorful Carnaval parade, March 5, 11 a.m., followed by the final Recibimiento and Jaripeo at the usual times.