Though not designated as an official holiday, Mother’s Day qualifies as the most widely and fervently celebrated of all Mexican festivities. Dia de las Madres is invariably commemorated nationwide on May 10.
Festivities in the Lake Chapala area commonly start long before dawn as beloved mothers are roused from slumber with musical serenades. Throughout the day Moms will also be regaled with floral bouquets, gifts, family gatherings, or perhaps the luxury of dining out.
The atrium of Chapala’s San Francisco Church will be the setting for the traditional 10 de Mayo Festival, where a throng of local ladies will be feted with an evening of entertainment starting at 8 p.m. All will have a shot at winning hundreds of raffle prizes donated for the occasion by the business community, such as household appliances, cookware, cakes, pantry goods and fashion accessories.
Ajijic’s Charro Association will throw its annual Mother’s Day hoedown on Saturday, May 11, 5 p.m., at the town bullring. The stands will be packed to the hilt to watch moms compete in lively contests, including wrestling a young heifer to capture the kerchief stuffed with cash tied its horns. Admission is free for women, girls and kids, 50 pesos for men and boys over 14.