Michi-Cihualli fest
The Cochera Cultural will hold the 2nd annual Festival Michi-Cihualli Friday and Saturday, March 17 and 18.
On Friday the festival begins with an opening ceremony and then the Ce Ollin Pre-Hispanic dancers from San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas will take the stage at 6 p.m., followed by a children’s dance group and the Danzantes de Ajijic. The evening finishes with a screening of an experimental short film, “La Leyenda de la Michi-Cihualli,” and a documentary, “Encontrando la historia de la Michi-Cihualli.”
Saturday, the Ce Ollin dancers will perform with the children’s dance group from San Sebastian at 5 p.m.; poetry readings begin 5:30 p.m. and pre-Hispanic dance by Ce Ollin and music by the Ensamble Ceiba will be presented.
Art by Antonio Lopez Vega, Xiu Oceloti and work from the children’s painting workshop will be presented both days. A cash bar and taco bar will be open. All events by donation.
Open Circle
Guadalajara Reporter’s Dale Hoyt Palfrey presents “Tales of an Accidental Expat” at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, March 19, 10:30 a.m. at the Lake Chapala Society.
On a balmy afternoon in March 1973, Dale Hoyt and her spunky 83-year-old grandmother stepped down from a second-class bus for a weekend visit to Lake Chapala. Now 50 years later, Dale is still here. She will share the story of why she ended up as an accidental expat, observations on how the lakeside area has changed over time and anecdotes about the people, historical events and experiences that have enriched her life. She will delve into her perspective on language hurdles, attitude adjustments and involvement in community activities that are crucial to overcoming the challenges of adapting to life as a foreign settler in this unparalleled spot on Mexico’s map.
Dale Hoyt Palfrey unexpectedly found her calling as a bilingual journalist within a few years of putting down roots on Lake Chapala’s shores. In addition to contributing articles on Mexican history and culture to MexConnect.com and various print publications, she has made a mark over the last four decades as lakeside’s veteran news correspondent for the Guadalajara Reporter.
Registration is strongly encouraged. Reserve at opencircleajijic.org.
Chapala Birders
Thursday March 23, the Lake Chapala Birders will meet at 8 a.m. at El Bajio sculpture on the highway in La Floresta, departing immediately for Villa Corona on Lake Atotonilco (a 60-minute drive). Expect to see various shore such as white-faced ibis and roseate spoonbill. Bring your own mid-morning refreshments. There will be a break for snacking at 11 a.m. The group will be back in Ajijic by about 1:30 p.m. You must reserve by emailing John Keeling at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least two days ahead of time, letting him know if you can bring a vehicle and can take others, or whether you are looking for a ride.
Paella fest
The third annual Festival de la Paella—a benefit for Poco A Poco San Pedro Itzican—will be held Saturday, March 25, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Fracc. Constanza Residential Club in San Juan Cosala (above the Raquet Club). This event is a culinary competition, challenging the competitors to outdo each other.
The 500-peso ticket price includes a welcome glass of beer or sangria, appetizers, more than ten types of paellas, music by the Lakeside Jazz Trio, and a flamenco dance presentation by Danza Española and Pilar Villasante. A no-host bar with distilled spirits and beers will be available. No pets are allowed at this event.
Reservations are required and can be made with the event’s organizer, Francisco Romero, 333-139-4028, 333-106-8596.
Help for special kids
“Beyond the Walls,” a coffee table book with photos of amazing Lakeside area homes by Alison Pickering, with all benefits accrued to The School for Special Children in Jocotepec, is for sale at Fenix Real Estate, corner of the Carretera and San Jose in San Antonio Tlayacapan. Cost is 500 pesos.
We’ve moved
The Guadalajara Reporter office in Plaza Bugambilias has moved to the hall, closer to the parking garage, in front of Chopsticks restaurant. Stop in and wish Manager Libby Townsend well in her new abode. Open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.