Chapala kicks off its traditional Carnaval festivities on Tuesday, February 25, with a full schedule of lively events running through March 4.
Ajijic is already on a good-times roll with its own brand of traditional Mardi Gras mayhem, while Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos hosts a one-day celebration on March 2.
Chapala’s official Carnaval events, organized by the municipal government, are centered at the Núcleo fairgrounds in Cristianía Park, where admission is free. The Teatro del Pueblo will feature free entertainment, while ticketed concerts by major banda artists will take place in the enclosed open-air Explanada.
Traditional jaripeo bull-riding events with live music and dancing in the stands will be held at the Lienzo Charro González Gallo, located at the north end of Avenida Madero, across from the Pemex station. These events are scheduled daily from February 28 to March 4 at 5 p.m., preceded by free recibimiento cocktail receptions for livestock sponsors at the Chapala plaza at 1 p.m.
Highlight Events (subject to change)
Tuesday, February 25
• Banda Cuisillos and other guest bands open the festival with free performances at the Explanada, starting at 5 p.m.
Thursday, February 27
• Entierro del Mal Humor (Burial of Bad Humor) parade departs from the north end of Avenida Madero at 7 p.m., heading to the fairgrounds via Ramón Corona for a fiery finale and dance party.
Friday, February 28
• Costume Soccer Match – Norteños USA-Los Cabos vs. Amigos Chapala, 4 p.m., Campo Municipal on Avenida Madero.
• Reina de Carnaval Pageant, 8 p.m., Teatro del Pueblo, followed by a Sonora Dinamita dance party.
Saturday, March 1
• Mariachi and more musical entertainment, 8 p.m., Teatro del Pueblo.
Sunday, March 2
• Carnaval Parade, 10 a.m., along Avenida Madero, starting at the Lienzo Charro.
• Kids’ Show, 1 p.m., Teatro del Pueblo.
• Rap Fest, from 1 p.m., Explanada.
• Nitro Circus, 2 p.m., next to Teatro del Pueblo.
• Lucha Libre Wrestling, 5:30 p.m., outside Teatro del Pueblo.
• La Sopa Band Concert, 8 p.m., Teatro del Pueblo.
Tuesday, March 4
• Baile de Carnaval – All-night grand finale from 9 p.m., featuring Banda Lagos, Conjunto Primavera, and Banda El Recodo, Explanada.
Ajijic’s festivities
Ajijic’s Carnaval celebrations revolve around the traditional Fiestas Taurinas, which began on February 9 and will continue through March 4. The lively Toro de Once runs—where gender-bending masked Sayaca troupes lead bulls through village streets—will take place on Sunday, February 23, and again daily from March 1 to 3.
The revelry reaches its peak on Tuesday, March 4, with Ajijic’s raucous Carnaval desfile (parade). The parade starts at the east end of Calle Constitución around 11 a.m., moving west to Seis Esquinas before looping back to the plaza via Hidalgo. Expect colorful floats, costumed revelers, and plenty of confetti and baking flour, as spectators are doused in festive fun along the route.
Ixtlahuacán Carnaval
Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos will celebrate its third annual Carnaval on Sunday, March 2, with a vibrant parade through the main streets at 10 a.m., followed by a Toro de Once jaripeo at the Plaza de Toros.
What is Carnaval?
Carnaval in Latin America is a vibrant, pre-Lenten festival celebrated with parades, music, dance and elaborate costumes. Rooted in Catholic traditions, it blends European, Indigenous and African influences, creating unique regional variations. Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro Carnaval is the most famous, featuring samba schools and massive street parties, while the largest celebrations in Mexico are in Veracruz and Mazatlan. Many cities incorporate masked revelers, and flour or water fights. Carnaval marks a time of indulgence before the solemnity of Lent, embodying joy, satire and cultural heritage.