Native folk representing 13 communities in the state of Michoacan will showcase their crafts, customs and regional cuisine at the Ajijic Plaza during the Union de Pueblos Purépecha Festival to be held Friday, December 13 through Sunday, December 15.

A full day of colorful activities, all wrapped around the slogan “Mexico and its roots,” are in store for lakesiders who turn up for the Festival de Charreria on  Saturday, December 7 at Ajijic’s Lienzo Charro bullring.

Here’s just the thing to get you in the Christmas spirit: a stunning display of nacimiento (creche) scenes.  In fact, 236 in total from all over the world. 

December will be chock-full of special events geared to warm hearts and spread holiday cheer among the less fortunate folks in the lakeside area. If you’re feeling the spirit of giving, mark the following happenings on your calendar:

Animal lovers will have a rare opportunity to get an inside look at the Las Calaveras, lakeside’s unique animal rescue, rehabilitation center and sanctuary, at the second annual open house benefit to be held Saturday, December 7, 4 p.m., hosted by owner-operator Siegrid Hernandez and her husband, local vet Pepe Magaña.

Running under the slogan “We All Dream of Flying,” the 2013 Lake Chapala Bird Festival takes flight Friday, November 22, with an inaugural event at the Centro Cultural Gonzalez Gallo starting off at 5 p.m. with a brief talk on wild bird trafficking, followed by an introduction to this year’s star species, the roseate spoonbill.