Floating lantern fest
Agua Luz y Esperanza will take place Saturday, November 30 at Chapala’s Cristianía Park – weather permitting.
The event centers on a massive release of small lamps into Lake Chapala’s waters. Participants will put together cube-shaped lanterns to be decorated with inspirational messages and drawings of their choice and illuminated with tea lights. The lanterns are made of biodegradable materials that will be netted and removed from the lake after the festival ends.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.." />Gates to the festival grounds open at 2 p.m. for registration and delivery of lantern kits. Live music, food services and access to the commercial and children’s activity areas start at 3 p.m.
Lanterns will be launched between sundown and 8:30 p.m.
General admission to the festival grounds is set at 45 pesos. Package deals that include admission, entry bracelet, and a lantern kit held in an eco-friendly bag are priced at 225 pesos for each adult, and 175 pesos for youngsters age 7 to 15. The VIP package includes the aforementioned items, plus entry to the VIP zone and VIP parking lot, snacks and two glasses of wine. A discounted rate is available to resident senior citizens. Children under age 6 are admitted at no charge. Admission may be paid at the gate.
Open Circle
Rachel McMillen presents “Reconciliation – It’s More than Just a Word” at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, December 1, 10:30 a.m. to noon, on the patio of the Lake Chapala Society (LCS).
Understanding the history of our interactions with the people who were the original inhabitants of our countries, can only take us so far on the path of reconciliation. Knowing what is happening in the present can give us tools to help, but to gain knowledge that can help us weather the economic and climate storms of the future, we need to learn from the traditional beliefs of our indigenous neighbors.
McMillen is an adult educator with an Honors Arts degree (English language and literature) and the author of the Dan Connor Mystery series, described by one reviewer as “mysteries with a conscience.” She and her husband spent 30 years sailing the west coast, meeting and working with the indigenous people who live there.
Information: opencircleajijic.org.
TED Talks
“Crowdsourced funding for Third World projects” is presented at the next Ted Talk, Tuesday, December 3, noon to 1:15 p.m. in the Lake Chapala Society Sala. Open to LCS members only.
Crowdsourced funding evolved from War Bonds and has become very popular in the internet age, funding such things as surgeries, disaster relief, album releases, soccer fields, small enterprises and frauds. The focus will be on KIVA’s lending program and Globalgiving grant donations.
Hosted by Rick Rhoda.
Hot Science at LCS
Lake Chapala Society members can get the lowdown on new science, technology and medical news each Tuesday in the LCS Sala, 1:45 to 2:45 p.m. Topics for December 3: Cybertruck: Tesla unveils new pickup truck, but windows break during demo; Fossil fuel output to greatly exceed Paris climate pledges; 89,000°F Wall of Plasma Surrounds Our Solar System.
Presented by Silicon Valley guy Richard Clarke.
LCS bus trips
Thursday, December 5, the LCS bus heads to Andares Mall, which features fashionable merchandise in boutiques and major stores and fine dining.
Wednesday, December 11, the trip is to the crafts center of Tonala and leaves La Floresta at 9:30 a.m.
Check the LCS office or website to sign up and learn the departure times and cost of the trips. Registration and payment can now be made online at lakechapalasociety.com.
Tech classes at LCS
Michael Goss teaches tech classes Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m. for LCS members.
Sign up for classes by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
• December 5: WhatsApp, Messenger, Skype and Texting.
• Every Thursday, noon to 2 p.m., Technical Help Desk for phones, laptops, tablets, TV questions, cell phone operations, email and everything tech.
Christmas donation drive
Casa Colon Concept House in Ajijic, together with Paso a Paso, is holding a Christmas donation drive to help communities east of Mezcala. The event is Friday, December 6, 2 p.m. and features live music from Jim Sims, hors d’oeuvres by Casa Domenech and a fashion show by Bohemia boutique. Tickets, 200 pesos, are available at Bohemia. Please bring a non-perishable food donation of your choice.
Casa Colon is at Colon 29 in Ajijic, open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Tuesdays.
Legion Tech support
Mike Goss now also offers free tech support at American Legion Post 7, Morelos 114 in Chapala, Fridays, 1 to 3 p.m. Email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
British Luncheon
The Lakeside British and Commonwealth Society holds its monthly luncheon on Saturday, December 7, 1 p.m. at Manix Restaurant, Ocampo 57 in Ajijic.
Rosemary has prepared a special Christmas bingo.
Menu is a small salad, cream of tomato soup, roast turkey, roasted cambray potatoes, dressing, vegetables and gravy, or a large salad with protein. Dessert is chocolate mousse.
The cost is 180 pesos plus drinks and tip.
Contact Sue at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Arleen at 376-766-1742 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to confirm your attendance. Visitors welcome.
Christmas bazaar
American Legion Post 7 Chapala holds a Christmas Bazaar and bake sale, Saturday, December 7, 10 a.m. to noon.
Fiesta de Navidad
La Bella Vida is holding its 11th Annual Fiesta de Navidad Saturday, December 7, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Louie Pavao will provide live music in the garden along with plenty of food and drink. Handcrafted ornaments, decorations and artistic treasures from around the world will be on sale.
CREM bazaar
CREM Regional Music School is holding a Christmas bazaar on the esplanade of the Auditorio de la Ribera, Sunday, December 8, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you want a spot to sell you merchandise, call Mrca at 331-417-4274.
Democrats holiday party
The Lake Chapala Chapter of the Democrats Abroad is holding its annual holiday party Monday, December 9, 4 p.m. at La Bodega Ajijic.
Enjoy a sumptuous Mexican buffet and a white elephant gift exchange. (Bring a wrapped gift to the value of 250-500 pesos to swap.)
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Tickets, 350 pesos in advance or 400 at the door, are on sale at Diane Pearl, Mia’s Boutique and Casi Nuevo Bazaar." />Tickets, 300 pesos, are available at Diane Pearl and Yoli’s Beauty Salon in Plaza Bugambilias. All are welcome. You do not need to be a DA member to attend.
DA-Lake Chapala is also collecting toys for the Los Gueros Motorcycle Club Toys for Tots Run. Bring unwrapped gifts or cash donations: new toys for children (ages newborn to 10 years old), especially soccer balls, small truck or car sets, dolls, simple nail polish sets, baby blanket, etcetera. No simulated weapons or items requiring batteries will be accepted. The cost should not exceed 150 pesos.
Spanish at LCS
Introduction to Spanish is a three-week class taking place on Tuesdays, beginning December 10. These classes are open only to Lake Chapala Society members. Find out about dates, times and costs at the LCS office.
Conexiones entre amigos
A monthly networking events held every second Tuesday of the month, 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Lake Chapala Society. Tuesday, December 10, the special guest will be the Jalisco Secretary of Tourism, Germán Ernesto Ralis Cumplido, who will talk about the many tourist attractions offered in this state.
Free entrance.
LCS courses
LCS members can take advantage of a variety of courses and seminars.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.." />• Recognizing counterfeit bills and banking procedures in Mexico by Karely Castro from HSBC, Tuesday, December 10, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Avoid getting ripped off with Mexican money. Learn how to identify counterfeit bills and what to do in case you get one.
• Introduction to Lakeside. Learn all the basics: banking, shopping, restaurants, medical services, getting around, transportation, housing, utilities, maid and gardening services, social protocols, fiestas, holidays, religious observations, Thursday, December 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Check the LCS office or website for costs and to sign up.
Toy Run
American Legion Post 7 Chapala and Los Gueros Motorcycle Club will conduct their 6th annual Toy Run, Saturday, December 14.
A breakfast is held at 10 a.m. at the Legion, and the ride, comprising cars and motorcycles, will head up to the Tepahua community in the hills behind Chapala at noon to bring a memorable Christmas to the children of that community.
Everyone is welcome to join in. Cash and toy donations (before December 8) may be made at the American Legion, Mama’s Musical and Pool Bars and at the Iron Horse Bar. For information and updates, see losgueros.com.
Insight Meditation
Sunday, December 1, The Heart of Awareness (HOA) meditation center is open from 9 a.m. until noon for three rounds of sitting and walking meditation. Participants are welcome to come for all or just a portion of this extended practice period. Additional meditation periods are offered Wednesday at 4 p.m. and Thursday at 11 a.m. All are open to the general public regardless of experience or affiliation. Chairs and cushions are provided and there are written instructions on meditation for beginners. There are no fees for practice opportunities, but donations are always welcome.
Wednesday, December 4, the meditation period will be followed by a reading from “Insight Meditation: The Practice of Freedom” by Joseph Goldstein, from the section “How to Practice” titled “Purpose, Effort, and Surrender.”
A yoga class is offered on Thursdays from 9-10:45 a.m. Mats and blocks are provided. The class is suitable for students at all levels, from beginners to advanced.
The HOA center is at Guadalupe Victoria 101. Information: heartofawareness.org.
Personal enhancement
A personal Enhancement workshop, presented by Dr. Daniel Acuff, Ph.D., will be offered every Wednesday at LCS beginning January 29. Participants will explore a variety of issues germane to what it means to be alive and inquisitive, wanting even more insight, growth, health and happiness. Free to LCS members. For info and registration: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..