Pastorelas
Chapala offers up two public Christmas plays (pastorelas) this weekend. Saturday, December 21, a group from Comala, Colima performs at the Fuente de los Pescadores in front of the Malecon, 7 p.m. (no cost) and Sunday, December 22, a comic pastorela “The Rematch: Devils vs Angels,” takes place at the Centro Cultural Antigua Presidencia, 7 p.m. (cost: 30 pesos).
Christmas Bazar
Some 70 vendors will be on hand for a Christmas Bazaar to be held at the La Huerta de Serna Events Center in West Ajijic (where the Tuesday Market is held), Saturday, December 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Artists, artisans, designers, chefs and others will present their latest creations. Live music will be on hand. Information: 331-252-0812.
Posada
The Ixtlahuacan de los Membrillos city government is holding a posada for all the children in the town in the main plaza, Saturday, December 21, 4 p.m.
Klestadt memorial
Ann and Marty Klestadt invite Charlie’s many friends to remember and celebrate his life. The gathering will take place on Saturday, December 21, between 3 and 5 p.m. at the Lake Chapala Society. Undoubtedly there will be tears, but laughter too. Some of Charlie’s favorite music will be shared. Colibri Garden (Peter and Georgina) will cater light refreshments.
Open Circle
Carlos Martinez, Bryan Clark and John Pint present “You Need to See … to Believe Mexico” at the next meeting of Open Circle, Sunday, December 22, 10:30 a.m. to noon, on the patio of the Lake Chapala Society (LCS).
More than 1,000 years of Meso-American cultures define México in so many ways, but the sudden influence of Spain transformed everything. New cultures emerged through a mishmash of religion and traditions. Life as it was known before changed for the inhabitants of New Spain. Forty million people visit Mexico every year, but little do they fathom its secrets. This Sunday, three experts will introduce you to what is out there only a stone’s throw away, untouched and barely on the map – natural, man-made, cultural, and culinary experiences unknown to most locals. They will reveal some of the fantastic secrets of México.
John Pint is a writer, professor, passionate speleologist and nature lover who has spent more than 30 years exploring Mexico.
Bryan Clark has always been a helping hand in more than a dozen countries.
Carlos Martínez is a writer, professor and also a speleologist who is curious about everything.
Richard Royce on guitar and Uwe Grygier on drums will provide music from 10 to 10:30 a.m. before the scheduled program.
Information: opencircleajijic.org.
Birders
Friday, December 27, Lake Chapala Birders will carpool at Donas Donuts at 8 a.m., leaving immediately for Villa Corona (a 60-minute drive). Expect to see various shore birds such as white-faced ibis, roseate spoonbill and possibly snow goose. Bring your own mid-morning refreshments for a snack break around 11 a.m. The group will be back in Ajijic by about 1:30 p.m. If you plan on going, email John at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at least 48 hours ahead of time to help in carpool planning.
Lake Chapala Birders is an informal group of bird observers led by John and Rosemary Keeling. Information: chapalabirders.org.
A laminated folder, “Quick Guide to the Birds of Lake Chapala,” illustrating 150 local species can be purchased for 150 pesos at Diane Pearl in the center of Ajijic. This is especially useful to newcomers. It is produced by Defenders of Wildlife, which works to protect imperiled species throughout North America.
LCS bus trips
The Lake Chapala Society bus heads to Tlaquepaque’s Forum Mall and Home Depot, Friday, December 27. A trip to Amatitan’s Tres Mujeres Distillery is planned for Wednesday, January 8.
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.
Legion New Year fiesta
American Legion Post 7 Chapala will host a New Year’s prelude with all-you-can-eat extra large shrimp, chicken wings, corn on the cob, coleslaw, bread and dessert, Tuesday, December 31. Cocktails begin 1 p.m. and dinner is at 2 p.m. Tickets, 280 pesos, must be purchased in advance at the Legion Post, Morelos 114 in Chapala. Call 376-765-2259 for more information.
Thrift store close-out
Casi Nuevo, the School for Special Children’s Thrift Store located in Riberas across from 7-11, is closing permanently effective December 31. Come check out the bargains!
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..
• January 2, cell phones in Mexico.
• January 16, cell phone cameras.
• January 23, Google photos.
Every Thursday, noon to 2 p.m., Technical Help Desk for phones, laptops, tablets, TV questions, cell phone operations, email and everything tech.
LCS courses
LCS members can take advantage of a variety of courses and seminars.
• Mexico’s year of fiestas. Judy King gives insights on the diverse and fascinating traditions surrounding Mexico’s winter holiday season. Four Mondays: January 6, 13, 20 and 27, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
• Introduction to Lakeside. Topics include: banking, shopping, medical services, transportation, housing, utilities, maid and gardening services, social protocols, fiestas, holidays, and religious observations. Monday, January 6, 9 a.m.
• Mexican Winter Fruits with Alfredo Perez. enjoy a trip to the warmest heart of Mexican winter and its flavors. Recipes, flavors, aromas and more. Friday, January 10, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
• Problem of dispossession of real estate by invaders, by Maria de las Nieves Solbes and Diego Solbes, will be given in a series of Fridays, January 10, 17, 24 and 31, 1 to 2:30 p.m.
• Mexican Manners with Alfredo Pérez. Learn about behavior, punctuality, tipping, body language and more, Friday, January 17, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Creative Writing with Rachel McMillen, Wednesdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29, February 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2-4 p.m.
Check the LCS office or website for costs and to sign up.
TED Talks
The next Ted Talk is Tuesday, January 7, noon to 1:15 p.m. in the Lake Chapala Society Sala, when Kishore Mahbubani will present “How the West can adapt to a rising Asia.” Open to LCS members only.
As Asian economies and governments continue to gain power, the West needs to find ways to adapt to the new global order, says author and diplomat Mahbubani. In an insightful look at international politics, Mahbubani shares a three-part strategy that Western governments can use to recover power and improve relations with the rest of the world.
Hosted by Fred Harland.
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, 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. The next presentation, by Richard Clarke, will be Tuesday, January 7.
Tamale class
Lupe, from San Juan Cosala – known locally as the queen of tamales – will give a hands-on cooking course on how to prepare tamales at an all-you-can-eat-tamales class/party, scheduled for Monday, January 13, 2 to 5 p.m. in Las Fuentes. The class, where Lupe will teach you how to make spicy chicken tamales, vegetarian tamales and dessert tamales, is capped at eight diners.
The 500-peso cost for the class and post-class sumptuous, four-course dinner party includes a refreshing watermelon mimosa while you learn. Participants are welcome to bring their own libation of choice, as well. All the funds go to Lupe. Tamales will also be available for take-home purchase after the party/class.
Information and signup details: facebook/Deborah.march 5473.
Insight Meditation
The Heart of Awareness (HOA) meditation center offers meditation sessions Sunday at 9 a.m., 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 25 and Wednesday, January 1, there will be no afternoon sessions. Instead, an hour-long silent meditation period will be offered beginning 10 a.m.
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.
DaeJa Napier, a senior teacher in the Vipassana/Insight meditation tradition will be in residency with The Heart of Awareness and offer a non-residential weekend February 21 to 23 and a residential retreat May 12 to 15.
The HOA center is at Guadalupe Victoria 101. Information: heartofawareness.org.
Michoacán craft masters in ajijic
Visitors at last weekend’s Fiesta Purépecha enjoyed filling up on hand-patted blue corn tortillas and other Michoacán culinary specialties prepared by Juana Bravo and her cooking crew. The four-day event also showcased assorted indigenous crafts from different villages, such as hand-carved wooden masks and figurines