Open Circle
Phil Rylett and Eduardo Ramos present “Behind The Scenes of Ajijic’s Easter Passion Play” at Open Circle at the Lake Chapala Society, Sunday, April 13, 10:30 a.m.
For a half-century, Ajijic has come alive every Easter with its celebrated Passion Play—a breathtaking two-day spectacle that unfolds across various locations in the village. What makes this event truly unique is its heartfelt authenticity. Organized and performed entirely by locals—your gardener, cleaner, plumber, etc.—this grass roots production is a labor of love, with no professional assistance, government funding, or church sponsorship. It’s a powerful testament to the spirit and unity of the local community.
Discover the magic behind this incredible tradition. Learn how the villagers collaborate across neighborhoods, pouring their creativity and dedication into every aspect of the play. Witness the vibrant costumes, meet the actors stepping into their roles, and hear from the event’s dedicated organizer, “Lalo” Ramos.
The village’s esteemed chronicler, Ramos is celebrated for preserving and revitalizing Ajijic’s rich traditions. Joining him is Rylett, a devoted participant in the play for nine years and the master of ceremonies for the past six. Together, they’ll share the heart and history of this awe-inspiring community event.
Golf on screen
Birdie’s Lakeside Golf Lounge will be open at 9 a.m. this weekend to show coverage of The Masters Tournament, offering Augusta-themed drink specials for early birds. Above Pancho’s West.
Chapala Birders
Wednesday, April 16, meet team leader Tom Bravo at 8 a.m. at the San Antonio Malecon parking lot to walk the Malecon area. At about 9:30 a.m., the group will head to Cafe Negro restaurant for breakfast and complete the bird list. Confirm your attendance at least two days in advance with Tom 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..
How to get to the parking lot (follow these instructions carefully because of the one-way street system in San Antonio): From Ajijic, go past Walmart and the Coca Cola warehouse, then turn downhill at the traffic light onto Calle San Jose. Proceed downhill and turn right onto La Paz at a shrine one block before the lake, then turn left at the T intersection, and go one block to the parking lot.
Thursday April 24, meet team leader Cheshta Buckley at 8 a.m. at El Bajio on the west side of Ajijic and walk down the lane to the lake. Expect to see a good variety of birds in the tall trees and fields. At about 10 a.m., the group will review the bird list. You must reserve by contacting Cheshta Buckley, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 808-854-1594 at least two days ahead of time.
How to get there: From Ajijic go about three kilometers west from the light at Colon, turn downhill for El Bajio (across from the west end of Latitude/Margaritaville) and park immediately on the lateral road parallel to the Carretera.
Lakeside Freethinkers
The monthly meeting of the Lakeside Freethinkers will be held Thursday, April 17, 4 p.m. at Yves’ restaurant in west Ajijic.
A “freethinker” is one whose thoughts are based on fact and logic, and thinks independently of tradition, dogma or established belief. Freethinkers include atheists, agnostics, secular humanists and other skeptics who reject belief in the supernatural.
This month’s meeting will feature a special guest speaker, David Ellison, who will share his personal journey to a more peaceful and authentic existence through living in accordance with his core values and not by prescribed dogma.
If you’re interested in attending this meeting or would like more information about Lakeside Freethinkers, email 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..
Legion closure
American Legion Post 7 Chapala will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 19, so their employees can enjoy a day with family.
Golf Tourney
for San Antonio
A golf tournament will be held on Thursday, April 24, at the Country Club de Chapala (CCC) in Vista del Lago, offering prizes for the best players.
The event is a fundraiser for several San Antonio Tlayacapan community projects: a community kitchen providing meals for needy seniors and children, completion of the town’s mural initiative, and support for the Niños de San Antonio education program.
The tournament will follow a Go-Go format for foursome teams. Prizes for the top three holes (#4, #13, and #17) include: First place, a 52-inch TV; second place, a gift basket; third place, a round-trip ticket for a national flight. Additionally, a car will be awarded for the first hole-in-one at Hole #8.
The registration fee is 1,800 pesos for club members and 2,000 pesos for non-members (early registration), and 2,200 pesos after the deadline. Registrations close on April 22. Deposits can be made to BBVA Account 4152-3141-9394-1278. The fee includes a coffee break during sign-in starting at 8 a.m., a snack on the course, and a post-tournament meal. Information: CCC at 376-763-5136, Alicia García at 33-1744-5812, or Eva Litzo at 33-1417-5358.
Toy Drive
Drop off new unwrapped toys for kids of all ages for the children of the local fire department to give them on Dia del Niño (April 30) at the Lake Chapala Society, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through April 28.
Kentucky Derby party
Niños Incapacitados is holding their famous Kentucky Derby watch party Saturday, May 3, 3:30 p.m. Only 40 tickets are available. The all-inclusive event comes with a fried chicken dinner with all the fixin’s and bottomless Kentucky-style beverages.
The Run for the Roses will be seen on multiple TVs at a private home. Support medically challenged children at this event. Tickets, 1,500 pesos, are available at programaninos.com.
Ukulele classes
Jeffree White offers classes for ukulele or guitar players who want to learn to jam with others. Classes are Thursdays, 11 a.m. for intermediates and mixed at Club Positivo, San Luis 217, Riberas del Pilar (behind Computerland). No pressure, just fun. Drop-ins welcome. Cost is 100 pesos, materials provided.