Open Circle
Discover the colorful history of “La Rusa” (Eleanor Saenger of Brooklyn)—an actress, dancer, and activist who made Ajijic her home for five decades—at the Open Circle meeting on Sunday, October 5, at 10:30 a.m., held at the Lake Chapala Society.
Jitendradas, a performer trained with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the Canadian College of Performing Arts, will bring her story to life, portraying both the iconic Ajijic personality and her dance partner, Holger Alexi Mehnen, through storytelling, music, and dramatization.
Centro Cultural El Hospitalito
San Juan Cosalá will inaugurate the Centro Cultural El Hospitalito SJC on Saturday, October 4, at noon. The restored 17th-century church (Antigua Capilla de Indios), located at Calle Cardenal 66, half a block from the SJC plaza, was rehabilitated over the past decade with mostly federal funds through the Adopt a Work of Art National Association. The project was led by archaeologist María Irma Iturbide, also noted for her work at the Guachimontones site in Teuchitlán, Jalisco. The center will feature a collection of ancient local artifacts and showcase local artists and community leaders. All are welcome.
Democrats Abroad
On Monday, October 6, at 10 a.m., join fellow U.S. citizens for Democrats Abroad’s Monthly Breakfast Discussion at Pranzo in La Floresta. Guests are welcome—bring a friend or two, including your Mexican and Canadian neighbors.
Voter Assistance will also be available the same day from 10 a.m. to noon at the Lake Chapala Society’s Neil James Patio.
Chapala Birders
Hawk Watch: Tuesday, October 7, meet team leaders Cheshta Buckley and John Keeling at 8 a.m. at the Sculpture in La Floresta, departing immediately for Mezcala Mountain, in search of migratory birds, especially raptors—hawks. It is about a 30-minute drive to the base of the mountain and another 30 minutes up a rough mountain road to the parking area. Optionally, you can bird walk up the knoll trail, about a mile round trip, or a more stationary hawk watch can be done from the parking area and surroundings. The return journey is between 11 a.m. and noon (hawk dependent). Bring a snack, drink, repellent, sunscreen and possibly a small collapsible chair.
You must reserve at least two days in advance by email to Cheshta at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and indicate if you wish to be a passenger, or if you have a high-clearance 4WD-AWD vehicle and can drive. The trip is limited to ten people due to a lack of 4WD or AWD vehicles. Each passenger pays the driver 200 pesos to cover gas and tolls.
Spirit Social Fundraiser
Get into the spirit of the season with an evening of spooky fun, lively conversation, and festive refreshments at The Spirit Social on Saturday, October 25, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Casa Del Sol Inn, Gallery and Bar (Javier Mina 7, Ajijic). This event combines the magic of Halloween with the vibrancy of Day of the Dead. Enjoy chilling tunes, devilishly delicious appetizers, Monster Margaritas, and a ghost story (or two) to send shivers down your spine.
Costumes are encouraged — and rewarded! Prizes for best costume, raffles and door prizes will be announced throughout the evening. The fundraiser benefits Niños Incapacitados, a volunteer nonprofit assisting Mexican families with medical expenses for children facing serious disabilities or life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, convulsions, or brain injuries.
Tickets: 600 pesos, available until Wednesday, October 25, at programaninos.com.
Archaeology Talk
Archaeologist Dr. Peter Jimenez of the National Archaeology and History Institute in Zacatecas will present “How Nayar Cosmology is a Tool for Archaeology in Western Mexico” on Friday, October 24, at 11:30 a.m. at La Cochera Cultural (Javier Mina 49, Ajijic).
A suggested donation of 200 pesos supports Senderos de México and Poco a Poco San Pedro. Donations can be made via Santander account 65507763741 in the name of Caminantes de Nuestra Tierra, A.C., with “Donativo” as the reference.
Easy Karate
Sensei Juan Jose gives Easy Karate for Elders classes, Fridays, 10 a.m. at Club Positivo, Calle San Luis 217 in Riberas del Pilar. FB: Club Positivo.
Ajijic Witches Update
Celebrating their third year, Las Brujas de Ajijic — a multicultural group of women and men, including Mexican, Canadian and U.S. participants, and members of the international Witches Dance United network — have a lively October planned.
On Sunday, October 12, at 2 p.m., they’ll stage a flash mob on the Ajijic Malecón. The following weekend, on Sunday, October 19, they will perform at 1 p.m. in the Ajijic Plaza, then parade down Calle Colón to the Malecón, where they’ll dance near the Ajijic sign to Halloween classics such as Monster Mash and Purple People Eater.
The Witches hold open practices every Monday from 2 to 3 p.m. at La Nueva Posada through October 13. Spectators are welcome — and afterwards, everyone is invited to join them for happy hour.