Ink and drink event
The Alibi Room, Guadalupe Victoria 45 in Ajijic, has invited Ixtlahuacan de los Membrillos tattoo artist Tania, a winner of Ribera de Chapala tattoo festivals, to give five-centimeter tattoos Saturday, December 6, 3 to 6 p.m. The 500-peso entrance fee includes a special cocktail created especially to go with the ink.
Fire department fundraiser
Johnny’s Lounge and Cocktails Bar will hold a fundraiser for the local fire department on Saturday, December 20, at 4 p.m.
Tickets (600 pesos), available at Johnny’s, include a meal of Tony’s fried chicken with mashed potatoes and a bun, plus three rounds of musical bingo. Super prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place.
For donations or questions, contact Johnny via WhatsApp at 332-164-8276.
Chess Tournament
More than 400 people attended the 7th Annual HuaraCHESS Masters Chess Tournament, held at the Lake Chapala Society on November 20. Roberto Serrano deserves a special mention as do all of the volunteers who made this event possible.
Open Circle
Carmen Carolina and Carlos Canseco present “The Chapala Independent Film Festival” at the Open Circle meeting, Sunday, December 7, 10:30 a.m., at the Lake Chapala Society.
The Indie Film Festival returns for its 2025 edition in December, celebrating cinema as a limitless language. In its third edition, the festival reaffirms its commitment to independent cinema as a force for encounter, reflection and cultural transformation. Open Circle will project one of the festival’s film categories, highlighting films that break barriers, explore physical, emotional and creative territories without fear.
Democrats Abroad
• Join DA Lake Chapala members for coffee and conversation Monday, December 8, 10 a.m. at Pranzo Bistro, Blvd. Ajijic 105 in La Floresta. No need to RSVP. Just show up for the latest political news and more.
• Don’t miss DA’s holiday party, Monday, December 15, at 4 p.m. at La Bodega Restaurant, 16 de septiembre 124 in Ajijic. Enjoy a full meal including two tamales, tres leches cake and more. Buy your tickets no later than Wednesday, December 10. For full details, type in your web browser: shorturl.at/OIEQr.
Chapala Birders
Wednesday, December 10, meet team leader Jules Evens at the Laguna Mall behind the old “Black Coffee” at 8 a.m. The group will drive a short distance up the Libramiento to the “International School road” to walk from the bottom area up to the Caracol Trailhead. You must reserve at least two days in advance. Email Jules Evens 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 large car and can drive. The trip is limited to two large cars.
Correction: The big birding event of the year is the Christmas Bird Count. This year, the Ajijic count will be on Tuesday, December 16 (not December 5 as was reported here last week), with a potluck celebration at 6 p.m. The Dike Count will be on Thursday, December 18.
This is a special morning to count birds for science. Everyone with an interest in birds is welcome to take part.
Participants must register with John by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for each trip. Provide your name, cell phone number for your team leader, and area preference (if you have one), whether you can provide a car or will need a ride, and whether you (and a partner) plan to attend the potluck supper at 6 p.m. at John Keeling’s house. John will provide wine and beer. Donations are gratefully accepted at the potluck.
Participants are divided into five or six teams, with each team having four to six members. Each team will go to a particular part of the designated 15-mile diameter circle, which runs from San Juan Cosalá to San Nicolas, and north to Lake Cajititlan. Team leaders will contact you close to the time of the count to confirm your meeting point. Teams generally go out from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Passengers are expected to donate 200 to 400 pesos to their driver to cover expenses (depending on the distance they drive).
There is no fee for the Bird Count, but if you appreciate the monthly outings, a donation at this time is requested to help cover out-of-pocket expenses for website hosting and newsletter mailing, which together cost about 8,000 pesos per year and are covered by Chapala Birders.
The “Dike CBC” at the east end of the lake will be held on Thursday, December 18. This is an all-day affair, as it is 80 km (50 miles) from Ajijic. Sign up with the same email for this count. There will be one large team for this circle, which extends from Ocotlán to La Palma and east to Briseñas.
Turkey vultures
Lakesiders see turkey vultures daily as they rise from their communal roosts in La Floresta or Chapala. These large black birds labor aloft well after sunrise, when air currents provide lift for their long, outstretched wings. They soar overhead, often in loose flocks, on their daily search for carrion.
Frank Sinatra fundraiser
A celebration of iconic singer Frank Sinatra’s 110th birthday takes place on Friday, December 12, at El BarCo., with all proceeds benefiting Niños Incapacitados. Elmo James, lead singer for the Traficantes Rock ’n’ Latin Band and The Romeos, will perform many of Sinatra’s most beloved songs.
Dinners and drinks will be available for purchase during the event. Doors open at 5 p.m., with dinner orders taken from 5:30–7 p.m. The performance is 7–8:30 p.m.
Tickets are 600 pesos and can be purchased online at programaninos.com.
Home Tours
The 2025-2026 season of the Behind the Walls home tours continues on Thursday, December 11, and will focus on the Raquet Club in San Juan Cosalá, with visits to four unique properties. The tour program is organized by a support group for the School for Special Children in Jocotepec and is facilitated by dozens of volunteers acting as drivers, hosts and guides at the selected locations.
Tickets are available at La Bella Vida, Constitución 6, Ajijic; Fenix Realty, Carretera 159A, San Antonio Tlayacapan; and Panache beauty salon, Plaza la Huerta, Carretera West 260, Ajijic. The cost is 350 pesos per person. Those interested in opening their homes for this noble cause can contact Jan Alswager 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..
Rummage sale
American Legion Post 7 Auxiliary is accepting donations for a rummage sale on January 13-14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., to benefit Treasure House, a safe house for sexually exploited young girls. Looking for clean and working items; hangers needed.
Rooftop movies
El BarCo shows movies on its rooftop every Thursday evening. Doors open 6:30 p.m. and the movie begins 7:30 p.m. Free popcorn, full menu open. 50 pesos cover.