Expat Living

After many years of farming out Chapala’s Carnaval (Mardi Gras) festivities to private promoters, the local government has taken charge of organizing the activities this year, bringing back some lost traditions while introducing novel attractions.

Customary no-holds-barred Carnaval celebrations in the Chapala area get underway this weekend, running in full-tilt party mode through Fat Tuesday, February 9. 

U.S. Consul General Tanya C. Anderson is scheduled for an introductory visit to the Lake Chapala area on Friday, January 29, following a two-stop itinerary to meet local expats and address issues of common concern.

Scott Weidman, director of Communications and Outreach for the Federal Voting Assistance Program with the U.S. Department of Defense, will give the presentation “Americans Can Vote – Wherever They Are!” At two venues in the Lake Chapala area on Wednesday, January 27. Weidman will talk at the American Legion Post Seven in Chapala from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and then at the Lake Chapala Society from noon to 1 p.m. 

Join the drive to combat winter chills that beleaguer the native tribes living deep in the mountains at the edge of northern Mexico’s Copper Canyon by attending the Tarahumara Blanket Party on Sunday, January 31, 1-5 p.m., at La Bodega Restaurant, 16 de Septiembre 124, Ajijic. 

The Lakeside Carolers have morphed into Lakeside Singers.  The group is now doing sing-alongs at various assisted living homes twice a month.