Across Mexico, as the clock strikes midnight on December 31, people traditionally stuff 12 grapes into their mouths—one for each chime of the clock—to ensure good luck for every month of the coming year.

Glorious holiday décor and reruns of “Rudolph,” Charlie Brown, and the Grinch aren’t the triggers signaling visions of chile-dusted sugarplums, peanuts and tangerines in the Christmas party bolas (treat bags).

With Christmas festivities in full swing, the aroma of ponche navideño — Mexico’s traditional holiday punch — fills homes and markets across the country.

The Lake Chapala Society (LCS) will celebrate the legacy of Neill James, the organization’s principal patron and benefactor, with a series of special activities throughout 2025.

It was the first chilly night in Guadalajara, but people were percolating. A woman in a spaghetti strap dress showing off shoulder and arm tattoos chatted as if the weather were balmy.

The 38th Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL), the most significant literary and cultural event in the Spanish-speaking world, is set to take place from Saturday, November 30 to Sunday, December 8.