While the lakeside area abounds with animal lovers, rescue shelters and protection advocates, two local organizations that stand out in the crowd are Operación Amor and the recently renamed Companions and Compassion, the non-profit groups that put together periodic spay and neuter clinics offering free sterilization surgeries to low-income Mexican families. 

Disturbing reports are emerging of U.S. immigration round-ups following the spirit and letter of Trump’s proclamations—six men taken in handcuffs February 8 from a church-run, Virginia homeless shelter, a mother who had committed nothing worse than an immigration offense yet separated from her American children and deported from Arizona February 9. 

Mexico doesn’t lack for gifted musicians. Last month, a handful of these young talents were fortunate to spend 11 days in Ajijic, participating in the 15th Northern Lights Festival. 

During World War II, in order to teach people how to grow their own food in times of scarcity, the victory garden concept was born. While living in Santa Monica, California, Francisco Nava resurrected that concept for a new generation of people interested in growing their own food; not out of scarcity, but because growing and eating healthy organic food was gaining in popularity.

The 40-day period of Lent – which began this week on Ash Wednesday –  is taken seriously in Mexico, although for many Catholics the practice of abstinence nowadays only embraces avoiding meat on Fridays.  

Friday, February 24 is Flag Day in Mexico and ceremonies will be held in villages, towns and cities throughout the country.  Here are some interesting facts about the tricolor, as Mexico three-colored flag is often referred to.