Foreign nationals who are sensitive and easily irritated by excessive noise should consider the wisdom of putting down roots in the Lake Chapala area. This may not be the right place to live happily ever after.

The natural landscape is appealing to the eyes of newcomers. The mild year-round climate is inviting. The relaxed lifestyle here is another draw for many expatriate settlers. But noise, and plenty of it, is an essential factor of day-to-day living in this remote and particular corner of the planet.

Consider that traditional religious fiestas, massive entertainment events, and private celebrations are commonplace throughout the calendar year. And these happenings normally involve music of some kind.

Music is an integral part of Mexican culture. The native people passionately enjoy singing and dancing on any festive occasion. With the use of modern sound equipment, the volume of music is capable of bouncing off the mountain range, rattling windows, and keeping celebrants and neighbors of event centers wide awake until the wee hours.

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Mexico’s celebration of All Souls Day is a colorful tapestry of customs that have evolved from the fusion of pre-Hispanic and Spanish cultures around 500 years ago.

There is no fixed formula for remembering and honoring the dearly departed. Distinctive traditions are observed in different regions of the country and in individual communities. 

In the aftermath of the information session Canadian consular officers from Guadalajara presented at the Lake Chapala Society earlier this month, a new Facebook page has been activated as a networking forum for Canadian citizens living in the lakeshore region. 

Increased solidarity with neighbors. More self-reliance.

I am making a list of the benefits of being suddenly hit with a water outage. So far the list consists of two items — is that even a list? And the items are mutually exclusive. This may suggest there are no benefits to trying to live without water.

The Day of the Dead market (Feria del Cartón y el Juguete) has opened in downtown Guadalajara’s Parque Morelos. 

The seventh edition of Calaverandia, Guadalajara’s annual Day of the Dead theme park, opens October 20 and runs nightly through early November.  

Offering art, music, culture and gastronomy for all ages, this fantasy universe is dedicated entirely to the Mexican tradition of Día de Muertos. But rather than relying on traditional amusement park rides, it blends advanced technology, lighting installations, live theater and cultural installations to celebrate the holiday — with everything accessible along a 1.6-kilometer walking path.