Unabashed patriotism and high spirits will grip the lakeside area as traditional Fiestas Patrias festivities get rolling this weekend. Here’s an abbreviated day-by-day list of holiday happenings to enjoy with your friends and neighbors.
Friday, September 11
Chapala: Rondalla Chapala performs romantic music, Centro Cultural Antigua Presidencia (CCAP, former town hall), 8 p.m.
Saturday, September 12
Chapala: Ballet folklórico show, CCAP, 8 p.m.
Ajijic: Globo Regatta, balloon flying extravaganza, soccer field next to highway, entrance on Calle Revolucion at Guadalupe Victoria, from 3 p.m. Baile del Rebozo, traditional dance party, Centro Cultural, 8 p.m.
Jocotepec: Carrera JoColor, 4-km. race with runners getting doused with powdered paints along the route, starts at town plaza, 5 p.m., ends at waterfront Malecón; Crafts exhibit and singing contest, plaza, 8 p.m.
Sunday, September 13
Chapala: Commemoration of the Defense of Chapultepec Castle, Niños Heroes Monument opposite City Hall, 9 a.m. Traditional musical serenade, plaza, 8 p.m.
Ajijic: Bicycle race, La Floresta, 9 a.m. Día del Charro, Mass at San Andres, noon, followed by horsemen’s parade around town and equestrian games at Lienzo Charro arena, Calle Revolución. Activities at the plaza include foot races for kids, 1 p.m. Exhibición del Rebozo, parade showcasing typical shawls, regional costumes and village customs, 6 p.m. Fiesta Mexicana and coronation of Fiestas Patrias Queen, from 8 p.m.
Monday, September 14
Chapala; Día del Charro parade, Avenida Madero, around 11 a.m. Jaripeo bull riding and roping, Lienzo J. Jesus Gonzalez Gallo arena, opposite Pemex station, 4 p.m. Mayor Joaquin Huerta’s final annual report (informe) to the constituency, CCAP
auditorium, 6 p.m.
Jocotepec: Día del Charro parade from Barrio La Campana through town, noon, ending at Lienzo Charo arena for equestrian contests. Kermesse and ballet folklórico, plaza, from 7 p.m.
Tuesday, September 15
Grito de Independencia festivities get underway in Chapala, 8 p.m.; Ajijic, 8 p.m.; Jocotepec, 7 p.m.; San Nicolas de Ibarra, 9 p.m.; and Santa Cruz de la Soledad 8 p.m., with Flame of Independence relay runners, music and live entertainment. Cry of Independence ceremonies commence 11 p.m. in all localities, followed by fireworks. Traditional games for kids are held at the Ajijic and Jocotepec plazas, starting 4 p.m.
Wednesday, September 16
National holiday, when government offices, schools and banks close for the day. Civic parades on main streets of Chapala, Ajijic and Jocotepec, 9 a.m.; San Nicolás and Santa Cruz, 10 a.m. Festivities continue at plazas and waterfront spots throughout the day. San Antonio Tlayacapan and San Juan Cosala hold Fiestas Patrias celebrations the following weekend.