While Chapala’s Carnaval celebration heads toward a feverish finale, Ajijic is simultaneously cutting loose with its own last blast of frivolity before the start of Lent.
The fun finale kicks off Friday, February 24, 5 p.m., with the Festival de la Hermandad, a celebration of international friendship at the waterfront Malecón, not the plaza as previously announced. The program will feature three sets by the Re-Evolution de Emiliano Zapata rock band, alternating with the Centro Cultural Children’s Chorus, Scottish dancers and other guest artists. The event closes will a full hour of classic Mexican tunes performed by the Mariachi Real de Axixic.
Ajijic’s Mardi Gras madness peaks Tuesday, February 28 as the townsfolk let off steam in a full day of rowdy festivity. It begins with a high-spirited parade featuring costumed revelers, gaily decorated floats, marching bands and charro equestrians.
The line-up forms at the corner of Calle Revolución and Constitución between 10 and 11 a.m. to head out for a straight run across town to Seis Esquinas before doubling back towards the plaza via Hidalgo.
Spectators waiting along the route will get the first hint that the parade is approaching when they spot a throng of kids racing along the cobblestones to escape the band of Sayacas and Sayacos who lead the merry-making. The outlandishly dressed masked marauders generate laughter and mayhem as they romp about pelting everyone in sight with fistfuls of flour or confetti stashed inside over-sized purses and woven shoulder bags (see sidebar this page). Along the way they pause for some dancing to the furious beat of the Jarabe Tapatio (Mexican hat dance), La Jota and other traditional tunes.
After the parade breaks up, the action picks up at the Malecón where Ajijic’s Charro Association and the local government host live music, dancing and boozing at the Recibimiento, the traditional reception for local ranchers providing livestock for the afternoon’s jaripeo at the arena on Calle Revolución. The bull-riding bash starts at 4 p.m., with two banda groups getting the crowd up and dancing.
For a change of pace, an alternative musical happening will be held at the Malecón open-air forum, 7 p.m., featuring the Tenampa Brass Band and a Brazilian-style Batucada percussion group.
Village life quiets down the following day with the Ash Wednesday religious rituals marking the six-week period of penitence and fasting preceding Easter.