Never mind that the Covid-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of traditional Independence Day festivities this year.
Patriotic spirits were manifested in innovative ways throughout the Lake Chapala region. Local mayors recreated the customary September 15 Grito de Dolores in virtual ceremonies broadcast on social media. Although crowds of celebrants were absent from the streets that night, they found plazas and government buildings gussied up to remind them of the occasion. Ajijic’s Fiestas Patrias committee did a fine job of festooning its bandstand, while Chapala’s sawdust tapestry master Rogelio Ochoa designed a gigantic masterpiece for the plaza in Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos.
Many of the townspeople cooped up at home were not deterred from celebrating on their own with music, fireworks and family feasts.