May temperatures in the lakeshore region soar to their highest levels of the year, creating a sense of lethargy amplified by the constant hum of las chicharras (cicadas), which signal the upcoming rainy season in mid-June.
Ironically, May is also packed with a steady stream of local festivities that keep the community active despite the heat-induced sluggishness.
Here’s a look at some significant dates:
May 3: Día de la Santa Cruz (Day of the Holy Cross)
This is probably the noisiest religious celebration of the year. Construction workers shoot off rounds of cohete sky rockets throughout the day, and share food, drinks, and loud music during parties at building sites, where they decorate the apex of construction sites with crosses wrapped in colorful crepe paper streamers and flowers.
People in lakeshore communities join in processions to hillside points and street corners where permanent crosses are installed. In Ajijic’s Guadalupe and San Sebastián barrios and the town of Mezcala, it’s customary to set up colorful shrines with a cross at the center for communal festivities.
May 4: Novenario Honoring El Señor del Huaje in Jocotepec
The novenario concludes on the first Sunday of May. A giant statue of the Crucified Christ, measuring 3.2 meters tall and weighing over 400 kilos, will be carried out of the chapel opposite the parish church for a 5 p.m. procession. The statue was carved from a single piece of tree trunk discovered in 1715 near San Pedro Tesistán.
May 5: Cinco de Mayo
Mexico commemorates the 1862 defeat of French troops in the Battle of Puebla with civic ceremonies. While it’s a major celebration in the U.S. for the Latino community, it is less widely observed in Mexico, where many people take advantage of the long weekend (May 2-5) for a school holiday or to relax.
May 10: Día de las Madres (Mother’s Day)
This day is perhaps the most fervently celebrated national holiday in Mexico, even though it is neither a civic nor religious holiday. Mexican families honor their mothers with pre-dawn serenades, floral bouquets, personal gifts, and a break from household chores to enjoy meals with their loved ones.
Local festivals, held in places like Chapala, Ajijic’s Lienzo Charro arena, and most lakeside schools, feature live entertainment, interactive contests, and raffle prizes for the moms in attendance.
May 15: Día del Maestro (Teacher’s Day)
Schools suspend classes in honor of teachers, and local governments host ceremonies and luncheons for teachers, often distributing awards for long service and dedication. Many students and schools show their gratitude with gifts and parties for their professors.
May 23: Día del Estudiante (Student’s Day)
Middle and high school students celebrate this day with time off from classes for festive get-togethers, either on or off-campus.