In the lead-up to Mexico’s Independence Day on September 16, communities around Lake Chapala are buzzing with Fiestas Patrias festivities and other traditional September events.
Here’s an abbreviated guide to upcoming happenings in Ajijic, Jocotepec, Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos, and other nearby towns. All events are free to the public unless otherwise noted. (The program for Chapala was not available at press time.)
Please note: Announced start times are subject to last-minute changes or delays due to weather or organizational issues.
Friday, September 5
• Fiesta Mexicana, 3 p.m., Lake Chapala Society. Typical food, plus performances by a ballet folklórico troupe, mariachi, and sayacas. Admission: 500 pesos.
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Saturday, September 6
• Señorita Fiestas Patrias Pageant, 9 p.m., Ajijic Plaza.
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Sunday, September 7
• Charro Parade, 1 p.m., Jocotepec. Parade starts at La Campana (west of the central plaza) and ends with a charro event at the Lienzo Charro arena, Calle Degollado, Nextipac.
Thursday, September 11
• Casa de Cultura Exhibit, 6 p.m., Jocotepec Plaza. Display of works from local cultural workshops.
• Friday, September 12
• Lucha Libre Wrestling Show, 5 p.m., Jocotepec Plaza.
• Ballet Folclórico Atlixtac, 8 p.m., Jocotepec Plaza.
• Feria del Elote (Corn Festival), September 12–16, Atequiza, Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos. Typical foods, live music, and cultural events. (Program TBA.)
Saturday, September 13
• Civic Ceremony: Día de los Niños Héroes (Heroic Defense of Chapultepec, 1847), 9 a.m., Jocotepec Plaza.
• Coro Redes y Cantos de Chapala, 7 p.m., Jocotepec Plaza.
• Señorita Jocotepec Pageant Final & Gala Dance, 8 p.m., Jocotepec Plaza.
• Ajijic Regata de Globos (giant paper balloon festival), 3 p.m. until nightfall, Campo Deportivo Cruz Azul, Calle Revolución at Guadalupe Victoria. Voluntary donation at the gate.
Sunday, September 14
• Uso y Costumbre del Rebozo (Rebozo Fashion Parade), 5 p.m., Ajijic Plaza.
• Performance by vocalist Lupita Jiménez, 6:30 p.m., Ajijic Plaza.
• Ballet Folklórico Ayuntamiento de Guadalajara, 8 p.m., Jocotepec Plaza.
• Live mariachi, 9:30 p.m., Jocotepec Plaza.
Monday, September 15
Festivities surrounding El Grito (the reenactment of Padre Miguel Hidalgo’s 1810 “Cry of Independence”) take place in nearly every community during the afternoon and evening.
• Ajijic Plaza: Traditional games, 5 p.m.; ballet folklórico, 7 p.m.; mariachi and amateur singers, 9 p.m.; Flame of Independence torch runners, 10 p.m.; El Grito ceremony, 10:45 p.m.; town dance, 11:15 p.m.
• Jocotepec Plaza: Mariachi Tepehuaje, 7 p.m.; Flame of Independence delivered by CETAC student runners, 8:30 p.m.; Coronation of Señorita Jocotepec, El Grito and fireworks, 10 p.m.; Banda Auténtica La Barca, 11:30 p.m.
(Note: San Antonio Tlayacapan and San Juan Cosalá will hold their Independence festivities the following weekend.)
Tuesday, September 16
• Flag Ceremony, 8 a.m., Jocotepec Plaza, followed by the Independence Day parade through the town center.
• Burro race, greased pig and greased pole contests, 5 p.m., Jocotepec Plaza.
• Ajijic Independence Day Parade, 10 a.m., Calles Constitución–Ocampo and Hidalgo.
• Convite de Flores (Royal Court Flower Parade), 6 p.m., Ajijic Plaza.
Friday, September 19
• Still in the mood? The Lake Chapala Society hosts its annual Tequila Tasting Party from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sample more than 20 brands of tequila and enjoy live Mexican music. Admission: 400 pesos.