For a unique experience in traditional festivities, take a spin out to the indigenous pueblo of Mezcala. The town’s annual celebration honoring religious patroness La Virgin de la Asuncion is on daily through Friday, August 17.
A special attraction of Mezcala’s fiestas patronales are the colorful processions taking place every afternoon (except August 15) between 4 and 5 p.m. Villagers from different barrios parade through the streets bearing offerings of fresh floral bouquets, handsomely adorned candles and hand-made decorations delivered to the church following a turn around the central plaza.
The Feast of the Virgin of Assumption falls on August 15, when festivities run unabated from dawn until the wee hours of the following day. That day the pilgrims’ procession originates from town limits around 11 a.m., reaching the church for the noon celebration of mass.The Mezcala fiestas are also noted for the raucous night time appearances of top notch banda groups, something to be appreciated by truly intrepid outsiders undaunted by the prospect of mixing it up with the natives.
Every day tourist attractions in Mezcala include the two-room local history museum located opposite the plaza (open Tuesday through Sunday) and boat trips to the historic fortress ruins on the neighboring Isla de Mezcala, situated five kilometers off shore. To book a guided tour contact Daniel Santiago, Cel. 333-178-0062.
Mezcala is located approximately 20 kilometers northeast of Chapala, reached by a scenic 25 minute drive along the paved highway extending from the north end of Avenida Gonzalez Gallo.