Aside from the numerous national commemorations and holidays observed nationwide, a host of traditional festivities will take place in Lake Chapala area communities during 2009. This abbreviated calendar highlights some of the major events, with specific locations noted where applicable.
Many national and local holidays will interrupt business and work routines with the closure of local financial institutions, government offices and schools. Others will cause unexpected traffic and parking headaches for motorists.
Fiestas patronales – festivities honoring the patron saint of an individual town or neighborhood – usually run for nine days straight, altering the normal rhythm of daily life with earsplitting fireworks, blaring music and a round-the clock party atmosphere.
January 6-18: Señor del Monte festivities – Jocotepec*
January 20: San Sebastian festivity –upper Ajijic
February 1-5: Carnaval (Mardi Gras) festivities – Chapala, Ajijic*
February 3-11: Nuestra Señora de Lourdes festivities – Chapala
April 3: Virgen de Dolores altar displays – Chapala, San Antonio, Ajijic*
April 5: Palm Sunday processions*
April 10: Good Friday processions and Passion Plays*
May 3: Señor del Guaje festivity – Jocotepec*
April 25-May 3: Santa Cruz festivities – Santa Cruz de la Soledad
May 3: Day of the Holy Cross processions and altar displays
June 1: Dia de la Marina (Navy Day) commemoration
June 5-13; San Antonio de Padua festivities – San Antonio Tlayacapan
June 16-24: San Juan Bautista festivities – San Juan Cosala, San Juan Tecomatlan
July 16: Nuestra Señora del Carmen festivities – Chapala
July 17-25: Santo Santiago festivities – Ixtlahuacan de los Membrillos
August 7-15: Virgen de la Asuncion festivities – Mezcala
August 8-9: Feria del Membrillo (Quince Fair) – Atotoniquillo
September 14: Charro Day equestrian parades and rodeos
September 16: Independence Day parades
September 26-October 4: San Francisco de Asis festivities – Chapala
October 1-31: Virgen del Rosario festivities-Ajijic
November 1-2: Day of the Dead altar displays and cultural events
November 16: Revolution Day parades
November 21-30: San Andres festivities – Ajijic
November 25: Heroic Defense of Mezcala Island commemoration – Mezcala
November 28-December 6: San Nicolas de Bari festivities – San Nicolas de Ibarra
December 12: Virgin of Guadalupe processions and altar displays
* Dates change every year
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