The Chapala area’s annual Carnaval festivities kick into action next weekend, running in full-tilt party mode through February 21 – better known in other parts as Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday.
The traditional season opener is Chapala’s Entierro del Mal Humor (burial of bad humor), set for Friday, February 10. It begins with a high-spirited dance parade running north to south along Avenida Madero, jogging off to Paseo Ramon Corona and the gates of the Cristiania Park where Carnaval events and activities are centered. The starting time is flexibly scheduled for 7 to 8 p.m.
The fun continues as the crowd squeezes into the fairgrounds for the introduction and crowning of the Rey Feo (Ugly King), who will rule over the 12 days of unbridled celebration. The monarch of mayhem will be accompanied by the five young ladies who are vying to be crowned as his queen a few days later. The evening culminates with the fiery destruction of a fake coffin representing all somber sentiments that must be obliterated in the typically profane prelude to Lent.
Admission to Carnaval headquarters is free on opening night. Thereafter, entry for adults will cost 20 pesos per head, and a child’s passport, including free access to mechanical rides, goes for 15 pesos. Each ticket include coupons for one free beer or soft drink served on the grounds, a pass for the Cinemas del Lago movie theater and a cup of coffee at local 7-11 stores. There are extra charges for entrance to various special events, but many other activities are open to ticket holders free of charge.
The 2012 Carnaval program picks up on the central theme of protection for the local environment with the Defensa del Lago music fest slated for February 11, 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. The event will feature performances by six live bands representing a variety of modern genres – rock, ska, reggae, cumbia, electronic, rap and heavy metal – with Panteon Rococo appearing as the headline group. Advance tickets are priced at 50 pesos, with a modest bump if purchased at the gate.
Look for complete program details in next week’s Reporter or check the Carnaval Chapala page on Facebook. Ajijic Carnaval activities will also be covered in our February 11 edition.
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