Living at Lake Chapala in Mexico

It may seem stange to many of you who are coming to the blog to get more news on the disaster in San Juan Cosala that we are spending time and energy on a holiday weekend.

That's because we're not from here, and like it says in my favorite Mexican proverb--Cada Cabeza es un mundo (Every head is a world). We still even after 4 years or 14 years of 24 years, think with our North of the border heads.

I can hear my mother now (and probably yours too) telling us that there certainly wouldn't be any celebrations anywhere in this area this weekend...what with all the grief and suffering and homeless there are in San Juan.

Mom would have been wrong. The Mexicans have it all over the way I was raised (You can have fun when you finish ALL your work).

Our Mexican neighbors work hard and then they play hard. They love hard, they grieve hard and then they wipe their tears and celebrate hard. And this weekend and next are times to celebrate this great land, and the people who made it what it is and the people who continue to keep it free, strong, loving and helpful. This year, above all others, that means you and me and our neighbors--Mexican and Foreign who have begun to come together in a common cause this week. Let's come together in another common cause--the freedom and neutrality of Mexico--and celebrate together. VIVA!

We can show our solidarity by being present in the Independence day celebrations tonight, tomorrow and again next weekend in San Antonio Tlayacapan and in San Juan Cosala.

YES! San Antonio and San Juan always hold their celebration of the Grito, their Independence Day parades and dances--the weekend after September 16. I'm willing to bet almost anything that next Saturday night at 11 p.m. the Delagado (town officer) of San Juan Cosala will stand up on the balcony of the town hall building (Delagacion) near the plaza and give a rousing and heart-felt version of Father Miguel Hidalgo's Grito--the call to war against the Spanish--back in 1810. This year these cries for freedom will also be a cry of "Animo!" ("Strength or Spirit") for those who have suffered losses and damage in the storm areas.

Following is a short schedule of events this week and next. Find the detailed calendar of events in more detail in the What's Happening section at http://www.mexico-insights.com/













Today--September 15--

This evening, beginning at 6 in Jocotepec, 7 in Chapala and at 8 in Ajijic there will be programs in the plazas of Chapala, Ajijic and Jocotepec. In most areas these will feature mariachi music, folkloric dancing and other entertainment. Ajijic usually also sponsors some contests for adults--a singing competition is an annual favorite.

The Torch of Freedom will reach each of the villages and then be followed by flag ceremonies and the Grito at 11 p.m. in each village, followed by the ringing of church bells and fireworks and a dance that continues on into the night.

Tomorrow--Sunday September 16--The Independence Day parade in Chapala begins at 9 a.m. from Paseo Ramon Corona and then north along Madero and looping back to the water front.

The Independence Day parade in Ajijic begins at 10 a.m. near the soccer fields and charro ring in eastern Ajijic (near the "tianguis street"). The parade will head west on Constitucion and Ocampo to Six Corners, make the turn and come back to the plaza on Hidalgo.

The Independence Day parade in Jocotepec begins at 10 a.m. from the plaza.

Tomorrow evening, the Ajijic beauty queens will engage in the traditional "war of the flowers" at 8:30 p.m. There will be a folk dance exihibition in Jocotpec at 5:30 p.m. followed at 8:30 with a dance.
Then the following weekend we'll celebrate Mexico's Independence and strength in San Antonio and San Juan.

If ever there was a time for you to join in these celebrations--this is the year. See you in the Plazas and let me hear you shouting VIVA!

Viva Mexico! VIVA!

Viva Guadalupe! VIVA!

Viva San Juan Cosala! VIVA!

Viva Lakeside! VIVA! VIVA! VIVA!

Labels: Independence Day

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Judy King is publisher of  Mexico Insights' Living at Lake Chapala, a monthly online magazine for people interested in Mexico's Lake Chapala region, in the state of Jalisco.

Judy, a 16-year resident of Ajijic on Lake Chapala's north shore, conducts weekly newcomer's seminars, shares her expertise about Mexico in her monthly online magazine, and in the "Mexico Lindo" column for the Lake Chapala Review.

Judy also is a speaker for local organizations and visiting tour groups about the Lakeside area and Mexican customs and holidays.