Tis the season...

I have heard, 'Mexicans like to have their Fiestas.'  I also heard they like a good party.  I KNOW they love loud music!  Here are the Holiday, Festival, Celebrations I can remember while I've been here as a Gringo Tourist:

June 22nd,  A Catholic Holiday for St. Anthony, San Antonio 

July 4th, Duhhh, we all know that one!

July 13th, The Zapopan Virgin of the Lake Celebration, Chapala

September 9th, A Folklore Dance Celebration

September 11th, A Citywide Beauty Contest

September 14th, National Independence Day

October 27th, Statewide Jalisco Mariachi Festival

October 28-Nov. 2, The Days of the Dead (pet, children, all)

November 2nd, The Ajijic Catholic Church Fiesta on the square

November 14-16, A Celebration for multi generational Mask Building

November 20th,  Kids Parade through Ajijic

November 21-30, 10 Day Citywide Catholic Church Fiesta for St. Andrew

•     * Rides in the clogged Ajijic streets, like a county fair back home
•     * A large stage with a massive sound system on the square
•     * Nightly, 10 nights, Fireworks in the Church Courtyard

November 27th, Thanksgiving Day

December 25th, Christmas Day

January 31, New Years Eve

January 6th, 3 Kings Christmas Celebration - with Gifts

These are just the things I remember.  Who knows how many I forgot or just plain missed and never saw.  Most of these I stumbled onto by walking through the town square and seeing them setting up or actually ongoing.  Tomorrow is January 6th and 3 Kings Day, so I'm excited to see my last celebration before I fly back home next Monday.

What's UP doc?

 I tried to take 'the iconic Mexican street scene.'  A view that just screams - Mexico!

NOTE: The City is responsible for street maintenance, BUT all the sidewalks in town are the responsibility of the homeowner.  This makes for different, heights, angles, textures, and levels of quality.  *Its a constant Trip Hazard!  The streets are cobblestone, the sidewalks are uneven, every walk is another chance to trip and fall.  When you view the photos, look at the sidewalks and imagine walking and tripping.  (*imagine ME with my camera, walking, not looking down and tripping...)

This shot is the Malecon, a wide sidewalk built along the Lake Chapala shore.  

In addition to each homeowner being responsible for building their own sidewalk, the locals also come out daily to sweep and 'wash' their walk. Remember, we are in the high desert, dusty and dry.  So water helps keep the dust down.

These are my views in and around Ajijic, Mexico.

Viva Mexico,  Senior Skip