Easter Week in Ajijic 2015

Easter came early this year. The holidays started with the Globos celebration which is just before Ash Wednesday, through March 29th Palm Sunday, April 2nd Maundy (Holy) Thursday April 3rd Good Friday and finally April 5th which was Easter Sunday. But the Easter holiday continues for at least one more week. All beach towns and tourist towns in Mexico are packed to the gills during this time of the year. Since Ajijic is a tourist town, we were also very crowded. It is always a lot of fun with all the new people in town.

Easter Eggs
Easter Eggs

The restaurants are crowded. The malecon is crowded. The plaza is crowded and there are many different celebrations happening almost on a daily basis. Above is a photo of the Easter eggs that are sold in the plaza. Someone has taken the time to cut open the top and fill each one with confetti. Then the children throw the eggs at each other, dogs, and anything else that moves nearby. Keep your eyes open. You too may end up as a target.

The Lake
The Lake

The weather was beautiful all during the Easter celebrations. I took a long walk on the Ajijic malecon. I had never before seen it so crowded. People were out on the lake and staying in tents along the water’s edge.

The Ajijic Malecon
The Ajijic Malecon

The entire malecon was as crowded as the above photo. The people selling food and other things were making money, hopefully enough to last through some of the lean days that come up after the holidays.

IMG_5284As you can see in the above photo, the boys had been out swimming in the lake. Obviously, one boy left his bathing suit at home. He had to make do with his underwear. Nothing will stop a boy from swimming.

Dancing Horse
Dancing Horse

There were many people riding horses along the shore. This young man was showing off his dancing horse.

Band
Band

There is nothing quiet about Mexico during the Easter holidays, or Semana Santa. All the days and most of the nights are filled with fireworks going off and music playing all over town. If you want peace and quiet, don’t come to Mexico this time of the year. If you want lots of excitement and fun, do come to Mexico this time of the year. There is no more exciting time here.

Women Cooking on Plaza
Women Cooking on Plaza

I missed many of the celebrations but I made it to the plaza the evening that the actor playing Jesus rode into town on the donkey. I didn’t get photos because it became so crowded that I left early. But I took photos of some of the food stands that were busily feeding people in the plaza. I tried food from most all of them and it was worth the walk to the plaza for me. Everything was delicious. I especially enjoyed the traditional Mexican food.

Woman selling palm religious symbols
Woman selling palm religious symbols

I saw many people selling various religious articles that were made out of palm fronds. Some of them were beautiful.

Girl selling palm religious symbols
Girl selling palm religious symbols

This little girl sat in the plaza for a long time with her palm religious articles. She seemed more interested in action around her than in selling.

The Ajijic Plaza
The Ajijic Plaza

The entire plaza was decorated with these paper cut outs.

Boys in the Plaza
Boys in the Plaza

These two young boys were relaxing in the plaza before participating in the walk.

Men on their cell phones
Men on their cell phones

I like this photo of the men dressed in costumes of Jesus’ time but using their cell phones. They thought it was funny too. The young man in the back also has a modern camera around his neck. Wish I had a camera like that.

Women selling Easter bread
Women selling Empanadas in the plaza

There were several Empanada stands. The Empanadas were stuffed with all kinds of different things from meat to fruits. This is a popular Easter food.

The Church
The Church

The photo above was taken another day just before the pageant of the trial of Jesus. It was many hours before it started. I walked around and took photos but missed the trial. I was too tired and hot to stand around any longer.

Man playing Jesus in the processionMan playing Jesus in the processionMan playing Jesus in the procession
Man playing Jesus in the procession

I took this photo before the pageant went into the church grounds. These religious pageants are very powerful and moving, especially if you are a Christian.

Performers filtering into the church grounds for the trial of Jesus.

Jose Melendrez
Jose Melendrez

The photo above is of Jose Melendrez. He is holding his famous second place winning bread pudding. During the Easter holidays every year there is a contest for the best bread pudding which is also called Capirotada. It is often served on Fridays during Lent. The ingredients symbolize the passion of Christ. The bread represents the body of Christ. The syrup is his blood, the raisins are the nails of the cross, the whole cinnamon sticks are the wood of the cross and the melted cheese is the shroud. And all of it is DELICIOUS.

Indian Dance
Indian Dance

Above is a group of Mexicans dressed as native Indians. They had recently arrived from Chiapas. They were dancing for tips.

People in the plaza
People in the plaza

I just took the above photo because I thought it was charming with the elderly man and the little girl playing with the baby. If you like to take pictures, this is a great time of the year for it. So much to see.

Crafts in the plaza
Crafts in the plaza

All during the holidays there were many different craft stands in and around the Ajijic plaza. A great time to think ahead and buy Christmas presents.

Sunset
Sunset

This last photo was taken at the end of the malecon. It is too dark for you to see the people in tents along the water’s edge. Another Semana Santa comes to a close. Hope you can make it down next year if you missed it this year.

Join The Discussion

3 thoughts on “Easter Week in Ajijic 2015”

  • Debbie

    Wonderful blog. You really get a feel of the place and the culture. I have been to Ajijic, and have fond memories. This just makes me want to go back even more. Thank-you.

    Reply
  • Marilyn Owens

    we are 2 sisters ( seniors) looking to retire to Ajijic . we need a rental place 2 bedrooms house or apt for 2 months to check out area .
    possible time for us will be Feb. March or April

    Please advise a good way to find our rental

    Reply
  • Rosalind Oster

    Hello,
    My husband and I are retiring and moving to Ajijic in April 2016. I am wondering what religious denominations of churches are there? We are Baptist here in Texas. I am sure there are many Catholic Churches, but are there any others?
    Thank You,
    Rosalind Oster

    Reply

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