March 4th 2014 The years most anticipated  tradition, the "Ajijic Carnaval 2014" starts the first Tuesday of every March in Lake Chapala. There is also a parade held in the town of Chapala the same week, however it is not as famous as the Ajijic one, which is known for its unique tradition of "Sayacas", who in reality are men dressed up as women throwing flower on bi-standers and chasing children...

A Taste of Wellness Seminar and Workshop was held at the Monte Carlo hotel in Chapala on Saturday, February 22, 2014. It started at seven in the morning and lasted until four in the afternoon. This is the first in a series of seminars and workshops to be held in the future. The future dates have not been arranged yet. The group leaders were Diane Bucaro, M.S.W. and Dr. Jim Jaramillo.  Since this was...

February 15, 2014 Lakesides most anticipated event celebrated it's 36th year in action. The Chilli cook off was another great success this 2014 and they had the crowd to prove it. Thousands of locals and expats visited the grounds of this years Chilli cook of to come see the attractions, taste some Chilli and visits the many stands and sponsors. One of the main attractions this year was the "Voladores...

The 36th Annual Mexican Chilli Cook-Off was held in Lake Chapala at the Tobolandia Water Park on February 14, 15, and 16th, 2014. I attended on the 15th and there was quite a crowd. I have never been to the Cook-Off when there was not a crowd. It is the biggest social event and fund raiser of the year.  If you like great food, beautiful arts and crafts, meeting friends and making new friends, interesting...

After a long drive from Ajijic Mexico and spending five nights in the first class hotel, the Westin, in Puerto Vallarta, we drove on to San Blas. My friends had invited us to spend a few days at their house. It was an easy drive. What a relief from the first part of our trip. The road was fairly new, no potholes. It was a free road. We drove through beautiful countryside that turned into jungle when we got...

This is my favorite season of the year. Something is going on all the time. I can't keep up with it all. Between the expat community and the Mexican community, there is no resting. There are parties almost every night. Last night as I was getting ready for bed, I heard the big fireworks going off. I have learned to tell the smaller cohetes (which just make a very loud noise) from the ones that burst in the...

If you have never stopped in at Arden Casa De Muebles, then when you do, you are in for a treat. You can't miss it. It is located in Riberas Del Pilar, between Ajijic and the town of Chapala, on the carretera, mountain side, as you drive towards Chapala from Ajijic. The address is 81 Hidalgo. It is a furniture, art and craft import store. Front of Arden Import Store Once a month a new shipment comes...

 The Ranch Illusion, located off the libramento, had a fund raising fiesta on Saturday Dec. 14th, 2013. It was for the Equine Therapy program. This ranch is also called the Pepe Martinez Equine Therapy Center (CET).  Dr Pepe is in charge of the program.  The event started at two in the afternoon and lasted until after midnight. I guess people were having too much fun to go home. The entrance fee was...

November 29, 2013 Celebrated every year, the Ajijic Fiestas are not to be missed. It is celebrated during the last week of November and every night there are different musical groups and events. This is the one time of the year where the Ajijic Plaza is packed to its fullest capacity, almost every night. Locals pay a fee to the municipality in order to host stands and sitting areas where alcoholic...

The anniversary of the Mexican revolution is celebrating every 2oth of November. It is considered an important holiday in Mexico in which business and schools remain closed. Parades are organized by all major schools and depending on what district the schools is in, the municipality assigns in what parade the school marches in, the Ajijic or Chapala Parade (Jocotepec and San Juan also have their own...