Participants in the painting of a crosswalk with the colors of the community flag (Johnny Cobián, Noemí Martínez, Delfina Zamora, Cinthia Martínez, Jose Luis Ibarra, and Vanesa Sandoval). Photo: Sofía Medeles
Sofía Medeles (Ajijic, Jal.)- Gay activists painted a zebra crossing with the colors of the rainbow flag Wednesday to make the LGBTTTIQ+ community visible in Lakeside.
Before painting the crosswalk, General director of Guadalajara Pride, Johnny Cobian explained that they were not doing a simple painting, but a political disobedience, a form of protest to tell the residents of Lakeside that they are there, they want to be visible, and, above all, to be respected.
«This action is also to tell our sisters and brothers that they are not alone, because there are those who do not dare to express their sexuality out of fear, so we want to tell them that here we are, fighting shoulder to shoulder, which is one of the objectives of this proud first year in Ajijic, and although they are few, the most important marches began with 10 people. In the future, this will be much bigger than today,» said Cobian.
The action was held in November instead of during the June festivities of the LGBTTTIQ+ community because it celebrated an important event to the Mexican Gay community, the so-called «Dance of the 41», a police raid that took place on November 17, 1901, to arrest a group of 42 men in dresses and ball gowns at a dance., including Ignacio de la Torre y Mier, son-in-law of the then president, Porfirio Diaz, who was spared.
The activists invited the people of Chapala both inside and outside the movement to the parade on Saturday, November 20, starting at 4 p.m. in Chapala starting at Cristianía Park and marching through the city to a small festival.
Translated by Patrick O’Heffernan
The walkway on Colón Street starts at the corner of Parroquia Street and ends at the Malecón. Photo: Sofía Medeles.
Sofía Medeles (Ajijic, Jal.)- The walkway at Colón and Morelos streets, in the downtown area of Ajijic, was received with good comments by Ajijitecos, and will be set up on weekends and holidays, authorities told Laguna.
The space set aside for pedestrians is only on the east side of the road, where cones have been placed to indicate that there is no parking on that side, thus allowing tourists and locals to walk easily in the pathway created by the cones.
The person in charge of Ajijic’s office, Maximiliano «Max» Macías, explained that, both a survey in social networks and in person revealed a positive response to the project, with a small percentage of negative opinion.
«For example, an American commented that since there is nowhere to park, there are visitors who park at his door inconveniencing him. We are taking into account all opinions and not trying not to mpact anyone just to attract more tourism», said Max.
Ajijitecos interviewed by Laguna, confirmed what he said. Aurora, a young neighbor of Ajijic said, «I think it’s good, because this way the sidewalks are not so crowded, and there are no problems when passing people. And, since there are no people walking down the street, the flow of cars in that area is faster; it’s a very good idea».
However, there was no lack of opposition comments which focused on the lack of parking on the main road.
«This project is very unfortunate, because they removed parking spaces without offering an alternative solution. It is a good idea that they encourage people to walk, but what if someone with a disability wants to go to the Malecon? they would have to park far away, and there is nothing to do if they are late and need to be closer. Let’s hope they solve the problem soon,» shared a resident of Ajijic.
Finally, Max added that together with the municipal president, Alejandro Aguirre Curiel, they are looking for another parking lot, although it may be difficult, since everything is very crowded. One solution could be to ask the merchants to leave the parking lots on the boardwalk free, he said. Finally, he asked the community of Ajijic to use the vehicle less, and try to move more on foot.
Translated by Patrick O’Heffernan
The Queen Live Band will perform onstage at LCS at 3:30. Photo: Semanario Laguna.
Patrick O’Heffernan, Ajijic. Roy Gomez Cruz will return to the Concerts in the Park at LCS once again in the person of Freddie Mercury in two December 1 concerts that include a full Queen Live Band performance and a live and visual presentation of the “I Want It All :The Freddie Mercury Story”.
The Queen Live Band will perform onstage at LCS at 3:30. The band that dazzles audiences in the Palm Cabaret Club in Puerto Vallarta will bring its excitement to the LCS Park stage with favorites like We Will Rock You, We are Champions, Radio Ga Ga and Another One Bites the Dust.
At 6 pm Gomez returns in Mercury persona with “I Want It All: The Freddie Mercury Story”, a high energy, visual and emotional journey through the songs and life events of the legendary Freddie Mercury. Gomez, who has a Master’s Degree and is currently a PhD Candidate in Performance Studies at Northwestern University, immerses himself in the role of Freddie Mercury and amazes audiences with his detailed, authentic portrayal of the rocker. Palm Cabaret Entertainment Director Mark Rome, formally of the Spotlight in Ajijic, says, “I have never seen audiences embrace and enjoy a performance like this before,” of Gomez’s “I Want It All: The Freddie Mercury Story.
Freddie Mercury (born Farrokh Bulsara in 1946 and died in 1991) was a British singer, songwriter, record producer, and lead vocalist of the rock band Queen who is regarded as one of the greatest singers in the history of rock music. Known for his flamboyant stage persona and four-octave vocal range, Mercury defined and redefined the conventions of a rock front man.
Advanced ticket purchase recommended. Tickets can be purchased at LCS office or online at https://lakechapalasociety.com. General Admission tickets (seats arranged in rows): $350 MXN.
VIP table tickets: $500 MXN
Foto: Gobierno de Chapala.
Redacción.- Las instalaciones de la Comisaría de Chapala recibió la visita del cura de la parroquia de San Francisco de Asís, Octavio Moreno Olivares, para bendecir las instalaciones, acompañado también del presidente de Chapala, Alejandro de Jesús Aguirre Curiel.
El munícipe, acompañado también del encargado de la Dirección de Seguridad Pública de Chapala, Sergio Conzuelo Ramírez, visitó la instalación policiaca durante la mañana del sábado 20 de noviembre, haciendo un recorrido por el lugar y dando el cambio de turno de los oficiales.
“Estoy seguro que la cercanía y la confianza con los elementos de seguridad, son factor fundamental en su labor diaria de proteger a la ciudadanía.
Con honor, respeto y honradez, es como deseo que cada elemento de seguridad se comprometa a construir un clima de paz en nuestro municipio. Y que esta estructura de seguridad fortalecida con trabajo y entrega nos permita cuidar mejor a las y los chapalenses” escribió el presidente de Chapala en redes sociales.
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