Más de 200 personas se formaron en la calle durante la eucaristía para posteriormente recibir la imposición de ceniza. Foto: Jazmín Stengel.
Jazmín Stengel.- Más de 300 personas acudieron a la última imposición de ceniza en la parroquia de San Francisco de Asís en Chapala el pasado 2 de marzo.
Durante la misa de las 7:00 de la noche, los asistentes no solo llenaron a tope el interior del templo, sino que se formaron a lo largo de la avenida Francisco I. Madero doblando en la calle Niños Héroes por poco más de una cuadra para recibir su cruz de ceniza.
Durante la homilía, el sacerdote Efrén García Sotelo recordó a la población que la cruz de cenizas simboliza el compromiso que se tiene con Dios y los propósitos que se impongan para mejorar sus vidas, y que el cumplir estas metas lleven a una paz interna.
“En esta cuaresma emprendamos un camino de conversión a Dios nuestro Señor, un cambio de vida… Por eso los invito hoy a emprender ese camino especial para caminar hacia Cristo nuestro Señor, tratando de arrepentirnos de nuestros pecados e ir mejorando así nuestra vida”.
«Las obras de misericordia deben ser rectas y directas hacia Dios, sin hipocresía y quedando bien solo con el Padre Celestial, para poder celebrar con gozo la liberación del pecado y la paz de la pascua», agregó el presbítero durante su sermón.
Al término de la eucaristía, los presentes dentro de la parroquia escucharon una lectura especial y oraron antes de recibir la esperada cruz gris de parte de los monaguillos, mientras el padre García confesó a los fieles.
Al vaciarse la iglesia de las casi 100 personas que había dentro, la guardia de San Francisco permitió el paso a quienes esperaban afuera con paciencia, la fila que comenzó en el atrio de la parroquia era de más de 200 personas.
Esta semana inició la Cuaresma, esto con el Miércoles de Ceniza, práctica conocida por todos, ¿pero en dónde se origina esta? y ¿cuál es el significado? Con este día se marca el inicio de la Cuaresma que representan los 40 días del andar de Jesús por el desierto, los 40 días que duro el diluvio, los 40 años de la marcha del pueblo israelita por el desierto y los 400 años de la estancia de los judíos en Egipto.
¿Pero de dónde proviene la imposición de ceniza? Esto se remonta al año 384 d.C., era una forma de indicar la conversión, la contrición, así como la absolución de los pecados, siendo un signo de acercamiento y fe en Dios. A su vez, nos recuerda que en algún momento todos vamos a morir; por eso, al momento de imponer la ceniza el sacerdote menciona: “Recuerda que polvo eres y en polvo te convertirás”.
Para poder obtener las cenizas que serán utilizadas para ese fin se queman las palmas que se bendicen durante el Domingo de Ramos del año anterior, también son utilizados misales, imágenes de santos, que representa la destrucción de los errores cometidos, así como la vanidad de las cosas.
No solo se practica en el catolicismo, también entre los luteranos, bautistas y ortodoxos, pero para estos es una celebración menor, aunque respetando el significado.
Al Centro, María Alcalá Ortíz reina del Carnaval Chapala 2022, acompañada de la última reina Fernanda Ochoa, Carnaval Chapala 2020 y Omar Alejandro Esparza Urzúa, Rey Feo 2022.
Jazmín Stengel.- En el cierre del carnaval Chapala, en la plaza principal, los organizadores aprovecharon para entregar reconocimientos a los ganadores de las charreadas y patrocinadores del evento. El mismo día se inauguró la exposición de fotografía histórica de Chapala, exhibida a un costado de la plaza principal durante las festividades con alegoría al carnaval. Tras un largo recibimiento por el cierre del carnaval, los ciudadanos de Chapala regresaron al Lienzo Charro J. Jesús González Gallo para disfrutar del último jaripeo de la fiesta más grande de Chapala.
Niños liderando la comparsa, ondeando sin cansancio las banderas del desfile. Foto: Héctor Ruiz.
Héctor Ruíz.- Se celebró con éxito, el Martes de Carnaval “Confeti, Magia y Diversión” en San Juan Cosalá, en el municipio de Jocotepec.
Entre fallas técnicas, carros alegóricos que no pudieron presentarse y más de media hora de retraso, el desfile en el que participaron más de 200 personas, entre ellas alrededor de 150 niños, arrancó casi a las 5:00 de la tarde desde la calle Cardenal Sur.
Fue tanta la afluencia de fieles que, a las 8:00 de la noche la fila de personas esperando la imposición de la ceniza salió de la parroquia y llegó hasta el cruce de las calles Marcos Castellanos con Guadalupe Victoria. Foto: Sofía Medeles.
Sofía Medeles.- Cientos de ajijitecos asistieron a la parroquia de San Andrés Apóstol para la imposición de la ceniza el pasado 2 de marzo, Miércoles de Ceniza. Personal de la notaría comunicó que hubo bastante afluencia de gente en los cuatro horarios y que el día transcurrió sin incidentes.
La misa de las 8:00 de la noche fue la que recibió más fieles. La fila de más de 300 personas se extendió hasta las afueras de la iglesia, llegando incluso al cruce de Marcos Castellanos con Guadalupe Victoria; sin embargo, la fila avanzó rápidamente.
La muestra estuvo integrada por 21 fotografías tomadas a finales de 1800 y principios de 1900. Foto: Jazmín Stengel.
Jazmín Stengel.- En el marco de los festejos del Carnaval de Chapala 2022, la dirección de Cultura y el Archivo Histórico presentaron “Chapala es Tradición”, una muestra de fotografías antiguas del municipio.
La exposición duró del 26 de febrero al primero de marzo junto a la plaza principal de Chapala y estuvo integrada de 21 fotografías históricas tomadas entre los años de 1872 y 1900, pertenecientes a las 85 obras resguardadas en el Archivo Histórico de Chapala.
Las imágenes originalmente, en su versión digital se encuentran en la base de datos de la Fototeca Nacional. Sin embargo, las impresiones fueron donadas en el 2017 por Laboratorios Julio y los Hijos Ausentes, con el afán de rescatar las escenas más antiguas y relevantes del municipio, así como conservar una fototeca en Chapala.
Esta colección de fotografías antiguas se planea ser exhibida en las Casas y Centros Culturales de las delegaciones según la temática cultural que destaca en cada población, aseguró Alberto Portillo director del Archivo Histórico. Sin embargo, aún no se definen las fechas.
Banda Auténtica de La Barca, will entertain the crowd during the closing of carnival, March 1, 2022. Photo: La Barca Authentic Band
Sofía Medeles (Ajijic).- The Association of Charros will celebrate the Carnival of Ajijic, from February 27 to March 1, 2022 with equestrian and bull roping, riding, and tying events enlivened by musical groups in the charro ring.
Ernesto Perez Reyes, the current president of the association, extended an invitation to the general public to attend the events. Tickets will be sold at the box office and the events will begin at 4:30 in the afternoon.
On the first day of the carnival, Sunday, February 27,2022, the groups that will perform will be Banda Perla Azul de Cuexcomatitlán, La Equidad Norteña, and Banda Estrellas del Lago. Tickets will cost 150 pesos per person.
On Monday February 28, Banda Nueva Casta and Santiago Guzmán y su Astro Norteño will perform. Tickets will cost 100 pesos. Closing the carnival at the charro ring on March 1 will be Banda del 70 and Banda Auténtica de La Barca. The cost of tickets for this final celebration is 180 pesos per person.
Perez Reyes asked that attendees wear masks at all times, and to refrain from going if they have symptoms of Covid-19.
«In this ongoing pandemic situation, the guidelines and restrictions will be respected. It is this observation of COVID protocols that has allowed us to celebrate the carnival, albeit responsibly,» he concluded.
Translated by Rebecca Zittle
The Mayor of Chapala, Alejandro de Jesús Aguirre Curiel, made a call to the citizens to work for a culture of peace.
Editor – The mayor of Chapala, Alejandro de Jesús Aguirre Curiel, urged the citizens to work for a culture of peace that leaves behind violence and useless bloodshed during the commemoration of Flag Day, on Thursday, February 24.
The municipal president, accompanied by directors and councilors of the administration, stressed that we must «work for a culture of peace that leaves behind violence and useless bloodshed. May the National Flag not only be a symbol that identifies us in the world, but a symbol that unites and brings us together.»
During the civic act that took place in the square located in front of the City Hall building, elements of the Municipal Police Department hoisted a large Mexican flag on its flagpole that unfortunately did not wave in the wind, because the air was still on that sunny morning.
Alluding to the emblematic colors of the national flag, the mayor spoke of recovering the green of hope and working to make it meaningful. He said, «Let’s move from conformism to action» and pointed out that we have to recover unity as one people and be as one family.
He also called on his team to commit themselves to fulfill the obligation they have with the people of Chapala and to bring unity internally and externally, in addition to seeking the balance and unity that the citizens have asked for so much.
«We need to know that the task we perform is very short and when we least expect it, we will be leaving. Let’s not get carried away by ambitions, let’s not get carried away by bad advice. The administration needs committed people…», he said. Likewise, the mayor reiterated his commitment and gratitude to the citizens for having entrusted him to lead the administration for the second time.
The municipal president ended his speech with the desire that the colors of the National Flag once again symbolize peace, magic, the flavor of traditions, culture, gastronomy and the greatness of being Mexican.
Translated by Colleen Beery
Marcos Cortez Gómez is a great conversationalist about the memories he keeps of Jocotepec. Photo: María Reynozo.
María del Refugio Reynozo Medina (Jocotepec).- Jocotepec is one of the great loves of Marcos Cortez Gómez. In his living room with his mementos hangs a copy of the oath he swore to the patron saint Señor del Monte or Lord of the Mountain, for whom he has a special fervor. Cortez Gómez is a member of the Guard of Honor.
There are also portraits of his parents and him and his wife Juana de la Torre, who opened the first clothing store in Jocotepec in 1965. They had seven children, 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Nearing his ninetieth birthday, Marcos remembers the Jocotepec of his youth and one of the celebrations, the carnival for the bullfights of bygone days. “It was a most beautiful celebration,» he says, smiling nostalgically.
The carnival festivities began on Saturday and ended on Tuesday. Every day began with the mañanitas, the popular Mexican song sang on special days like saint days or birthdays, with a band playing in the streets. The invitation to the carnival began at eleven o’clock in the morning. This was a parade of the riders who were going to participate in the bullring with some tame bulls in the middle of the procession. The parade ended at the bullring. This parade was traditionally called the “toro de once” or bulls of eleven, so-called because the parade started at 11:00 with eleven bulls. They held tryouts to see which bullfighters were going to fight in the afternoon. At the bullring they welcomed bullfight sponsors from Zacoalco, Navajas, Ahuisculco, San Pedro and Zapotitán.
The famous Ignacio Zaragoza Band from Jocotopec played classical and popular music. The promoter, Rodolfo García Ibarra allowed his house to function as a rehearsal hall. The evenings ended with a serenade and dance.
At the serenade the women would turn one way and the men the other. There was an exchange of flowers or decorated, perfumed bouquets between girls and boys. Cortez Gómez remembers that while the band played El Papaqui, they would break the eggshells stuffed with confetti on the girls and their friends and they would throw streamers and confetti at them.
The queen of the carnival was crowned on the last day. The municipal president or the group of charros (horsemen) selected the lucky girl and her two princesses. All were accompanied by their escorts. The royal court made their entrance to the bullring in a carriage, went around the ring and then settled in their box of honor that had been prepared for them. They awarded the participants bands made with colored ribbons. Cortez Gómez was given a sash, and he had great pleasure showing off that trophy to his friends and the girls.
The bullfights were at four o’clock in the afternoon. Sometimes the bullfighters came from outside Jocotopec and at other times, spontaneous bullfighters appeared and at the moment they ventured into the ring they became sometimes not so lucky bullfighters. The güero (blonde) Loza, was one of the bullfighters originally from Jocotepec.
At the bullfights there was no lack of clowns with their jokes. One clown named Candelario, came from Pueblo Nuevo. Another clown was nicknamed La rata (the rat). The clowns had a great ability to compose jokes on the spot, Cortez Gómez still remembers:
The girls of Jocotepec, they are like the otate flower.
Very good at making boyfriends, but bad at using the metate [to grind corn].
Another joke was:
Don Fulanito de tal is a very brave man,
He keeps looking at his leg from underneath the platform.
Once the festivities of Shrove Tuesday [Fat Tuesday] were over and Ash Wednesday arrived, there was no more talk of bullfighting or festivities. They said goodbye to joy as bullring wooden beams were dismantled.
Cortez Gómez likes dancing and singing very much. He sometimes shared meals and songs with his friend, the singer Jorge Valente. They loved each other like relatives, even though they were not. The composer Gilberto Parra was his cousin.
Don Marcos is a great conversationalist who also composes music while narrating a story. He raises his voice to sing.
I’ll wait for you under the camichin trees, where the trucks go by
To go far away to unite our hearts.
I swear to you that our love will remain forever.
Cheer up chaparrita, you’ll see that you won’t regret it.
He has has written three ranchera songs that he keeps for himself.
he keeps remembering and raises his voice to sing with emotion:
Tonight, with the moon I sing you my illusions,
I swear to you that my love is with good intentions.
«I am very grateful to God for having let me be born here and live here, in the land of my love,” he affirms without concluding, because Don Marcos Cortez Gómez has many memories that he would not finish telling.
Translated by Nita Rudy
During the Shrove Tuesday parade, the sayacas, the main character of the festivities, throw flour and confetti at the spectators. Photo: Carnival 2019 (Archive).
Sofía Medeles(Ajijic).- Despite the modifications imposed by health authorities to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ajijic Carnival will keep the usual schedule and route of the celebrations.
Acting Delegado Maximiliano «Max» Macías Arceo announced that there will only be three days of festivities: the parades on February 27 and 28 and the Shrove Tuesday parade on March 1.
On Sunday and Monday, the sayacas, the main character of the festivities, will leave at 11:00 a.m. from the Campos family home, located on Hermenegildo Galeana Street between Zaragoza and Ocampo. They will take Zaragoza, Álvaro Obregón and Ocampo streets until they reach La Floresta in the east of the town. This year the Charros Association decided to omit the traditional «toro de once» and the reception or refreshment to avoid crowds.
The Shrove Tuesday parade will also begin at 11:00 a.m. crossing the town on Ocampo, passing by the «Seis Esquinas» square, and taking Hidalgo to end at the main square of Ajijic.
Max Macías said that at least ten floats will participate, without ruling out the possibility of others joining in.
«Few signed up, but some let me know of their participation informally. The parade floats will be arranged according to the order of registration to maintain order,» he added. In addition, he asked parade attendees to wear masks, as well as to try to disperse as soon as the parade passes.
«The Board of Health of Jalisco put restrictions on events and far from ignoring them, we must make an effort to follow them. We are reviving traditions little by little and we want to do things right», said Max Macias
Translated by Patrick O’Heffernan
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