Tacos El Paisa, located to the west of Ajijic, during its reopening on June 3. Photo: Sofía Medeles.

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic).- The project «Negocios Mágicos Ajijic,» or Ajijic Magic Businesses, celebrated the reopening of its first remodeling client, «Tacos El Paisa» last Friday, June 3. Having completed the first renovation, the promoters of the project, Katja Kohl and Araceli Kopiloff, are looking for the next winner.

‘Before’ photo of the renovated taqueria. Photo: Negocios Mágicos Ajijic.

The first makeover began on June 1 and ended two days later. The business owners’ investment comprised four thousand pesos, plus their active involvement in the process, in addition to funds contributed by the Negocios Mágicos Ajijic initiative.

«It is a great change that we needed. Now the place feels comfortable and cozy, but above all, cheerful. We tell other local businesses to get involved, because change is always good. It can result in more customers and a better place for them to offer a welcoming service,» commented the restaurant staff.

Immediately after their first success, the creators, designers and promoters of the project called upon other local businesses to participate in the initiative. Project personnel will collaborate with owners on redesigning the image and presence of the different businesses. 

Aspiring businesses will have to meet certain criteria, including Mexican-owned; willing to participate in the remodeling with their own hands; willing to share details of their story to help with the new design proposal, and contribute as much money to the overall budget as they can afford. For the rest, Araceli and Katja will take over.

‘After’ photo of the store post-remodeling. Photo: Negocios Mágicos Ajijic.

To nominate a local business, you can write to their Facebook page «Negocios Mágicos Ajijic,» or tag the page in posts containing the name of the business you’re nominating. The winner will be chosen by the number of nominations received, with a deadline of July 4.

Araceli and Katja have said that their goal is to assist at least ten businesses a year and to let people know that design is an element that is within everyone’s reach, regardless of budget.

Translated by Rebecca Zittle

Efrén González with his wife and children, during the ribbon cutting of the Ajijic Art Museum. Photo: Sofía Medeles.

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic).-  The new Ajijic Museum of Art opened this week with three days of art presentations and the unveiling of three new murals in the neighborhood surrounding the building in the west side of Ajijic.

The new museum, located on private Flores Magón 3, opened its doors on June 1st, 2nd and 3rd. The museum contains works by internationally renowned painters such as Georg Rauch, Carlos Terrés, Miguel Miramontes, Sylvia Fein, and other artists who found inspiration in the Magic Town. The oldest work of art is one from 1924, according to the museum’s curator, Antonio Velazco. 

The murals located on Flores Magón Street range from a landscape of Parroquia Street in the center of the town, another illustrates the view of the lake next to  anchored fishing boats. The third, located at the intersection of Flores Magón and Ocampo, is a Virgin of Guadalupe. In front of the latter, a second Wall of the Dead is in process, similar to the one located on Marcos Castellanos Street.

Unveiling of the mural at the intersection of Flores Magón and Ocampo. Photo: Sofia Medeles.

On the last day of the opening celebration, June 3, there was a parade with a band from the main square to the new museum, also inaugurated on the 50th anniversary of the life of its founder, Efrén González. 

The museum will be open from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. and the entrance fee will be 40 pesos. Although, of course,” we will try to facilitate access to people from the neighborhood and locals,» said historian Antonio Velazco, a member of the  presidium that founded the museum.

The presidium was formed by Efrén González, painter Javier Zaragoza, journalist Dale Hoyt Palfrey, the head of the González Gallo Cultural Center (CCGG), Gabriela Serrano, Ajijic Acting Director Maximiano Macías, Oscar Santoscoy, and historian Antonio Velazco.

The second stage of the museum will be inaugurated at the end of the year. 

Translated  by Patrick O’Heffernan

Linaje Bohemio en 2021. Foto: Cortesía.

Alma Serrano.- El trío musical cosalense Linaje Bohemio,  apareció la tarde del 13 de mayo  en “Tv Jalisco” de Zapopan, canal dedicado a tendencias, entretenimiento y diversión. Con David Reyes Díaz como vocalista y los hermanos Carlos y César Torres en la guitarra y trompeta, enriquecieron con su talento el programa. 

El trío musical, Linaje Bohemio, ha sido conocido por ser una bomba de talento, ya que este grupo ahora conocido en la ribera de Chapala y otros lugares de la República, como Chiapas y municipios del estado de Jalisco, lugares donde tuvo un impacto positivo desde los primeros meses. 

Su trayectoria como grupo, después de haber sido mejores amigos, comenzó en el año 2019, llevando hasta mayo del 2022, dos años y medio como compañeros de música, sin contar el tiempo que se dedicaron a otros grupos, ni la experiencia que tienen desde niños.

En el año 2019, armaron el grupo de manera inesperada, en un evento de un restaurante, que los llevó a los días siguientes a recibir innumerables llamadas para solicitar sus servicios, en fiestas de cualquier tipo, incluyendo, festivales de música, arte, etcétera.  Lo que forzó afortunadamente el formalizar sus servicios y darle un nombre. 

Linaje Bohemio en el Canal Tv Jalisco. (De Izq. a Der.) David, César y Carlos. Foto: Cortesía.

Durante su trayectoria, Linaje Bohemio ha compartido el escenario con artistas como Brandon and James, ganadores del concurso America’s GOT Talent en Estados Unidos; Francisco Puga, ganador de concurso de imitación en Parodiando, programa de televisa; Alex Villareal, mejor conocido como “el borrego”, ex vocalista de la Banda el Recodo, e infinidad de artistas de la ribera de Chapala. 

Debido a la música bohemia e inspiradora y por supuesto a su juventud, Linaje Bohemio se posicionó en la sensación del momento, dando entrevistas y deleitando con su música a programas de radio como Fanáticos al Aire, La Feroz FM, y El Desmoder.

Debido a la alta demanda, sobre todo local, David, Carlos y César se vieron saturados de trabajos, por lo que modificaron estratégicamente sus medios como artistas. Contemplaron la idea de aliarse a personas que administraran su agenda y los medios hacia clientes y el público, por lo que integraron al equipo de trabajo al joven de 26 años, Víctor Serrano, quien los representa con los clientes y maneja su agenda.

Por otra parte, Diego Amezcua y Anie Cerna son quienes ayudan con publicidad y grabación de los videos de covers subidos en el Canal de YouTube. “Linaje Bohemio” y sin duda, ellos agradecen públicamente al club de fans con más de cuatro mil 500 seguidores que se extiende en toda la ribera y otros países como Estados Unidos.  Encuentra más sobre este grupo musical en las redes sociales como “Linaje Bohemio”. 

Town ID letters’ initial location was at the traffic light on North Cardenal Street and the Chapala-Jocotepec highway.  Photo: File. 

Alma Serrano (San Juan Cosalá).- The Mexican town ID letters of San Juan Cosalá will be relocated by the City Hall of Jocotepec to the small square in the neighborhood of Fátima, on the Chapala-Jocotepec highway. The identity signage was initially placed on Cardenal Street in September 2018.

Making way for the town’s letters’ new locale on the small plaza on Zaragoza Street, in front of the Oxxo. Photo: Alma Serrano.

Last May 8, personnel of the municipal government began gathering support to move the colorful letters to the small plaza on Zaragoza Street, at the crossroads of the village. 

The delegate of San Juan Cosalá, Carlos Vázquez Reyes, said that the change in the location of the letters was made at the direction of the Department of Urban Image of the municipality of Jocotepec.

«The Department of Urban Image says that this small square looks very lonely,” he commented, “and the reason for placing them [the letters] there is to encourage people to visit the neighborhood of Fátima and to make the square look nicer.”

The huge decorated letters spelling out the town’s name are part of a nationwide government initiative promoting Mexican tourism. As such, their design captures characteristic aspects of the town such as its main square, the parish, the views towards Lake Chapala and the impressive landscape of the San Juan Cosalá mountain range. 

Translated by Mags Petela

(De Izq. a Der.) Araceli Kopiloff, Katja Kohl, creadoras de Negocios Mágicos Ajijic, y Maximiano Macías Arceo, el encargado de despacho. Foto: Max Macías Arceo.

Sofía Medeles.– Dos diseñadoras y habitantes de Ajijic, decidieron iniciar un proyecto para apoyar a los pequeños negocios de Ajijic a mejorar su imagen, para estar a acorde con el nombramiento de Pueblo Mágico.

El encargado de despacho, Maximiano Macías Arceo, comentó que las creadoras de la iniciativa “Negocios Mágicos Ajijic”, Araceli Kopiloff y Katja Kohl se acercaron a hablar con él, para mostrarle el proyecto, el cual aceptó gustoso, ya que es un apoyo para los pequeños negocios del poblado.

Este proyecto consiste en hacer una renovación de la imagen de los negocios, dando una aspecto más colorido y llamativo, y ofrecieron este servicio por el mínimo costo posible; siendo el primero beneficiado la taquería “El Paisa”, ubicados sobre la carretera al poniente de Ajijic. La remodelación iniciará el 1 de junio y se prevé la reapertura para el día 3 de junio por la noche. 

Katja Kohl aseguró que, buscan que los locales tengan la idea de que el diseño está al alcance de todos, y uno de sus objetivos principales es que la delegación, por medio de sus negocios, cuente con características visuales llamativas.

Por su parte, Araceli aseveró que su meta sería mejorar al menos diez negocios por año, y agradeció el apoyo de Max; además, espera que la iniciativa llegue al presidente de Chapala, para que el Gobierno Municipal la respalde.

Ambas, comentaron que pronto abrirán otra convocatoria para que los negocios puedan aspirar a este tipo de apoyo. Las actualizaciones se podrán consultar por medio de la página en Facebook “Negocios Mágicos Ajijic”.

(From left to right) Araceli Kopiloff, Katja Kohl, creators of Negocios Mágicos Ajijic, and Maximiliano Macías Arceo, the person in charge of the project. Photo: Max Macías Arceo.

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic).- Two designers and residents  of Ajijic, decided to start a project to support small businesses in Ajijic to improve their image and enhance the image of Ajijic, the  Pueblo Mágico.

Acting Delegado Maximiliano Macías Arceo said that the creators of the initiative «Negocios Mágicos Ajijic», Araceli Kopiloff and Katja Kohl,   pitched him on the project, which he gladly accepted , since it  will support  small businesses  on Ajijic.

This project consists of renovating the image of the businesses by giving them a more colorful and eye-catching look  at  the minimum possible cost. The  taqueria «El Paisa» on the highway in West Ajijic will be the project’s  first “makeover”. The remodeling will begin on June 1st and will reopen on June 3rd in the evening. 

Katja Kohl said  that they are looking to show locals that  great design is within everyone’s reach, and that one of their main objectives is that Ajijic has striking visual characteristics, through its businesses.

Araceli said that her goal would be to improve at least 10 businesses per year, and that she is grateful for Max’s support, and hopes that the initiative will reach the president of Chapala, so that the municipal government will support it.

Both commented that they will soon open another call for applicants, so that businesses can apply for their support. Updates will be available through the Facebook page «Negocios Mágicos Ajijic».

Translated by Patrick O’Heffernan

First International Theater Festival of Jocotepec 2022

When: April 27 to May 31

Information: Casa de Cultura «José Vaca Flores»

Location: Hidalgo Sur #38, Jocotepec, Centro 

Information: 387 763-1621

“Where there is music there can be no bad thing” Book presentation

When: Saturday, May 28 7:00pm 

Place: Restaurant Beer Garden, private Francisco I. Madero 200A, Chapala Centro

Benefit for Jonathan Márquez

When: Saturday, May 28 7:00pm

Sale of Mexican snacks, drinks, raffles, brincolin and more. Pozole to go from 1:30pm

Place: Flores Magón #31, La Ladrillera, Ajijic

Rezzonante 

When: Sunday, May 29 12:30pm

Voice, piano and saxophone concert

Place: González Gallo Cultural Center, Av. González Gallo 1500, Chapala. 

Admission: Free

Diploma in massage techniques

When: Thursday, June 2 3:00pm to 7:00pm 

Classroom course taught by Idalia Venegas. It will include massage theory, basic techniques, hot stone massage, modeling massage, and spa wraps, among other techniques.

Cost: Per class $499, registration $1,350

Location: Hotel Sol y Luna, Rio Bravo #10A, Ajijic

Information: 333 952-5562 / 331 723-9678

Musical presentation, Mr. Q

When: Thursday, June 2, 5:00pm 

Classic Rock Concert.

Place: 4to Sentido, Carretera Chapala – Ajijic 89, top floor, Plaza Paradise Center, San Antonio

From the Roots: La Tierra

When: Saturday, June 4, 6:00pm to 8:00pm 

Art exhibition with cocktails and live music

Place: Sol y Luna Gallery, Rio Bravo #10A, Ajijic

Meeting of harps, psalteries and more

Day: Wednesday, June 8, 1:00pm  

Nematatlin musical group

Place: González Gallo Cultural Center, Av. González Gallo 1500, Chapala

Stone Soup

When: Tuesday, June 14, 8:30pm 

Fusion rock event

Place: San Antonio Tlayacapan Square 

Translated by Paul Weeks

Pedestrian walkway on Colón street, in downtown Ajijic, invaded by cars. Photo: Sofía Medeles.

Sofía Medeles (Ajijc).- Although authorities have ot been policing the pedestrian walkway on Colon and removing parked cards, signs and other illegal obstructions, they plan to continue setting  it up every weekend, according to Acting Delegado Maximilano Macías Arceo.

itis common to see vehicles invading the road, as well as advertisements and even   bicycle racks outside businesses in the pedestrian walkway created by traffic cones on Colón Street, from Parroquia Street to the Malecón.

Macías Arceo commented that he is still waiting for orders from the municipal government of Chapala to improve the pedestrian walkway project, which is still being developed and will be  presented  to residents for their input before being carried out. However, in the meantime traffic officers are usually on the lookout for vehicles that are parked to report them, he said.

Not only vehicles, but also advertising obstructs pedestrian space. Photo: Sofía Medeles.

«The transit officers are usually doing their rounds and reporting parked cars. Although they are doing their job, people sometimes disrespect or ignore them,» he said

Maximiliano added that there is no explanation as to why they park on the walkway, since, in addition to the fact that the tourist flow is decreasing due to the season, the east side of the pier was recently  opened for parking. 

We interviewed some tourists of the Pueblo Mágico over the weekend and, although in comparison with the last survey carried out in February where several visitors assured that they did not know what the walkway was for, this time, most of them did know, although they doubted its functionality.

«Apparently it is for people to walk on it, but there are always cars parked. It gives the impression that they are charging to park. It would be a better choice to completely close this avenue to be a walkway,» said Julissa, who visited Ajijic from the city of Guadalajara.

Translated by Patrick O’Heffernan

First International Theater Festival of Jocotepec 2022

Day: April 27 to May 31

Information at Casa de Cultura «José Vaca Flores»

Location: Hidalgo Sur #38, Jocotepec, downtown 

Information at 387-763-1621

Course «Literature of Mexican Women Writers»

Day: April 28, May 5, 12, 19 and 26

Virtual literary course, taught by Charlotte Carranza

Place: Virtual course 

Schedule: 6-8pm

Cost: Information at 331-273-1110

Mr Q

Day: Thursday June 2

Classic Rock Concert

Place: 4to Sentido, Carretera Chapala – Ajijic 89, Top Floor, Plaza Paradise Center, San Antonio

Schedule: 5pm 

Cost: $250 pesos in advance and $250 pesos on site

16th Anniversary Son de Mexico International invites to the Gala Function

Day: May 21

Children’s Folkloric Ballet

Venue: Atrium of the old temple El Hospitalito, San Juan Cosalá, Centro Histórico

Time: 8pm 

Limited seating

Xapawiyemeta

Day: Saturday May 21

Offering and traditional wake

Place: Isla de los Alacranes, Chapala

Schedule: 8pm 

Information and registration at 331-286-7352

Huichol Art Festival

Day: Saturday May 21

Art, culture and traditional medicine

Place: Pablola Gallery, 16 de Septiembre #1 Ajijic, Downtown

Hours: 11am – 5pm

Translated by Christalle Dalsted

Restaurant being remodeled to “open  soon”. Photo: Sofía Medeles.

Sofía Medeles.- The controversial restaurant located on the Ajijic pier, which in recent weeks has seen staff working on its upcoming reopening, still does not have the necessary licenses to operate, nor has it been approached by Chapala authorities.

This information was confirmed by the municipal president Alejandro de Jesús Aguirre Curiel, who said that no commercial activity has been authorized. 

«So far, I am not aware that they have been approached, but they do not have any license», thus ruling out a prompt opening.

Contrary to this, in the last three weeks, there has been activity on the part of workers performing remodeling, next to a large billboard, which has information about the restaurant, which reads «coming soon».

The appearance of the restaurant and the sign have generated controversy in Ajijic, as some people object to both the restaurant on the premises, and those who see it as a source of work, a tourist attraction, and that it would be better occupied than abandoned.

The 34-year-old building, located next to the Ajijic pier, was built there due to a concession granted by the National Water Commission (Conagua) to a private individual. The owner of the site and of the concession is Fabio Rizzo Jasso, according to him, the concession covers 3,362 meters, which includes part of the boardwalk and the Parque de la Amistad, and is authorized for 50 years.

Translated by Patrick O’Heffernan