Turismo

Templo de San Andrés Apóstol. Foto: Archivo.

D. Arturo Ortega. – Luego de la falta de respuesta por parte de la Mesa de Salud Jalisco para conceder la realización de reuniones para realización de celebraciones, el Ayuntamiento de Chapala anunció que sí se llevarán a cabo las fiestas patronales a realizarse en próximas fechas, pero con ciertas restricciones.

“El límite de horario será las 12:00 de la noche, aforo restringido a un máximo de personas (no especificado) y la instalación de filtros sanitarios, con responsabilidad para los gremios y grupos que organizan las festividades”, serán parte de las restricciones y responsabilidades.

Lo anterior se realizó por parte de las Autoridades Municipales, en atención a las diversas peticiones de los habitantes, grupos organizados y gremios, ha determinado que se conceden permisos para llevar a cabo eventos.

Entre las fiestas más esperadas en el municipio se encuentran las fiestas de San Andrés Apóstol, Santo Patrono del Pueblo Mágico de Ajijic que se celebrarán a través de un novenario que concluye el 30 de noviembre.

Ranzio, a fantastic zombie show. 

D. Arturo Ortega (Chapala, Jal).- A “clown theater” and four musical presentations is what Estación Cardinal Chapala, Un Cargamento de Cultura will present in the month of November in coordination with the Centro Cultural González Gallo (CCGG), Secretaría de Cultura Jalisco and the Dirección de Cultura de Chapala. All presentations are free and suitable for all audiences.

This month’s program opens with a presentation of «Ranzio, a fantastic zombie», a circus clown theater show that shows the difficulties of being and thinking differently in our society through a character that combines music, magic, circus and comedy. The presentation tookes place this Friday November 12 at 7:00 p.m. on Chapala’s malecon at the open-air forum «Salate de Felisa.» 

World music comes to Chapala with Phi and Tala Friks, two groups that will perform this Saturday, November 13, starting at 5:00 p.m. in San Antonio Tlayacapán’s plaza.

The sound of the guitar and transverse flute will be heard this Sunday, November 14, at the CCGG at 12:30 p.m., with the interpretation of David Mosqueda on strings and Nury Ulate on the wind instrument.

The whole family is invited to enjoy a beautiful sunset concert on the Ajijic boardwalk with Gil Rios Quartet and Marea Fandanguera on Saturday, November 20, starting at 6:00 p.m. 

A Concert with a Cumbia Flavor will be brought by the musical groups Los Afrodisíacos and La Pura Piña, who will conclude the program with a presentation at the open-air forum located on the Chapala boardwalk on November 27 at 7:00 pm.  

Translated by Kerry Watson

Foto: Comunicación Social de Chapala.

Redacción.- Luego de que se volcara la embarcación en la que viajaba acompañado de otras dos personas, el cuerpo de Moisés «N» fue encontrado sin vida, en el interior del lago por elementos de Bomberos y Protección Civil de Chapala.

El incidente habría ocurrido la noche del 14 de noviembre cuando Bomberos y Protección Civil recibieron el reporte que se hacía referencia a una canoa perdida con tres personas a bordo, y cuya embarcación se volcó cuando regresaban a la orilla.

Comunicación Social informó que el cuerpo fue localizado a las 13:45 de este 15 de noviembre, a 10 metros de donde se encontraba la embarcación hundida en la que viajaba.

The Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, in Ajijic, is close to starting the restoration project 

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic, Jal.)- The project for the restoration of Ajijic’s Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary is very close to starting, and after four fundraising events, the group “Sumando Voluntades” or Summoning Volunteers is ready to take the next step.

Their most recent event was the seventh annual Run for the Rosary, held on the day of the Virgin of the Rosary, October 31, with 180 runners participating in the race. The race and the fair held on the same day raised 40 thousand pesos, giving a total of approximately 350 thousand pesos that the group has raised to start working.

The architect in charge of the project, Josué Ramos, said that the restoration project was presented to the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) and needs some modifications, however, the capital raised is enough to get started.

«They asked us to revise the structural project to the specifications provided by the architect of the INAH. The architect said that we don’t have to spend all the capital in the first stage since they were quite simple things to start with,» Josué asserted.

He also added that they have more events in mind, although they have yet to plan the details or set the date. In the short term, they plan to focus on the architectural survey and the necessary restructuring.

«We will continue to raise funds for this project. For the moment, we are thinking of selling a black and white poster with the Virgin of the Rosary and the little chapel in the background, which we will start selling during the patron saint festivities and whenever we have the opportunity», concluded the architect Josué.

 Translated by Kerry Watson.

For the second year in a row, the large altar on top of the Quiosco de San Juan Cosalá was set on fire. Photo: Courtesy.

Héctor Ruiz Mejía: For the second consecutive year,  the Day of the Dead monumental altar on the Kiosk of San Juan Cosalá was set on fire, although this year, unlike last year, the blaze was caused intentionally, according to Luis Guzmán coordinator of the November 1 «Paseo de las Ánimas» event.

Although the identity of the culprits is known, their names have not yet been officially released, said one of the participants of the «Paseo de las Ánimas» who preferred to remain anonymous. Furthermore, according to Luis Guzmán, the organizers were unaware of the fire that broke out in the early hours of November 2nd until the following morning. 

«This is not only an offense to me and  my team, but to the entire community, since it was the residents  themselves who helped to decorate and make the festival a reality,» Guzmán explained, dismayed by the situation.

According to Guzmán ‘s version, all possible precautions were taken and he and his team checked everything before leaving because of  their experience of the accidental fire at the last festival caused by a candle that set fire to the altar.

«I personally extinguished all the candles, I made sure that nothing was left burning and regarding the wires, we did not leave a single one, precisely wanting to avoid any kind of short circuit, we checked everything; this, sadly, was intentional,» said Luis, via telephone to Semanario Laguna.

Thus the work of the residents of San Juan Cosalá, which took approximately two weeks to cover the entire Quisco de flores de Cempasuchil, was reduced to ashes in a single night. 

According to an  anonymous source, the people who caused the fire are already known by the people of San Juan Cosalá themselves.  Since the complaint was made unofficially, the suspects  are presumed to be public servants whose motive for setting fire to the offering is also unknown.

A meeting will be held at the offices of the delegation between the organizers of the festivity, who are seeking to reveal the culprits so that the events do not happen again. The meeting is scheduled for on Friday, November 5, around 7:00 p.m.

Translated by Patrick O’Heffernan.

On November 1 and 2, the cemetery was open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm  with a Covid checkpoint at the entry.

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic, Jal.)– Unlike last year when the municipal cemetery only allowed people to enter to clean the tombstones, this year people were able to decorate the graves of their relatives who have passed away and spend some time together. 

The doors of the cemetery were kept open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on November 1 and 2, and strict Covid checkpoints were maintained at the entrance.  Visitors were required to wear masks and many did,   and sanitizing gel was provided. In addition, Civil Protection personnel were  on hand to assist. 

«It is a beautiful tradition that year after year we try not to lose, besides being a moment of uniting with our living and our dead. I met many people  that I know here and we were happy that this year the cemetery was more accessible and we could stay longer. And we found a  very clean cemetery», said one of the Ajijic residents  who was at the cemetery.

Inside the cemetery, people were busy cleaning and decorating the tombs, as well as sitting and socializing among families. Every grave, even the oldest and most forgotten, had at least one flower. Outside the cemetery flowers and food were on sale. 

The person in charge of the office, Maximiliano «Max» Macías Arceo, said that elements of civil protection and public security were patrolling the cemetery. He also said that there were no mishaps and that people followed the  requirements  and respected the hours of service.  

 «The cemetery was not closed as such, because the gate to the stream is missing, but at the time (of closing) people were invited to leave and there were no problems. There were no altercations or mishaps», said Maximiliano «Max» Macías.

Also, on November 2, the cemetery closed one hour later by order of the Chapala City Hall, so that the families had the opportunity to leave their graves ready and clean of the garbage they may have generated during that afternoon.

Translated by Amy Esperanto.

Efrén González before the lighting of the Wall of the Dead. Photo: Sofía Medeles. 

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic, Jal.)- Painter Efrén González announced her would create a second Wall of he Dead just  before he lit the candles of the 1,600 skulls that make up his current installation on one of the walls of the Marcos Castellanos school.  

The «new wall of the dead» will be located in La Ladrillera, near his home, to the west of Ajijic, Efrén informed the hundreds of attendees who came to view the lighting of the candles at the November 2nd event, along with other presentations. 

Efrén explained that he was given the authorization to make a similar, but smaller wall on the outskirts of Ajijic  made up of  800 clay skulls. 

«I will turn first to my neighbors, because they are the ones who deserve the space first, then all the people of Ajijic, or who have had something to do with Ajijic,» said Efrén at the event, explaining how he will dedicate the skulls.

He concluded by stating that he will not charge for putting the names of those who want to be on the new wall, however, it is very difficult for him to do so, so he asked them to be generous  in supporting the project.

Translated by Patrick O’Heffernan.

The village sign in San Antonio Tlayacapan’s main square.

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic, Jal.)– Santiago Baeza, director of culture for Ajijic and San Antonio Tlayacapan, has invited San Antonio residents to take part in traditional community altars in the main square on November 2, Day of the Dead.  

Flowers, candles, ofrendas, portraits of relatives to whom they want to dedicate the altar, and other items can be taken to Gustavo Aguayo de la Torre in the San Antonio delegation office, or installed before November 2 in the main square. 

“Delegation workers will begin in the next few days, and the people of San Antonio will see the work being done. Once the structure is finished, everyone can put up their own altars as part of the larger San Antonio community altar,” Baeza said. 

Translated by Mike Rogers

En los últimos fines de semana se han colocado conos para evitar que la gente se estacione, esto para que se acostumbren y pueda volver el Andador Cultural Axixic. Foto: Sofía Medeles. 

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic, Jal.)- Hay planes de volver a instalar el andador en la calle Morelos, en el corazón de Ajijic, reveló el actual Encargado de Despacho de la delegación, Maximiliano “Max” Macías Arceo, y aclaró que de realizarse, esta medida no sólo beneficiará a los negocios sino también al transeúnte. 

“Esta vez, planeamos que sea andador cultural y se enfoque en las artesanías de los locales, los negocios de (calle) Morelos trabajarán de su puerta para adentro”, indicó el entrevistado, quien ha dicho que entiende el rechazo de un sector de las personas, ya que, en la administración antepasada (2015-2018) hubo un proyecto similar, el cual benefició a los negocios ubicados a lo largo de Morelos pero no al artesano local ni al transeúnte. 

Andador Axixic, en 2017, donde se destaca la presencia de mesas de los restaurantes de la zona (Foto: Archivo).

Y es que, desde las últimas dos semanas, desde el inicio de la nueva administración liderada por el panista Alejandro Aguirre, agentes viales se han encargado de evitar que vehículos se estacionen en la calle Morelos, a partir de su cruce con Ocampo, lo que ha levantado sospechas acerca del regreso del polémico Andador Cultural Axixic, que desde su creación (durante la administración del priista Javier Degollado) ha levantado opiniones encontradas, ya que cada fin de semana se cerraba la calle Morelos al tráfico vehicular para dar paso a la venta de bebidas, comida, artesanías y presentaciones musicales en la calle. 

En las primeras dos semanas del gobierno del ex alcalde de Chapala , el emecista Moisés Anaya (2018-2021), se desintegró el Andador y los presuntos siete comerciantes ambulantes del mismo fueron reubicados al lado del muelle, en el Parque de la Amistad en el malecón de Ajijic. Ahora ya son más de veinte los ambulantes que venden en el lugar. 

Al preguntar a unas 17 personas acerca del regreso del Andador Cultural Axixic,  nueve de ellas estuvieron de acuerdo, mientras que otras ocho se negaron a que se realice nuevamente el cierre de la céntrica calle para la instalación de venta de artesanías. 

“Solo están dando paso a que vuelvan a sacar poco a poco los restaurantes su cochinero a las calles. Podrán decir que es para apoyar a la cultura local, pero lo mismo dijeron la vez pasada. Está bien que arreglen la calle, pero con el puestero ahí, solo van a hacer caos vial”, aseveró Francisco, un joven habitante de Ajijic.

Por otro lado, quienes estuvieron de acuerdo, aseguraron que podría ser una plataforma para impulsar la economía de los artistas locales. “Andador cultural, como el que estaba en la plaza, pero exclusivo para gente de Ajijic, es lo que el pueblo necesita. Ajijic tiene muchos artistas que deberían darse a conocer en la calle principal, a quienes vienen a visitar el Pueblo Mágico”, aseguró Fany, que reside en la población.

“Se está planificando el andador y hemos visto buenas opiniones sobre esto. Se busca además, arreglar la calle Morelos a partir de Colón, siempre tomando las opiniones de la gente en cuenta. Entrando el año, el presidente municipal –Alejandro Aguirre- tomará cartas en el asunto sobre el proyecto”, comentó Max, el actual Encargado de Despacho en la pintoresca delegación.

Ajijic’s new Delegado or town administrator, Maximiliano «Max» Macías Arceo, 43 years old, is a native of the town and son of Alicia Arceo and Maximiliano Macías «Chimiano.» Photo Sofia Medeles.  

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic, Jal.)- The new  Delegate of Ajijic, Maximiliano «Max» Macías Arceo, 43 years old, said in an interview that he will work in an integrated manner in different areas, as well as in public services so that they work as they should.

The interviewee’s medium-term plan is to promote culture and traditions, sports and to keep the basic services of the town fully functioning; in other words, «to make thins work in Ajijic.»

The Delegado says his main objective is to keep Ajijic’s public lighting, water service and garbage collection in good condition and fully functional. In addition, he is asking that a portion of the annual water collection fee be kept directly in Ajijic and not go to the municipal seat as was the custom in recent administrations. 

«I would like part of the annual collection of the Municipal System of Drinking Water and Sewage (SIMAPA) to stay in Ajijic, as it was done before, so we can maintain everything well, without any potholes and with dedicated crews to focus on Ajijic, its streets, and its people,» he said.

Max, who was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, the attire of a person who likes to work outside the office, recounted some social programs of the past that he would like to replicate, such as that of the Japanese Juanita Reed, who had a crew of children who picked up the garbage from the streets of the town. 

«I would like to do something similar to Juanita’s children, who used to bring them cleaning in their white shirts, because education and the culture of cleanliness begins as a child,» he added.

As for sports, he plans to look for a young person who can take charge of organizing and promoting short tournaments in different disciplines, such as basketball and volleyball. 

With respect to culture, the Delegado says he will seek to promote activities in coordination with the director of Culture of Ajijic (a new position created in the organization chart of this new government administration), Santiago Baeza, who, with «his contacts and experience», could help him in this task. In addition, he will work with the administrator of the Ajijic Cultural Center (CCA), Héctor Hinojosa, and the local director, Efrén González.

«We are also interested in holding events and activities on the plaza, using it to  promote our culture», said the Delegate. 

Max asserted: «I don’t want to focus on just one thing, since everything is a priority, especially the people and their needs. Even so, as for the upcoming festivities, we will have to wait to see what the Jalisco Ministry of Health (SSJ) indicates, but we are ready to help everyone.»

As to the election of the delegate, he said that it will be announced in due time, since it is usually in April, where he will participate as a candidate. «Even so, the municipal president has the final word,» he said. 

 Translated by Kerry Watson