Life Takes Root in San Antonio, Mexico
As life in San Antonio, Lake Chapala moves forward, we’re feeling more at home every day. When I say “home” now, I’m thinking of this place—its sounds, colors, and friendly rhythm of life. Our weeks have developed a nice balance of exploring new things, connecting with the community, and creating a home that feels uniquely ours.
Finding Art, Culture, and Community
Weekends continue to bring new adventures—dancing with friends, discovering local cultural events, and exploring new restaurants. One of our favorite discoveries has been the local art auctions held at least once a month. They’re wonderful opportunities to find discounted Mexican art, and each piece feels like it carries a story of this region.
We also love attending the San Antonio Art Market in the plaza, where local artisans display handmade jewelry, textiles, and crafts. The house is gradually filling with Mexican art—bright, textured, and full of life. I’m curious to see how my older art collection from the U.S. will blend in once we’re able to bring it here.
Embracing Local Life and Services
One of the great things about living here is how accessible and affordable many professional services are compared to the U.S. After wearing contacts for more than 35 years, I decided to finally get LASIK surgery. The process was efficient, professional, and much more affordable than the US. It’s an amazing feeling to wake up and see clearly after so many years!
I also commissioned a custom patio table from a neighbor who builds beautiful furniture out of his home workshop. I had noticed his work during my daily walks and, with my limited Spanish, arranged for him to build a table. A week later, we picked it up—an original, handcrafted piece that perfectly fits our outdoor space.
Experiencing the Fiestas de San Francisco
Recently, we attended the Fiestas de San Francisco in Chapala, a nine-day celebration honoring the city’s patron saint. Every day brought parades, church services, music, food, and fireworks. The atmosphere was electric—families filled the streets, kids played games, and everyone joined in the celebration.
One of the most fascinating traditions we witnessed was the castillo—a towering structure covered in fireworks that spin, sparkle, and explode in dazzling patterns. These fiery displays are an important part of Mexican heritage, recognized by UNESCO for their cultural significance. Watching them ignite against the night sky while a mariachi band played was truly breathtaking.
Joe even joined in the local games, impressing everyone with his balloon-dart accuracy and winning me a small ceramic dog bank that now watches over our garden.
Living Beyond the Expat Bubble
While it’s easy to stay within the expat community here—especially in nearby Ajijic—we love being immersed in authentic Mexican life. That’s why we chose San Antonio. The sense of community, the warmth of the people, and the joy of local traditions have made us feel truly connected.
I’ve started making it a mission to research and find local festivals and cultural events, many of which aren’t advertised on expat Facebook groups. It takes a bit of digging, but every discovery feels like a hidden gem. With Día de Muertos approaching, I’m already looking forward to the next round of colorful, meaningful celebrations.