Ongoing Celebrations and Local Traditions
One thing we’ve learned living in the Lake Chapala area is that there is always a celebration happening—or about to happen. Just when one wraps up, another is right around the corner, filling the towns with music, color, and community.
Revolution Day in San Antonio
The festivities for Mexican Revolution Day (celebrated on November 20) brought one of the most charming parades we’ve seen so far. Revolution Day commemorates the start of the Mexican Revolution in 1910, a pivotal moment that reshaped the country’s political and social landscape.
In San Antonio Tlayacapan, the celebration took the form of a school parade, with children from regional schools participating in themed outfits and choreographed routines. It was impossible not to smile—tiny dancers, proud teachers, and families lining the streets created such a joyful, communal atmosphere.
Fiesta Patronal in Ajijic (Saint Andrew’s Festival)
Ajijic went all out for Fiesta Patronal, honoring Saint Andrew, the town’s patron saint. The celebration stretched over nine days, and the entire town center transformed into a full-on carnival.
There were rides, games, food stalls, music, and crowds every night. Joe, unsurprisingly, continues to dominate carnival games—and this time walked away with one of the more… unexpected prizes we’ve seen. It became an instant legend and still makes us laugh.
Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe
Another highlight was the Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe, one of the most important religious celebrations in Mexico. The parade featured incredibly colorful traditional clothing, music, and symbolism.
Hiking with Cows and Big Views
We also finally started exploring some of the local hiking trails around Lake Chapala. At one point, a group of cows completely blocked the trail, bringing our hike to a standstill. After a bit of amused waiting, Joe stepped in and gently helped guide them off the path. The whole scene was equal parts funny and surreal—and a perfect reminder that rural life still very much shapes this area. (video below!)
The climb to the top was absolutely worth it. The views overlooking the lake and surrounding landscape were stunning, rewarding us with a quiet, expansive perspective after the effort.
Animals Everywhere (Just the Way We Like It)
One of our favorite parts of life here is how intertwined animals are with daily routines.
We’re constantly entertained by local dogs lounging in the streets, horses being ridden down our road, and cats all around. There are cats to pet at the local shelter, cats that roam the neighborhood, and even cats that have claimed residence inside our local abarrote (corner store).
At home, we’ve started putting out feeders and now have a growing crew of hummingbirds visiting throughout the day. Watching them dart around has become one of our favorite daily rituals.
This past month has been a perfect snapshot of why Lake Chapala continues to feel like the right choice for us. There’s always something happening—parades, festivals, music, or spontaneous moments.
Life here is colorful, social, and deeply rooted in tradition, yet still relaxed and welcoming. Whether it’s a major holiday celebration or a quiet afternoon watching hummingbirds, there’s a constant sense of connection and joy.
