Forums > Areas > Jalisco's Lake Chapala Region

Musicman

Sep 11, 2003, 11:06 AM

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El dia de independencia

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I would like to attend a Mexican celebration of Independence Day in either Chapala or Ajijic. Does anyone have a recommendation as to where and when to go?

Jean

Sep 11, 2003, 2:14 PM

Post #2 of 9 (293 views)

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Re: [Musicman] El dia de independencia

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Unfortunately I don't have an answer to your question, but your post is important and seems to be getting lost in the drivel of people treating this forum as a chat room.

Please, if anyone out there has some information to help this newcommer please post it.

As for the other posts that seem to turn into "chat areas", would it be possible to make some of your comments, that really have nothing to do with the original subject, in private emails?

And newcommers to this board, please post your questions. We promise to give you all the help we can.
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esperanza

Sep 11, 2003, 2:28 PM

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Re: [Musicman] El dia de independencia

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There will be a big celebration in the Ajijic plaza on the night of the 15th. Ask someone at the delegación (corner of Colón and Hidalgo) what time the festivities will start. Last year there was the crowning of the queen of the Fiestas Patrias, speechmaking, a reenactment of the GRITO, music, folkloric dancing, and fireworks. On the 16th there is usually a parade through town in Ajijic and another in Chapala. Plus, many of the local restaurants are offering New Years Eve-type parties for the evening of the 15th.

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(This post was edited by esperanza on Sep 11, 2003, 2:29 PM)

tanker116

Sep 11, 2003, 5:04 PM

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Re: [esperanza] El dia de independencia

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Since I'm will be one of the "Newbies", please explain the 15th of what.

Thanks a heap.

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esperanza

Sep 11, 2003, 5:24 PM

Post #5 of 9 (266 views)

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Re: [tanker116] El dia de independencia

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Mexico celebrates its Fiestas Patrias on September 15-16 each year.

Read this http://www.mexconnected.com/mex_/history/grito.html for a short course in the history of independence here.

And read my post written today under the forum 'The Mexican Kitchen', right here on MexConnect, for another bit of information.

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tanker116

Sep 11, 2003, 7:40 PM

Post #6 of 9 (250 views)

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Re: [esperanza] El dia de independencia

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Thank you, it was very informative and appreciated. The recipe sounds delicious!

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Try and play each shot to the best of your ability, one shot at a time-and take dead aim!

Harvey Penick

Bubba

Sep 11, 2003, 8:52 PM

Post #7 of 9 (240 views)

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Re: [tanker116] El dia de independencia

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Tuatha admits to having no answer to your specific question regarding the Mexican Independence Day celebration coming up on the 15th and 16th but she doesn't mind driveling on about how important your questions to which she has no answers are as long as those questions do not take on the nature of chat unless you wish to chat with her about how others hereabouts tend to drivel except Tuatha, of course.

Esperanza's post, on the other hand, is informative. Be prepared to go to the Ajijic Plaza and stay up late for celebrations and you will enjoy yourself immensely.

K&D

Sep 13, 2003, 9:51 AM

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Re: [esperanza] El dia de independencia

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A Mexican waiter at Maison de Ajijic told my husband yesterday, Friday, that the large celebration in Chapala begins at 10:00 PM, Monday. On Tuesday, smaller, city-specific marches are held and public transit service is unavailable, seeming to indicate that some roads may be blocked, though our gardner states otherwise.

Uncle Donnie

Sep 15, 2003, 2:33 PM

Post #9 of 9 (136 views)

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Re: [K&D] El dia de independencia

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The festivities in Chapala usually kick off a bit earlier than 10:00 but it all depends upon what you're interested in. Head over just a bit after dark.

Earlier diversions vary from year to year but might include folk dancers displaying the dances and costumes of differing areas of Mexico, singers, occasionally playlets, etc, and later in the evening, after the official speeches and the grito a band will play for those who wish to stay late and dance or just enjoy the activities.

There will be lots of street vendors, cerveza is allowed on the streets, a number of food stands of much variety will be set up, there will be a great deal of activity involving the church, and of course fireworks will be abundant.

I prefer the Chapala celebration because it's the seat of the local government and is physically better laid out to handle the crowds and the variety of activities. And the police do an excellent job of keeping things under control while allowing everyone as much latitude as possible in their celebrating.

One year we stopped in one of the local watering holes to use the WC and stopped to buy a round on the way back to the street. The owner waved us off as we attempted to pay, offering us a gift and a nice memory for participating in their national day of pride.

After 9/11, 2001 as part of the planned program the Mayor expressed Mexico's sympathy and moral support for the U.S. and many in the crowd came up to us to offer condolences, handshakes, and hugs. You have to love and appreciate that kind of generosity of spirit and that level of concern for those in shock. I'm always happy to recommend Chapala as a destination for almost anything.

Go to whichever plaza you choose because you'll enjoy the time you spend observing and participating in an important part of life in Mexico.

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