Forums > Areas > Jalisco's Lake Chapala Region

kirby

Jul 22, 2008, 10:43 AM

Post #1 of 8 (5354 views)

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Ajijic from Christmas day to New Years day

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Two of us will be visiting Ajijic from Dec. 25 to Jan. 1. Is this a quiet time or are there any festivities happening for this week? Would appreciate any comments. Thanks!

RickS

Jul 23, 2008, 8:27 PM

Post #2 of 8 (5290 views)

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Re: [kirby] Ajijic from Christmas day to New Years day

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I'm surprised no one has answered.....

While I don't live in Ajijic, I have been there several times during this time-frame and will attempt to answer your question. If I'm off the mark, we will surely hear from someone....

The answer to "is this is a quiet time in Ajijic" depends on one's definition of 'quiet'. I presume that you know that it is never quiet in Mexico.... only shades of noisy. Having said that, I recall that this particular week is rather calm in Ajijic... especially if one compares it to the patron saints days the last week in November!
Most of the Christmas 'family' celebrations take place on the days leading up to Xmas with things like Posadas and seem to culminate Christmas Eve with dinners and partying into the wee hours. I find Christmas day then pretty quiet (dead?) until the late afternoon. The week between Christmas and New Years is a ‘high Mexican tourist week’... but probably not as hectic as Easter. And Ajijic is not a ‘tourist destination’ like the beaches. But the kids will be out of school and many businesses are shut down for the holidays. The New Year’s eve celebrations start late and there are usually bon fires in the streets as neighborhoods cook carne asada and have a good time throughout the night.

I think you’ll enjoy the time. Too bad you can’t be there a few days early to enjoy the Posadas and Christmas Eve ‘living nativity’ scenes at the church off the plaza.

tonyburton

Jul 24, 2008, 7:34 AM

Post #3 of 8 (5264 views)

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Re: [kirby] Ajijic from Christmas day to New Years day

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Sorry about that! Somehow this thread got temporarily locked by mistake - not sure who was responsible or how it happened - but I now wonder if one of our cats has developed an interest in the forums...

bournemouth

Jul 24, 2008, 7:50 AM

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Re: [tonyburton] Ajijic from Christmas day to New Years day

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I was wondering if we had somehow and suddenly become politically incorrect! Thanks Tony.

NEOhio1

Jul 24, 2008, 10:52 AM

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Re: [kirby] Ajijic from Christmas day to New Years day

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That is probably, in my opinion, the quietest week of the year. I have been amazed at how alone and empty the village seems on the 25th until the 31st. Its very soothing the lack of activity.

Granted there are lots of house parties and gatherings still during that time, but it would be difficult to get a real feel for activity during that time.

However, house hunting and getting familiar with different areas might be easier because you wouldn't be distracted by activity.

kirby

Jul 24, 2008, 3:05 PM

Post #6 of 8 (5221 views)

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Re: [kirby] Ajijic from Christmas day to New Years day

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Thank you for your comments. Because I teach, my vacation time is limited for traveling. I think we will visit Ajijic during Thanksgiving week instead. We both enjoy some activity taking place, and it appears that the Christmas to New Year week is pretty quiet. Gracias a todos!

esperanza

Jul 24, 2008, 4:20 PM

Post #7 of 8 (5213 views)

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Re: [kirby] Ajijic from Christmas day to New Years day

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Well, hang onto your hat, kirby. There is NO 'more active' week in Ajijic than November 21-30. The town celebrates its fiestas patronales (patron saint's fiestas) during those nine days. If you love nightly fireworks, bands, dancing and festivities in the town square, that's the week to be there. Get hotel reservations early, though. The town fills up with Mexican tourists, especially toward the end of the fiestas.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

NEOhio1

Jul 24, 2008, 8:29 PM

Post #8 of 8 (5194 views)

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Re: [kirby] Ajijic from Christmas day to New Years day

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That is the busiest week of all, and was our first look at Ajijic several years ago.

In fact Esperanza was a big part of the first two days, that all important first impression - mariachi, tequila shooters, lights in the sky, music, fireworks and magic and lots of magic.

That's the week for you.

(This post was edited by NEOhio1 on Jul 24, 2008, 8:30 PM)