Chapala’s annual Carnaval festivities pump up Friday, January 29, leading in to a 12-day program of special events promising to live up to the 2016 slogan “Hagamos Ruido!” (Let’s Make Noise!).
Opening day activities kick off with the traditional after-dark parade, scheduled for 7 p.m. with a lively spin along Avenida Madero. The cavalcade of floats, samba dancers and party-
makers will finish their run at the waterfront Malecón for the customary Entierro del Mal (burial of ill temper), along with, we hear, the burning of an effigy of Mexico-vilified Republican front runner Donald Trump.
Afterwards the celebration moves to headquarters at Cristiania Park for the formal ribbon cutting, 8:30 p.m., followed by presentation of the Reina de Carnaval queen candidates, the crowning of Rey Feo (Ugly King) Caballo I, and entertainment by Grupo Samba Reege Con Da Silva and the tropical orchestra Sonora Primavera.
Entrance to the fairgrounds will be free of charge every day.
Additional freebies include the appearance of singing star Chuy Lizarraga who will wrap up a full day of banda music set for Sunday, January 31, 3 p.m. to 1 a.m., and the gastronomic fair and performance by Big Band Bill Terriquez, coming up Wednesday, February 3, 5-7 p.m.
Other musical shows will require paid admission in various price ranges according to name recognition of the performers and audience area. Different genres represented on the program run the gamut from romantic and tropical beats for dancing, to pop tunes, rap and electronic sounds by DJ mixers. Advance tickets are on sale at the Carnaval office next door to City Hall, local liquor stores and sound cars out on the street.
See next week’s Reporter for a day-by-day calendar, including Carnaval happenings in Ajijic.