The Day of the Dead is celebrating around the world in different cultures but here, in Mexico, it has attained the status of a National holiday.

It is a day when Mexicans celebrate their loved ones, who have passed on. Altars are constructed honoring the dead and sugar skulls and marigolds adorn these altars along with the favorite foods and beverages of the deceased.

At the cemetery at the far west end of Ajijic, Lake Chapala, family members and friends go to be with their relatives’ no longer on earth. It is a beautiful time of celebration with food, drink, flowers and music. The cemetery looks wonderful and everyone is welcome to come and enjoy this time of respect and good feelings.

When we were first here is Ajijic, Lake Chapala, we would go every year to participate in this very moving vigil.

Scholars trace the origins of this modern Mexican holiday to indigenous observances dating back hundreds of years to an Aztec festival dedicated to a goddess called, Mictecacihuatl.

Everyone is welcome and it is a very worthwhile observance of the warmth of the Mexican culture. European and certain African nations also celebrate this observance.

It is a very nice way to celebrate the departed and all members of the family take part and make offerings.

Live music is played and there is dancing and good cheer.

Stories and anecdotes are exchanged about their loved ones in the hopes that their prayers will be heard.

Despite the unfortunate name The Day of the Dead is a very uplifting and happy occasion.

Tonight (November 1st) at La Vina Restaurant on Constitucion #16 in Ajijic (766-0281) there is a Dia de los Muertos special dinner celebration with Mariachi Huichol and Artisans. There will be an altar of the dead and a three course dinner of poblano soup, ribs and pumpkin pie all at 6:30 pm. La Vina also offeres 2 x 1 beer every day.

A note to motorists: there will be congestion while the events are in progress and you might want to be a little more patient than usual.

Thursday, April 21st at 7:00 pm is a Celebration of Mass with representation of the Washing of the Apostle’s Feet and Last Supper, San Andres Parish.
9:00 pm is a Dramatization of th Prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, the betrayal of Judas and arrest of Jesus, staged on the hillside at the north end of Calle Encarnacian Rosas. Jesus is led away in a torchlight march to the plaza via Encarnacian Rosas and Guadalupe Victoria.
10:00 pm is a Dramatization of Judgment of the Sanhedrin, presented on the north side of the plaza.

Friday, April 22nd at 11:00 am is a Dramatization of Jesus on trial before Pilate and Herod, staged in the San Andres atrium.
Noon is a Reenactment of the Via Crucis, starting from the San Andres Parish, following route via calles Parroquia (Hidalgo), Colon, Emiliano Zapata, Encarnacion Rosas to the hillside scene of the Crucifixion. Christ’s body is lowered from the Cross, carried away by the same route for the burial scene inside San Andres Paris.
8:00 pm Lecture of the Passion of Christ and Rosary of Condolences devotions at San Andres, followed by the Marchs de Silencio along the main thoroughfares.

Saturday, April 23rd at 8:00 pm Easter Vigil Mass at San Andres, with representation of the Resurrection.
11:00 pm Burning of Judas figures at the plaza.

Similar activities for Chapala and San Antonio Tlayacapan are listed on Page 27 in this week’s Guadalajara Reporter.

Easter Sunday and Good Friday church services are also listed in that newspaper. There is also a Sunrise Service at 7:00 am at the Hole-in-One Restaurant on the carretera in San Antonio Tlayacapan followed by a free breakfast.

The Passion Play is very well presented and is a must see for all newcomers and residents alike. Whether or not you are Catholic you cannot help but be moved by this dramatic visual depiction.
Feliz Pascua a todos!

Church found in Ajijic, Mexico

In the center of town there is the beautiful SAN ANDRES which offers traditiional Catholic Mass in Spanish at 9:00 am. Even i you do not yet speak the language attending a mass at this historic church will be an experience to remember.

LITTLE CHAPEL BY THE LAKE offers non-denominational services. Contemporary 9:30 am and traditional 11:00 am. Pastor Larry Andrew www.LittleChapelbytheLake.org

ST. ANDREW’S ANGLICAN CHURCH offers a Sunday service at 10:00 am. www.standrewspanish.net

LAKE CHAPALA BAPTIST CHURCH with Brother Bob Hendrick, Pastor. www.lakechapalabaptist.com

LAKE CHAPALA JEWISH CONGREGATION www.lakechapalajews.com

There is also a presbyterian church CHRIST THE REDEEMER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. www.cristorredentor.org.mx

Several other options are listed in Ojo del Lago and Guadalajara Reporter.

So as you can see we can meet all your spiritual needs here in Ajijic/Lake Chapala.

You will find these churches warm and welcoming to all. Also associating with one of these churches is a safe way to channel your charitable donations as they all support many worthwhile community needs.

Come pray with us.