Another delightful custom of the Mexican people here in Ajijic, Lake Chapala is La Despedida. Instead of a dinner or somber party when someone is about to embark on a new venture abroad a fiesta is held with family, friends and frankly everyone else invited.

The venue is usually decorated with Mexican flags, local flowers and anything of a Mexican flavor. The food is Mexican and ranges from tomales, tostadas, taquitos, guacamole, chicken, salads to tacos dorados and, of course, churros (the Mexican equivalent of a donut) for dessert. Naturally, there are nachos and other pickies on hand such as some green nutlike affair (named guasanas) where you only eat the kernel inside. (Perhaps you could be told this before you popped it in your mouth.)

For drinks it is tequila and squirt, beer and if you are very fortunate white wine.
(more…)