Thursday, April 20th - Holy Thursday
On Thursday, in church, there is mass celebrated at 6:00 pm to commemorate the time when Jesus gathered his 12 Apostles, washed and kissed their feet as a sign of humbleness.
The priest will wash the feet of those who will represent the Apostles in the Via Crusis, a passion play drama that has been organized in Ajijic for the last 20 years..
Later on, just across from Ajijic's Secundaria, they will represent Jesus Christ with the Apostles praying for the last time together. This event is known as: " The Orchard Prayer"
Friday, April 21st - Good Friday
In the morning around 11:00 am, the Passion Play is held in the atrium of Ajijic's Church, followed by a pilgrimage through Marcos Castellanos, Colon, and Emiliano Zapata streets, until it arrives at the hill where Christ will be crucified.
At night there is also the "Silent Procession", departing from Ajijic's Church, along Ocampo, to the 6 corners and returning along Hidalgo. This procession begins at 9:00 pm; lights are turned off, and people walk silently so that the only sounds heard will be those of the chains and drums played by some youngsters.
April 30th The Day of the Child
This day is to celebrate children, and several events are organized in town. Those who participate are "The Ajijic's Charros Association", the Teachers, Ajijic's Delegation, the Church, Parents, etc. They organize games and the children are rewarded with a present or a toy. Schools offer them a snack, and the Charros Association holds an event for them.
Also, the Church organizes a Childrens' Festival for all to attend.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL CHILDREN!
May 1st Labor Day
As we all know, Labor Day is celebrated in many places. In Mexico, it is celebrated with a parade, which most syndicated workers attend, making it an official day. In Chapala some civilians also join them. Those who don't take active part in the parade, use the day to spend with their families, or have a picnic.
May 5th The Battle of Puebla
This date is remembered for the battle where General Ignacio Zaragoza and his indigenous soldiers confronted the French troops in defense of Mexican territory, seized temporarily by France. In this event, the Mexican soldiers were admired for their courage as they encountered the enemy without benefit of the powerful French arms they faced; they were armed only with "machetes" and rifles. This date is a non-official holiday, so only chools have it off.
Fragments of the report that General Ignacio Zaragoza
gave to the Republic's Government, after the battle held on the 5th of May 1862, where the Mexican army emerged victorious:
"The French army has fought bravely, their commander-in-chief made a mistake when attacking us. The National arms are covered with Glory... I can proudly declare that not even for an instant did the Mexican army turn their backs on the enemy during this battle."
May10th Mother's Day
This date is also non-official, but all mothers are celebrated on May 10th in Mexico. Schools are off and both teachers and students organize festivals where the children dance, offer snacks, and raffles are held.
There are also the teen-agers that gather at the Plaza, on May 9th to sing the "mananitas" to their mothers. On this special day, most musicians don't sleep, because they are too busy playing everywhere, all day long!
