Ben and I were here last year at this time and experienced our first Ajijic festivities. This year I felt more invested and just had to see what was going on. My friend Judy and I walked down the street (calle) known as Ocampo where the parade would begin and ended up in the midst of it all. Delightful! (I know some of you are not interested in Christian traditions. For me this was just about Mexican traditions. Hope you’ll enjoy!)
Heading to the plaza 
Little did we know where this burro was headed! 
Even parking markers have flowers
The plaza was alive with color, music, food and people. Families smiling and laughing together. Dressed in their best attire. Interesting that the only disposable products used were plastic forks and spoons. Desserts were served on banana leaves, corn husks or stiff paper. Dinners were served on real plates and drinks in real glasses. You simply handed your dish back when you were done or left it on a table to be bussed. Love it.
Bunuelos-yum! 
Flavored waters for sale 
Sopes in the works
Handshaving ice 
“Frida” calls for the lottery 
Primavera tree – Spring!
The street to the nearby cathedral began filling so we knew the procession was coming. We crowded into a little niche that gave us a good view and managed to get a few decent pictures. People took it pretty seriously and the noise level dropped as the crowd pushed serenely toward the cathedral, walking on green limbs of garbanzo plants thrown down (in lieu of palm fronds) to point the way and cushion the path.
Initial view was like a movie scene 
The unsuspecting burro carries precious cargo 
Followers with serious intent
Those following and some from the plaza made their way into the cathedral courtyard for an open air mass. My friends and I did not attend but were glad to see the event leading up to it. A few families were intensely creating palm frond souvenirs for sale outside the cathedral entrance. Unbelievable how fast they worked. Each cost 12-15 pesos – around 60-75 cents.
Diane & Len 
Moving into the courtyard 
Creating palm tokens for participants
I insisted on checking out a bread shop on the main street when I saw the words “Gluten Free”. It’s a big deal now with so many gringos requesting it. The sweet clerks proudly explained all about their processes – oat flour, beet root sour dough starter, etc. – and I left with a small but incredibly delicious piece of GF cake for Ben. I realized on my way out that the loaf of bread I considered was $12!!! I’ll pass!
Panaderia 
Sweet ladies with sweet pastel
On our way out we tripped (almost literally) upon a dance troop. We had a back seat view but it was still delightful to see these well trained young people so exuberant in preserving and displaying their native dances.
What a wonderful experience! I so loved being in the middle of it, milling around with my new friends and supporting the local culture. This Easter weekend promises to be busy, crowded and loud. But I’ll try not to complain. I am a guest here and am honored to witness their joy and spirit.
Beautiful photos and sweet sentiments about your experience here. I too share your joy and feel blessed to be a guest in this very special place.
Happy Easter, Diane. Hope you’re enjoying your trip. Looking forward to sharing more Mexican experiences with you!
Lovely tribute once again. You are a great cultural guide.
Muchas gracias, mi amiga. As are you!
Oh, what a colorful and poignant celebration! Thank you for this glimpse into another culture. I sensed a joyfulness, which is missing here in the USA. My goodness, the warmth of the culture, too.
Thank you, Lois. It was such fun! We do see a joy here that is missing, for the most part, in the US. Especially recently.