The Purepecha Fiesta will be held in the Ajijic Plaza Friday, December 9, beginning noon and continuing Saturday and Sunday, December 10 and 11 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Craftspeople from 20 Michoacan pueblos will participate in a show and sale of folk art. All the crafts are handmade by the artists attending the exhibits. Several local products made by Ajijic artists and craftspeople will also be on display.
The first Fiesta Purepecha began 18 years ago on the grounds of the Centro Ajijic de Bellas Artes. The idea has been to share the culture and creativity of Jalisco’s neighboring state, Michoacan, with the people of Ajijic. The event is free and an excellent place to purchase holiday gifts
A special part of the program will feature Michoacan gastronomy, regional dances, and a prehispanic fire ball game called Uarhukua Ch’anakua.
Save your lunch and dinner appetites, for you will be able to order blue corn tortillas, corundas, and churipu (a special beef stew) throughout the three days of the festival.
The Club Ukulele de Laguna will perform in front of the Cultural Center on Friday at 5:30 p.m. A guitar recital by Javier Pascual Renosa will follow.
On Saturday at 4 p.m., dancers from the town of Tocuaro will perform the dance of the Diablo and Little Old Men. The Purepecha prehispanic ball game will be played first in the plaza at 6 p.m., and later on the beach in front of the Old Posada.
Sunday’s program begins at 3 p.m. and includes the Danza del Toro y Pescado, Sones Jorochas by Marysol and our local Veracruz group, as well as local folkloric dancers.
The Purepecha Fiesta 2016 has grown to include more artisans and events. Organizers hope to unite the community by bringing a joyful cultural event to Ajijic’s diverse community.