12162014Tue
Last updateFri, 12 Dec 2014 2pm

Revolution Day festivities at lakeside spread over two dates

While the official holiday calendar marks the third Monday of November as the date to commemorate the 1910 outbreak of La Revolución Mexicana, festivities in the Lake Chapala area will take place on two different dates next week.

Chapala’s traditional Revolution Day parade is scheduled to coincide with the government-mandated holiday on Monday, November 17. Following a flag ceremony outside Chapala City Hall, 8:45 a.m., the desfile will run a full loop along Avenida Francisco Madero, starting from the south end at the corner of Paseo Ramon Corona.

Smaller towns will stick to old customs, celebrating Revolution Day with parades and sporting events set for Thursday, November 20.

The Ajijic parade route heads out from the west end of La Floresta, 9 a.m., taking Calle Constitucion-Ocampo to Seis Esquinas, to double back toward the plaza along Hidalgo.

The colorful cavalcades will bring out school kids dressed up to impersonate Revolution heroes and rabble troops, costumed toddlers riding on motorized floats that depict historical scenes, and squads that will stop along the way to perform synchronized routines and athletic stunts. Marching bands and charro equestrians often take part to boost patriotic spirits and add to the bounty of photo ops for shutterbugs.

Motorists are advised that traffic along main thoroughfares will be blocked for an hour or more while the spectacles are underway.

As mandated under federal labor laws, full- and part-time domestic workers and other salaried employees are entitled to a day off with full pay on November 17. Government offices and banks close for the occasion.