Ajijic is one of the most colorful towns in Jalisco. It is located on the shores of Lake Chapala, in the municipality of the same name.
Although there are no official figures, the original inhabitants of Ajijic, Mexico, estimate that around 20,000 foreigners live in this town, mainly from the United States, Canada, and England.
The name Ajijic comes from the Nahuatl word Axixic and means “place where water springs forth.” It was officially founded in 1531, but its origins date back long before the Spanish conquest.
On the shores of Lake Chapala, tribes descended from the Nahua people settled and named the place after one of the cardinal points of their mythology, as it was believed that the first Nahua indigenous person emerged from Mezcala Island.
Ajijic was colonized by Alonso Dávalos, and the conversion of the indigenous people to Christianity was led by Friar Martín de Jesús, who ordered the establishment of what would become the second oldest convent in western New Spain.
The convent was erected in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, which was later changed to Saint Andrew of Ajijic, the official patron saint of this Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town).
Home to locals, foreigners, and families from other parts of Mexico, Ajijic, a beautiful little cobblestone town with some colonial structures, became a destination for thousands of foreigners between 1930 and 1940 due to its climate.
Not all foreigners reside in Chapala year-round; some only come during the cold winter months in northern countries.
Most immigrants choose this destination in retirement, resulting in a family-friendly and peaceful atmosphere.
This has also translated into improvements in public safety for the population, as well as a source of income for various sectors.
Culturally, Ajijic, Mexico, was a source of inspiration for artists such as David Alfaro Siqueiros and Agustín Yáñez.
Ajijic is a picturesque little town with mural-covered walls, adobe houses with gabled roofs, and verdant hills that have made it a cosmopolitan place. It is a favorite destination in Mexico for the intellectual and artistic community of the United States.
Ajijic, the perfect place to take a break and immerse yourself in the world.
Ajijic is one of the ideal destinations for relaxation; the houses built by foreigners are dedicated to recreation and leisure.
Because of this, Ajijic, Jalisco, Mexico, is experiencing a cultural transformation. Its streets are filled with bilingual signs, art galleries, European restaurants, and cafes with reading groups in other languages.
However, there are also local culinary attractions, some specializing in charales and mojarras from the lake.
In the Magical Town of Ajijic, Jalisco, in addition to its enchanting streets and rich cultural diversity, there are incredible places and many activities that showcase the best of this ancient community located in one of the most charming spots in Mexico.
Source: mexicodesconocido
