From February 12 to 17, Chapala and Ajijic will host artistic, cultural, and musical activities as part of the 2026 Carnival program, which is expected to receive around 60,000 visitors from the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Jalisco, and other parts of Mexico and the world.
Free activities are planned in the recently renovated Parque de la Cristianía and the Teatro del Pueblo (People’s Theater), as well as the “Burial of Bad Humor” parade, which will inaugurate the Carnival, and the comparsa parade, which will take place on the 15th along Chapala’s main avenue. There will also be free concerts by Banda Pelillos, Fidel Rueda, Sonora Primavera, Banda la Adictiva, Grupo Palomo, Kumbia Kings, among others; in addition, there will be horseback riding and circus performances.
The mayor of Chapala, Alejandro Aguirre Curiel, highlighted that the Carnival will take place concurrently with Ajijic, and that an economic impact of around 10 million pesos is expected. “We estimate that the 1,500 hotel rooms in the municipality of Chapala will reach 90 percent occupancy. The Carnival offers free activities for the whole family and others with a very affordable cost, so that everyone can come and have fun,” he commented.
Aguascalientes will be the guest of honor at the event, and in that regard, the state Secretary of Culture, Gerardo Asencio Rubio, emphasized that a tribute will be paid to José Guadalupe Posada, creator of the calavera garbancera, later christened La Catrina by Diego Rivera. The official invited the public to visit Chapala during the Carnival and take advantage of the municipality’s attractions, as well as the activities that will take place during these six days.
The Secretary of Social Economy and Municipal Tourism of Aguascalientes, David Morán Lomelí, noted that they will bring 15 artisans representing José Guadalupe Posada, in addition to figures from other artistic traditions. Aguascalientes is the first municipality invited in the history of the Chapala Carnival.
Finally, the State Secretary of Tourism, Michelle Fridman, pointed out that the Magical Towns of Jalisco saw an 11 percent increase in visitor numbers. She announced that they are working on tourist routes to showcase the cultural and recreational offerings of Ajijic. “We will continue working to promote all these facets that make Jalisco a unique destination in the country and the world,” she concluded.
Source: informador
