Everyone loves a parade

This was a busy and fun weekend in Ajijic. Friday, Saturday and Sunday was the 36th National Mexican Chili Cook Off, which included competitions for, duh, chili, but also margaritas and salsa. Here's the lineup of stoves for the chili tasting - everyone tastes and then votes.

You go from one stove to the other, receive a wee cup of chili and use the even wee-r little spoon you get when you pay your fee. It's all for charity and good fun. Also, there were tons of artisans in stalls selling everything from junk jewelery to hand cast silver dining sets.

This pic doesn't do justice the number and range, but waddya gonna do.

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Having eaten both 10 tastes of chili as well as some ribs, I just got a bunch of tamales from the señoritas, had two and saved the rest.

They're great for breakfast.

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Sunday I was sitting around working when I heard the unmistakable sounds of a parade. Since lent starts a week from this Wednesday this weekend was a warmup. The parade is very interactive: cross-dressed dancers carrying bags of confetti and flour chase the kids who are running in front of them. When they catch one, they wet their faces with a damp cloth and wipe flour on them.

Of course, there's a band, hear 10 seconds worth here, and hard working and enthusiastic bandadores.

And what Mexican parade would complete without caballeros?

and caballeritas?

It was really great fun.  BTW, if you are interested in the traditions surrounding the parades like this one, look here: Judy's Blog - Ajijic Parades
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The evening ended with my having the pleasure of meeting Linda and Sandy's daughter, partner, and their two great kids, Nuri and Hesh.

We all went to Memo's for an authentic Mexican experience, and I think it did the trick.