Nine Days of Faith, Music, and Living Tradition
Every November, Ajijic—one of Mexico’s designated Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns)—becomes a vibrant stage where faith and celebration walk hand in hand. Located on the scenic shores of Lake Chapala, the town honors its patron saint, Saint Andrew the Apostle, with nine days of fireworks at dawn, dancers filling the cobblestone streets, and music blending with the aroma of flowers and traditional street food.
For first-time visitors, the novenario (nine-day celebration) is a window into the town’s cultural identity. For locals, it’s the heart of their spiritual and communal calendar. Families gather, neighborhood guilds organize their assigned days, and the streets come alive with devotion that hasn’t waned over time.
This is more than just a party—it’s a shared legacy that renews the spirit of Ajijic year after year.
Saint Andrew the Apostle: Ajijic’s Spiritual Guardian
Behind every candlelit vigil and hymn lies the name that unites the community: Saint Andrew the Apostle. His presence in Ajijic dates back to the earliest days of Christianity in this region of Mexico.
In 1531, Franciscan friars founded the Convent of San Francisco de Axixic, believed to be the first religious site on the shores of Lake Chapala. As the town grew, there came a need for a larger church dedicated to Saint Andrew, the town’s spiritual protector.
The current church, with its thick adobe walls, modest bell tower, and a clock that has marked every hour of celebration since 1947, was completed on November 27, 1749. Every renovation, every altar, and every stone tells the story of a community that has always cherished its sacred space.
To the people of Ajijic, Saint Andrew isn’t a distant religious figure—he is a guide, a protector, and a symbol of their identity. His celebration is not just religious—it embraces memory, family, and the town’s deepest bonds.
When Are the Patron Saint Festivities Celebrated?
From November 21 to 30, Ajijic is in full celebration mode. The festivities follow a traditional novenario format, where each day is organized by a different guild—representing a sector of the community such as musicians, youth, farmers, or builders. These guilds coordinate religious services, processions, floral decorations, and the much-anticipated nightly fireworks castles.
Each day has its own host:
- November 22 – Musicians
- November 23 – Municipal Government of Chapala
- November 24 – Community of La Canacintita
- November 25 – Youth and Associates
- November 26 – Merchants, Carpenters, Bakers, and Prisa Paints
- November 27 – Farmers, Ranchers, and Gamecock Breeders
- November 28 – Construction Workers and Related Trades
- November 29 – Gardeners and United Women Workers
- November 30 – Absent Sons and Daughters of Ajijic and the General Public
November 30 is the biggest day of all—when families return from the U.S. and Canada and the town is filled with joy and celebration.
What Happens Each Day?
While the overall structure of the novenario remains the same, each guild adds its own unique flair:
- 6:30 a.m. – Morning Serenade
Local musicians wake the town with traditional songs in front of the church—an early morning act of community devotion. - 8:00 a.m. – Morning Mass
Families attend with fresh flowers. The guild of the day offers colorful arrangements prepared in advance. - 12:00 p.m. – Special Intention Mass
Each day is dedicated to a different group—families, migrants, the ill, youth, or workers—making this one of the most heartfelt moments of the novenario. - 6:30 p.m. – Procession from Las Seis Esquinas
A colorful and symbolic march led by the day’s guild, accompanied by music, dancers, and candles. - 7:00 p.m. – Solemn Mass
The main mass of the day, often with choirs or mariachis. - 10:00 p.m. – Firework Castles
The night sky comes alive with handcrafted spinning wheels, lights, and exploding towers. Each night’s show is unique and dazzling.
A Community United by Guilds
The strength of the patron saint festivities lies in its guilds. From musicians to farmers, each group brings its own way of honoring Saint Andrew. This spirit of collaboration keeps the tradition alive with remarkable energy.
The guilds decorate the church, coordinate music and processions, and fund the night’s firework castle. The result is a vibrant mosaic of colors, sounds, and devotion that changes with each passing day.
At night, the plaza becomes a festive gathering place:
- Carnival rides
- Raffles and prizes
- Live music
- Food stands with local delicacies
- Families celebrating together
It’s where tradition and togetherness come naturally.
Traditions That Steal Your Heart
Once you experience Ajijic’s patron saint festivities, you’ll want to return. Here are just a few highlights:
Processions
Candlelit walks with singing, dancers, and entire families walking together from different neighborhoods to the church.
Firework Castles
One of Mexico’s most stunning artisan traditions—hand-built towers made of reeds and fireworks that create glowing crosses, names, and moving wheels in the sky.
The Plaza Fair
The central plaza lights up with food, music, games, and laughter.
The Memory of Courtship at the Gazebo
In the past, young men and women would walk around the gazebo in opposite directions, exchanging roses as gestures of affection. Though no longer practiced, it lives on in local memory.
Tips for Visitors and International Travelers
Planning to attend? Keep these practical tips in mind:
- November 30 is the biggest and most crowded day.
- Fireworks are frequent—bring earplugs if you’re sensitive to loud sounds.
- Ajijic is walkable, but parking is limited—arrive early.
- Wear comfortable shoes—the cobblestone streets demand it.
- Be respectful during religious moments—they’re the heart of the celebration.
- Try local street foods like corn, tamales, and churros.
With these in mind, your experience will be both smooth and unforgettable.
More Than a Celebration: A Cultural Legacy
The Saint Andrew festivities are more than a religious event—they’re a cultural and economic force:
- They attract both national and international tourism.
- They boost the local economy through food, crafts, and lodging.
- They strengthen family ties, especially for those returning from abroad.
- They keep traditions, crafts, and dances alive.
Most importantly, they are a source of pride. Ajijic celebrates because it remembers who it is, where it came from, and where it’s going.
Festival Guide: Patron Saint Festivities in Ajijic – November 2025
November 21 (Opening Day)
- Parade of decorated floats – 4:30 p.m.
- Beginning of religious and cultural events
- Guild: None officially assigned
- Special Intention: N/A
November 22
- Guild: Musicians
- Special Intention: For local families
November 23
- Guild: Municipal Government of Chapala
- Special Intention: For local authorities
November 24
- Guild: Community of La Canacintita / Miguel Gucho and Friends
- Special Event: Anointing of the Sick Mass – 12:00 p.m.
- Special Intention: For the sick and healthcare workers
November 25
- Guild: Youth and Associates
- Special Intention: For the youth of Ajijic
November 26
- Guild: Merchants, Carpenters, Bakers, and Prisa Paints
- Special Intention: For the foreign resident community
November 27
- Guild: Farmers, Ranchers, and Gamecock Breeders
- Special Intention: For religious vocations
November 28
- Guild: Construction Workers and Associates
- Special Intention: For missing persons
November 29
- Guild: Gardeners and United Women Workers
- Special Intention: For the care of the lake and environment
November 30 (Feast Day of Saint Andrew the Apostle)
- Guild: Absent Sons and Daughters of Ajijic & General Public
- 5:30 a.m. – Dawn Rosary from Las Seis Esquinas
- 6:00 a.m. – Morning Serenade
- 8:00 a.m. – Mass
- 10:00 a.m. – Major Mass
- 11:30 a.m. – Procession of Absent Sons and Daughters
- 12:00 p.m. – Solemn Eucharist
- 5:00 p.m. – Grand Town Procession
- Fireworks castle to close the festival
- Special Intention: For all parishioners of Saint Andrew
Daily Events (Nov 21–30)
- 6:30 a.m. – Morning Serenade
- 8:00 a.m. – Morning Eucharist
- 12:00 p.m. – Special Intention Mass
- 6:30 p.m. – Evening Procession
- 7:00 p.m. – Solemn Mass
- 10:00 p.m. – Firework Castles
A Festival That Touches the Heart
Experiencing Ajijic’s patron saint festivities is like stepping into a living story—where every firework, every dance, and every moment of devotion weaves together a beautiful community tapestry.
To visit Ajijic in November is not just to witness a celebration—it’s to become part of it. And that’s the true magic of this Pueblo Mágico.
