What to Expect Coming to Lake Chapala for the Feria

by Marianne Carlson

We’re all getting excited about another great year at the Feria. Let me tell you a little about the beautiful area where the Feria is held each year — Chapala, Mexico.

There are somewhere between 17-20,000 foreigners living in the greater Guadalajara area. Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico — Lake Chapala is 60 miles south and is the largest natural lake in Mexico. The area has grown to be one of the most popular expat colonies in North America.

Living in Mexico is a pleasure and a privilege. One of the things you notice first about this area is the friendly people who greet you with a "Buenos dias!" and a big smile. When you walk down the street, people make eye contact and smile.

Is it safe to come to Mexico for Feria Maestros del Arte? I have lived at Lake Chapala for 20 years and feel safer here than I did living in California. I walk down the streets at night and have never once, in all these years, felt unsafe. The Mexican people have an excellent value system, and they are warm and welcoming.

Unfortunately, Hollywood and the media have created an entire misconception about safety and crime in Mexico. Certainly, in major cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara, like all major cities in the world — you should use caution and common sense. And yes, we do have theft, but usually without bodily harm. By nature, Mexicans are not violent people. They are polite, warm-hearted, and will always offer a helping hand.

On the world stage for crimes of all varieties, the U.S. ranks #22, with 88 crimes reported per 1,000 people. In comparison, Mexico ranks #46, with 3 times less crime than the U.S. as reported by nationmaster.com. 

You’ll see children, well past dark, playing openly in the streets and in the evening, people are everywhere; many sitting on their front steps, the plaza bursting with activity and everyone gives you an instant big smile and a lovely “Buenos noches,” (Good evening). This is not only charming and a real sense of life and living, but also makes me feel very much part of a safe environment.

In addition to being a safe place to live and visit, Lake Chapala is a beautiful area and considered to have one of the three best climates in the world. The flowers you see every day are exquisite. Mexico is vibrant and alive with color and so much creativity and talent.

And what do we eat here at Lake Chapala — anything you want! The variety of restaurants will amaze you — Greek, Italian, French, German, Chinese, International, Argentinean, Mexican and more. Eating out here is extremely affordable, the variety is immense, everything is close by and it becomes a wonderful way to socialize.

So, in a nutshell, come to Feria Maestros del Arte, feel safe while visiting, and enjoy a beautiful corner of the world. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at mariannecarlson@gmail.com and I will return your email promptly. Also, watch a video about the Feria, illustrating what you can expect from the event. Hope to see YOU in November!