Tango in the Heart of Ajijic, Jalisco

Nestled in the picturesque Mexican town of Ajijic, Jalisco, the annual Viva Mexico Tango Festival offered a mesmerizing blend of cultural richness, breathtaking views, and world-class tango dancing. Over 100 tango enthusiasts gathered in this serene lakeside destination for a 5-day celebration of music, movement, and community at the iconic Hotel Real de Chapala from Jan 29-Feb 3, 2025.

A Stunning Venue with a View

The Hotel Real de Chapala, on the shores of Lake Chapa, was the perfect venue for the festival, offering spectacular panoramic views of the lake, perfect for tango classes and milongas. As the sun set each evening, the tranquil lake shimmered under the golden glow, creating the ideal backdrop for the festival’s activities. The hotel’s inviting atmosphere was matched only by the energy of the dancers and the magic of the surrounding landscape.

A Charming Destination

While tango was the main attraction, attendees also had the opportunity to explore the charm of Ajijic‘s historic downtown. Known for its cobblestone streets, colorful murals, vibrant art scene, and delicious food, this town is a paradise for any traveler. The town’s beautiful boardwalk along the lake provided a peaceful setting for leisurely walks, while local restaurants and cafes served mouthwatering traditional Mexican as well as international cuisine. Handmade art crafts dotted the streets, offering a wonderful taste of local craftsmanship that many festivalgoers couldn’t resist taking home.

Tango Festival Highlights

The festival was a captivating showcase of tango passion. With 10 talented teachers (Celina Rotundo & Hugo Patyn; Florencia Borgnia & Marcos Pereira; Virginia Vasconi & Jaimes Friedgen; Cecilia Gonzalez & Gastón Olguín; Grisha Nisnevich, and Yelizaveta Nersesova) leading the way, the festival hosted an impressive 42 classes, ensuring that attendees of all levels could improve their skills. Also, participants were able to take a class to learn how to be DJs, and a women leading class. Whether a seasoned dancer or a first-time beginner, participants were welcomed with open arms and embraced the joy of learning.

Tango teachers — Some of the tango teachers, from left to right: Hugo Patyn, Virginia Vasconi, Celina Rotundo, Florencia Borgnia and Marcos Pereira.

Tango teachers after their presentations, form left to right: Florencia Borgnia, Marcos Pereira, Celina Rotundo, Hugo Patyn, Virginia Vasconi, Jaimes Feirgen, Cecilia Gonzalez and Gaston Olguin.

The highlight for many were the milongas—tango dance parties where the energy and excitement reached new heights. With 15 milongas and 10 DJs (Fabiola Zapien, Serena Lembach, Daniel Guzman, JoAnn Milvojevic, Yelizaveta Nersesova, Victoria, Fernando Robles, Jorge Amador, Grisha Nisnevich, and Monica Ramirez) in 5 days, the floor was never empty, and the air was always filled with the rhythm of the tango. The tango dancers were truly extraordinary, with over 10 taxi dancers being in high demand. Their exceptional skills and magnetic energy far surpassed expectations, ensuring that no one was left without a partner to dance with.

Some of the taxi dancers, from left to right: Pedro De Antuñano, Juan Cristóbal Calderón (aka JC Parker), Alejandro Ruiz Escamilla, Eduardo Delgado and Ivan Rubio.

A Night of Mariachi Magic

One night, the atmosphere was further enriched by a surprise visit from a young mariachi band who entertained the guests at the hotel. The lively music and traditional melodies filled the air, offering a perfect fusion of two quintessentially Argentinian and Mexican cultural experiences—tango and mariachi.

The young mariachi band was nothing short of extraordinary. With members ranging in age from just 6 to 21 years old, their talent was awe-inspiring. Each musician brought a level of passion and precision to their performance that belied their years.

The energy and joy they exuded were contagious, as the young performers demonstrated remarkable skill and maturity beyond their age.

The Magic of Tango in Ajijic

As the festival ended, it was clear that the tango community in Ajijic had created something truly special. The blend of tango artistry, the charm of Ajijic, and the warm, welcoming spirit of the festival made this an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

If you’re a tango lover or simply someone who enjoys unique cultural experiences, Ajijic and its Viva Mexico Tango Festival is a destination you won’t want to miss. Make sure to attend next year. The festival will be held from Feb 25-March 1, 2026, and will also offer tours at the picturesque nearby towns of Tlaquepaque and Cosalá.

Nancy and G — Nancy Roberts to the right.

Thank you to the organizers, Nancy Roberts and Lupita Guerrero, who have organized this tango festival in San Miguel de Allende and Puerto Vallarta previously, for doing, once again, a wonderful job.