Music and gastronomy take center stage this month with celebrations in Zapopan’s historic center, a beer tasting at Foro Expo Guadalajara, and free mariachi performances. But first, we cover the recent investigations into sewage contamination at the popular nature spot Huaxtla Falls in north Zapopan.

Local residents complain of sewage contamination at Huaxtla Falls

Located in the Sierra de Huaxtla in the municipality of Zapopan, Jalisco, about 40 to 60 minutes (about 28 miles) from Guadalajara, Huaxtla Falls is a popular nature spot for locals and tourists. The site’s normally turquoise rock pools and idyllic setting within the Cañón del Jaguar, with the tallest waterfall reaching a height of 24 meters (about 78 feet), are a stunning natural wonder.

Now, area residents, local environmental groups and researchers are up in arms over the discovery of a thick, foul-smelling toxic leachate runoff turning the once-pristine waters an opaque brown.

The local environmental group Center for Studies and Research of the Barranca (CEIBA) has pointed the finger at the Picachos and Hasar’s landfills, which operate upstream from the falls, processing the GMA’s considerable waste stream. Both have a history of dumping garbage runoff into the river basin, with contamination carried by the Milpillas River downstream to the Santiago River, which feeds Huaxtla Falls.

In addition to spoiling Huaxtla Falls, several communities downstream — including Ixcatán, La Soledad, San Lorenzo and Milpillas — rely on this water for their livestock and crops.

Nearby residents have expressed anger over governmental inaction. Notably, the federal environmental watchdog agency, Profepa, missed a scheduled inspection in mid-September, while previous cleanup agreements dating back to 2009 by the Zapopan city council have gone unfulfilled.

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Following the most recent complaints, Jalisco Gov. Pablo Lemus Navarro confirmed that Profepa has intervened and placed closure seals on the specific area where the leachate leak occurred. He added that the immediate runoff has been contained to prevent further damage to the river basin and natural areas, including Huaxtla Falls.

For its part, Zapopan’s City Council acknowledged operational failures in managing wastewater at the Picachos landfill during the recent rainy season.

At the end of September, representatives from Profepa and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) finally carried out a “verification” tour of the Huaxtla Waterfalls. During the visit, they documented the deterioration in water quality, took samples and announced several remedial measures to clean up the pollution.

Park representatives, ejido (farming collective) members, residents and small landowners from Ixcatán, La Soledad, Huaxtla, San Lorenzo and Milpillas also participated in the tour.

Formal technical and scientific investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the contamination and extent of the environmental damage before assigning legal blame.

Chela Fest 2026 is coming to the Guadalajara Expo

Attention beer lovers! Chela Fest GDL celebrates its first edition this coming weekend at Expo Guadalajara, bringing together artisanal breweries, gastronomy, live music and immersive experiences under one roof.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with owners and brewmasters from 25 different breweries and sample different beer styles from among 100 different brands. The event also promises live music from local artists, including Bahía Colors, Softgun and Punch, plus interactive experiences on both days, including a costume contest on Saturday and Cowboy Sunday, where guests can don their Stetsons and enjoy camaraderie with friends and family.

Confirmed brewers participating in this year’s event include local favorites Cervecería Fortuna and Loba Cerveza, as well as Mula Prieta, Gulden Draak and HereXe. For more details, check the event’s social media.

Dates: Oct. 17–18, 2026, from noon to 10 p.m.

Location: Foro Expo Guadalajara

Cost: Tickets start at 150 pesos and are available on BoletoMóvil or at local brewpubs such as Loba Cerveza in Colonia Americana.

Free mariachi nights in downtown Guadalajara this month

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Recognized as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2011, mariachi music is synonymous with Jalisco.

This month, downtown Guadalajara is hosting free mariachi performances on Paseo Alcalde, directly across from the Rotonda de los Hombres Ilustres, so come out and enjoy the festivities with family and friends. The pedestrian promenade should offer plenty of room for dancing and delighting in one of Jalisco’s most cherished pastimes.

The final mariachi performance of this series is happening Oct. 16, starting at 7 p.m. The concert is free to all, with no reservations or tickets required.

Day of the Dead Gastronomic Festival in Zapopan

The Day of the Dead Food Festival returns to downtown Zapopan for two days, Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, in Plaza de las Américas.

Beyond the ubiquitous pan de muerto, guests can expect a diverse offering of hearty dishes to sample, including tamales, tacos, pozole rojo and sweet treats, with traditional hot drinks such as café de olla (coffee seasoned with cinnamon and piloncillo) to wash it all down.

In addition to Day of the Dead culinary classics, attendees will also be treated to live music and a Catrina bride parade on Saturday evening starting at 5:30 p.m., with participants decked out in resplendent embroidered gowns, French hats and painted skull makeup.

Free admission, with snacks available for purchase. For more details, visit Turismo Zapopan‘s social media.

MND writer Dawn Stoner is reporting from Guadalajara.