by Kristina Morgan
I learned something really interesting the other day about
Ajijic. The local old-timers said that in the 1960s the Grateful Dead came to Lake Chapala
and created a hippie colony while they were here with their loyal “Dead Head”
groupies, who are renowned for their dedication to the band’s music. Isn’t the Lake Chapala
area full of surprises!?
The story goes that they lived in Ajijic and the Mexican
authorities were none too pleased that these rowdy rockers from America
landed in their sleepy fishing village with their wild hippy ways and their
music that was completely foreign compared to their beloved mariachi.
When the Grateful Dead left their loyal followers decided
well…not to follow and wanted to stay
and keep running the commune in Ajijic. Their good plans didn’t come to
fruition (and who can blame them for wanting to stay here?!) and the Mexicans
asked them to leave.
The Grateful Dead were ranked 55th in the issue "The
Greatest Artists of all Time" by Rolling Stone magazine. It’s nice to know
they also benefited from the inspiration from their time spent at Ajijic. Many
other artists, writers and musicians have followed suit.
An interesting note: I got this tidbit from an independent
film producer who is making a movie here at our own Lake Chapala!
More on that in my next blog….