FAQ
Students of violin, viola, violoncello, and piano from around the world who are between 18 and 35 years old.
You must send a video and fill out the application form; for more information, go to the tab “Applications Proces.”
The first deadline for sending applications is March 15, 2025. If there are free places, there will be a second deadline that will close on April 15, 2025. All applications will be online, through email.
It is very likely that the spaces will be full, but please, in case you have missed the application dates, contact us directly and we will check if there is any extra space for you. The application procedure will be the same as for the other students.
There is no cost to apply to FDL. However, the fee for accepted students is $1,425 USD, which can be covered in installments before the festival occurs. Accepted students will be asked for a non-refundable reservation fee of $500 USD to secure a place at the festival before the second round of auditions. Payment must be made on or before May 1, 2025.
Payments will be via PayPal, an easy and safe method.
There is no application fee at this moment.
Results of the audition will be sent to students on March 31, 2025. Results of the second round of auditions will be sent out on May 1st.
Yes.
You may be. Please inquire more about this in your application or email communication with us.
The Miguel Hidalgo and Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) is the closest, and it takes only 30 minutes to drive to/from Ajijic.
The day of arrival is July 27, 2025, with departure on August 11, 2025.
We do not recommend it, because we want the students to live the complete experience of the Festival. However, if you have a special situation, do not hesitate to contact us to see it resolved.
All students will be accommodated with a host family in the village and have their own room and private bathroom. For more information, please go to the “Room and Board” tab on the menu.
The Festival includes three complete meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) a day prepared by our chef.
Let us know your needs, and we will talk with the chef to have options for you.
All classes and meals take place at the Festival House.
Students will receive a package upon arrival that will include a map of the town where the meeting points will be marked, which will be at distances of 5-20 minutes walking. Ajijic is a pedestrian town and the walks are safe and pleasant. For activities in Guadalajara or further recreational rides, transportation for students will be coordinated with volunteers.
Both English and Spanish is spoken interchangeably, so you can feel right at home in your preferred language.
Of course, family members can accompany you during the Festival. However, Festival del Lago will only cover the accommodation and meals of students who have paid their registration fee. Fortunately, Ajijic has many accommodation options and restaurants, so it will not be difficult for your family members to find an option they like.
You can practice in your own room of lodging without any problem.
Yes. We have various public performance opportunities for you. In order to be a part of a concert, you must be approved to perform by your private teacher during the Festival.
To visit Mexico, in MOST cases you only need to have your valid passport; you do not need any visa or other specific document.
We highly recommend you have insurance for worst-case scenario situations.
Yes. Wi-Fi access is readily available all over Ajijic. There is Wi-Fi in the Festival House and in most host family homes.
In Mexico the common voltage is 127 V. The frequency is 60 Hz. The plugs are type A / B. Compare with those used in your country of origin and so you will know if you need to bring an electric adapter for your technological devices. Outlets are American style.
In Ajijic, the average temperature during the day is between 22 ° and 24 ° C (72 ° -75 F) and the humidity is not high. In rainy season (from June to September), it can rain between three and four times a week, for 1-2 hours at night. We recommend you bring cool clothes and maybe a light sweater or jacket, in case the weather refreshes a little.
Your instrument and replacement strings / comfortable walking shoes / tennis shoes / comfortable clothes / concert attire clothes / rain coat / light jacket / umbrella / sunblock / swimsuit / mosquito spray / water bottle
Most host family homes have washing machines and sometimes dryers on site.
Ajijic is one of the many villages along Lake Chapala, Mexico’s largest freshwater lake situated just south of Guadalajara. Please follow the Google Maps’ link to see a map of Ajijic.
Like any other country, visiting and traveling abroad has a risk. Being street smart and safe is important. Once here, we will give you a tour of the town, make suggestions as to best places to visit and things to do, as well as places and times we recommend you not venture to, such as late at night nor alone.
The village of Ajijic is a touristic place itself where you can find many places of interest. We highly recommend you: Walk through downtown Ajijic and discover the different art galleries and the murals that characterize it. Visit the main square (especially on Sundays) Visit the Ajijic malecón (a.k.a. boardwalk). Visit the thermal waters of Monte Coxala and/or the San Juan Cosalá Spa, (an optional activity we offer at additional cost). Take a hike to Mount Tepalo and discover its waterfalls (this is an optional activity we offer for free). Visit downtown Chapala and the malecón. Eat at one of the many local restaurant or coffee shops all around Ajijic. If you wish to explore outside of Ajijic, you may like to visit Guadalajara, home town of mariachi music, or Tequila, the village where the liquor by the same name was created, or Tonalá and Tlaquepaque.
We have planned an agenda of recreational activities, outings, and gatherings that we hope you will like and help create an atmosphere of camaraderie among all attendees.
There are three local hospitals in the area, as well as the local Red Cross. We also have a local doctor on call, should it be needed. Of course, in case of additional needs, the City of Guadalajara, located one hour away, offers all mayor health services. Hospital Ajijic: + 52 (376) 689 0911, Carretera Oriente #33, Ajijic (NE corner of Javier Mina); Hospital San Antonio: + 52 (376) 689 0911, Carretera Oriente #23, San Antonio Tlayacapan; Red Cross (Cruz Roja): +52 (376) 765 2308; Ribera Medical Center, 376-765-8200, Libramiento Carretera Chapala-Ajijic #153, San Antonio Tlayacapan.
Please follow the Google Maps’ link to see a map of Ajijic.
