La Rusa (Eleanor Saenger) was a legendary actress, ballerina and writer who performed on stages across the world. She came to Ajijjic, Mexico in 1924 with her ballet partner Holger. She invited the great Indian yogi Paramahansa Yogananda to Lake Chapala in 1929, where she hosted him at Villa Reynera. La Rusa was also an environmental activist who worked passionately to protect Lake Chapala.
JUNE, JULY, AUGUST, 2026
The La Rusa Mural is underway! In collaboration with the Municipality of Chapala, and friends of the La Rusa Mural, mural artists Luis Vasquez and Wendy Gomez are now at work. It is located on the exterior, north wall of the cemetery along the carretera, next to the mural of Neill James. Stop by to say hello and to see them at work during weekdays. A celebration for the completion of the mural will take place on Tuesday, August 11, on what would have been La Rusa's 130th birthday.
