Shopping Galore and Streets of Galleries!

Shopping Galore and Streets of Galleries!

Restaurants for Every  Taste and Budget. Tacos to Fine Dining!

Restaurants for Every Taste and Budget. Tacos to Fine Dining!

 

Category Archives: Entertainment

Puerto Vallarta #1 rated Food Tours

I have been coming to PV  for almost 20 years now. While I know many business owners and a few locals who work in the service industry, I still do not know a whole lot about how the locals live.

By taking one of the many food  tours offered by Vallarta Food Tours, in just 3-4 hours you learn so much, you will be in the know, like the locals! Taste local food, meet local people  and visit hidden gems and places off the beaten touristy path. Taste food  from street vendors who have been in business over 40 and 50 years!

Vallarta Food Tour’s mission is to help visitors and residents alike enjoy the best that Vallarta has to offer by highlighting off-the-beaten-path, “non-touristy” food and drinks along with a local insight of its treasures. Our love of Puerto Vallarta and Mexican culture inspired us to create the city’s finest culinary tour. We sampled the perfect mole, sipped on succulent tuba water and tasted fresh coconut from arguably the best coconut vendor in the country.

I took the Original Downtown Tour last month.  $52 for adults. (For a couple dollars  extra  you even get a couple beers along the way!) You get 8 tastings of amazing regional cuisine, and that’s enough (more than enough!)  to  serve as a satisfying lunch.  And  you get a 3-4  hour cultural tour and walk of the city by an awesome tour guide who explains the food  but also many local interesting tidbits of information and traditions.

 

There is a Bikes and Bites Tour. ($55). On a comfortable bike, cover 4.5 miles on this culinary tour, tasting regional dishes influenced by Aztec, Mayan, Toltec, Spanish and French cuisine. This tour is designed for moderate fitness levels. Prior cycling experience is required and all guests must be 18 or older.

Did someone say drinks?? Take the evening Mex-ology tour!  Drink And Eat Your Way Through Downtown Vallarta. Tacos and Tequila are at the top of everyone’s list when they come to PV. This tour gives you both in one fun and food-filled evening. ($79).

  • This 4-hour guided tour is perfect for dinner and will introduce you to the best indigenous spirits and regional cocktails in Vallarta.
  • You will sample Tequila, Mezcal, Racilla, and local craft beer mixed into a regional cocktail by a master Mexican Mixologist. To keep you on your feet you will enjoy a few tacos along the way, including a one-of-a-kind seafood stuffed Jalapeño taco, carne asada taco, and more.

Vallarta Food Tours say, “Our goal is to ensure that all of our tour participants have a fantastic time and leave with a real confidence to continue their exploration of our beautiful city. We recommend taking our food tours at the start of your stay so you can take on the city armed with knowledge and insight of what makes Puerto Vallarta so beautiful, so vibrant and so special. We are proud to share our culinary discoveries with you. Let us take you on a 3-hour adventure, introduce you to the best of the best and help open up a bright and delicious new world just waiting to be explored!” –

We give them 5 PINK CROWNS!

          Trip Advisor agrees  as well! 

Stop  by the website and book a  tour!  and  read  the many many great  reviews!

You WON’T be disappointed!

The Puerto Vallarta city tour takes place in the heart of Vallarta, giving participants insight into the city’s true soul.  Besides the Puerto Vallarta Tours offered, Vallarta Food Tours offers Private Group Food Tours and Gift Certificates.  Surprise someone  with a tour!   They will LOVE IT!

Steve Grand! Held Over in Puerto Vallarta

Steve Grand

Steve Grand returned triumphantly to PV in November to the Red Room at Act 2/Stages and his shows have been selling out!!  Shows have been extended  thru  the end of January!!!

DECEMBER  25 at 9:30pm
DECEMBER 21, 24, 27, 28 at 7:30pm
JANUARY 1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22, 24, 29, 31 at 7:30pm

In 2013, Grand uploaded a music video to YouTube for his song, “All American Boy.” It immediately went viral, and within 8 days, he had over 1,000,000 views! It tells the story of unrequited love between a young man and his heterosexual male friend. As a result, this openly gay artist was lauded as a trailblazer in the entertainment world and he has had appearances on Good Morning America, CNN, Larry King Now, and other national outlets where he has used his platform to advocate for Human Rights and LGBT Equality.

Currently, with over 18 million views on YouTube, a #3 and #10 album on The Billboard Independent Album charts, and one of the most successful Music Kickstarter Campaigns ever under his belt, Grand, an extremely handsome young man, has not only broken the rules, but has changed the game forever in singing and song-writing in the era of YouTube and Spotify!

He has just released his second, highly-anticipated album, Not the End of Me, in July 2018, and has received rave reviews from the LGBTQ market, creating a vocal and enthusiastic fanbase, as well as a permanent place for himself in the music industry!

Grand’s songs are a living testimonial of the trials and tribulations that he experienced as he came to the realization that he was gay. He started writing his songs at age 11 as a way to understand and express himself. People have always related to his music because each song was written about a specific moment or time in his life. Many of his songs express the pain of going through a brutal breakup of his long-term partner. “I tried to be as brutally honest as I could be in my songs,” Grand said. “People have told me it’s [sometimes] hard to listen to [my songs] because they feel what I’m feeling. It’s painful, but it’s still beautiful.” That is why he is loved by so many and also why his shows sell out every night!

Get tickets online before they are all gone!

What a Drag Benefit Feb 18th

Annual  BANDERAS BAY SHELTER-Fundraiser. A home for victims of domestic violence. For more information: www.compassionforthefamilymx.org

One of the funniest shows of the year!  Hosted  by  New York’s  HEDDA LETTUCE!

More info and tickets  thru the Facebook  page!

Casa Cupula LGBT Resort Celebrates Anniversary

Puerto Vallarta’s Luxury LGBT Boutique Hotel Celebrates 15thAnniversary!

Casa Cupula, Puerto Vallarta’s legendary boutique resort hotel, is set to celebrate its 15th birthday with a three-month celebration of the property’s history, present, and future, culminating in a grand Mexican-style quinceañera celebration.

Casa Cupula gained notoriety in 2002 when it became Mexico’s first high-end LGBTQ property. In the years since the then-five-bedroom guesthouse and oasis for gay travelers has grown into an 18-room full resort complex and an integral part of elevating the reputation of Puerto Vallarta as Mexico’s gay vacation mecca.

“I don’t think anyone would have imagined how the LGBT community has gained so much acceptance over the last 15 years,” said Casa Cupula founder Don Pickens, who still owns and manages the property. “Back then, Puerto Vallarta’s reputation as a leading LGBT destination was not as well-known. Today it is celebrated by the city and is a major driver of Puerto Vallarta’s tourism-based economy.”

“We have been part of a great movement to modernize the image of Puerto Vallarta by showcasing the contemporary and luxurious offerings found in our Romantic Zone, Puerto Vallarta’s ‘gayborhood,’” Pickens added. “Today, Vallarta is proud to be one of the most important international gay destinations, and Casa Cupula is still rated among the top hotels of any kind in Vallarta.

During the property’s 15-year run, it has continuously updated its offering, adding rooms and suites of various sizes, as well as three pools; a Jacuzzi and sauna; full concierge services that refer guests to hand-selected LGBTQ-friendly activities; Pump Gym & Spa; and Taste Restaurant, one of the top dining venues in Puerto Vallarta.

Any 15-year-old deserves a great present and Casa Cupula is no exception. This year the new “Frida Suite,” will honor iconic early 20th century Mexican LGBT artist Frida Kahlo. Designed to reflect Kahlo’s love for Mexican traditions and culture, the suite’s debut will be part of the extended quinceañeracelebration of Casa Cupula’s birthday.

quinceañera is one of the most important Mexican celebrations, presenting a birthday girl or boy to society at the age of 15. Casa Cupula’s grand celebration of its own 15 years will include multiple events throughout the season, starting with a quinceañera party on Nov. 24. A drag queen contest at the event will see a brand ambassador crowned to represent Casa Cupula for the season.

This will be followed by a banquet on Dec. 2 to celebrate the boutique property’s leading role in Puerto Vallarta’s thriving LGBT community, inviting both local leaders and Casa Cupula alumni to celebrate together. The festivities will culminate with a major event in January. Cynthia Lee Fontaine, undisputed Miss Congeniality of hit reality TV show “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” has been selected by the team at legendary Puerto Vallarta boutique hotel Casa Cupula to headline the property’s highly anticipated quinceañera — or 15 anniversary —celebration, to take place January 19,  2018. Tickets start at 300 pesos (approximately US$16) per person (visit www.casacupula.com/cucu).

READ MORE HERE  ABOUT CYNTHIA

Casa Cupula invites past and new guests to join in on the celebration, enjoying a fourth night free on stays from Nov. 27 to Dec.19. For more information and to book, please visit www.casacupula.com.

Dinner in the Sky PUERTO VALLARTA 2017

Top Chefs Helm Dinner in the Sky Experience at Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta, Feb 2017
Gourmet Dinner w/ Wine Pairing Held 150 Feet in the Air

One of the world’s exhilarating dining experiences, Dinner in the Sky comes to Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta from January 28 – February 28, 2017. Groups of 22 adventurous guests will be lifted nearly 150 feet in the air by a crane, taking in breathtaking views of the property’s on-site golf course and beautifully polished grounds, Banderas Bay and Sierra Madre Mountains. Guests at Dinner in the Sky can mingle with fellow diners during a one-hour experience consisting of a three course gourmet dinner menu designed by top chefs, including Mikel Alonso and Bruno Oteiza, disciples of Spanish superstar Juan Arzak and owners of Biko in Mexico City, regularly among the top 50 restaurants in the world on the San Pellegrino list. A complimentary cocktail hour precedes the dinner. When staying three nights at Casa Velas or its sister properties in Vallarta-Nayarit, guests enjoy special discounted rates for the experience.

A celebration of gastronomic innovation and excitement, Puerto Vallarta’s Dinner in the Sky costs $50 USD a seat when staying at Casa Velas or the nearby AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit and $80 USD when staying at Velas Vallarta. An exciting happening in the Puerto Vallarta area, outside guests can enjoy the dinner for $242 USD on site or $170 pre-order, pending availability. Guests can reserve their space for two dinners Wednesday through Friday (beginning at 6 p.m. and again at 8 p.m.); Saturday and Sunday features three dinners (beginning at 5, 7 and 9 p.m.). A vegetarian menu is also available on request.

For more information please call 1-888-407-4869 or visit www.hotelcasavelas.com.

Puerto Vallarta Gay Mens Chorus Dec. 15

Celebrate the holidays as PVGMC presents HALLELUJAH!

 

The Puerto Vallarta Gay Men’s Chorus (PVGMC), directed by Alfonso López, presents its annual holiday musical celebration at 8 PM on December 15 and 16 and at 4 PM and 8 PM on December 17 at Act II Stages

The PVGMC develops and shares the vocal skills of gay men from Mexico, the United States, Canada and around the world. They perform choral music that entertains, enlightens and unifies the audience, as well as its members, while building bridges of greater understanding, acceptance and love between communities, cultures, families, and friends. They are warmly embraced by the local Mexican and Ex-Pat communities, as well as tourists of both cultures.

This time of year brings back recollection of some of the most memorable times spent with family and friends. Buy your ticket today online at http://actiientertainment.com/PVGMC-Holiday-Concert.php or at the Act II Stages box office at Insurgentes 300 in the Romantic Zone (up the stairs on Basilio Badillo), telephone 322-222-1512. Celebrate the most magical season of the year with the PVGMC, and you might want to brush up on some of your favorites so that you can sing along!

Puerto Vallarta Things to Do!

16 REASONS WHY NOW IS THE BEST TIME
TO VISIT PUERTO VALLARTA

As the Peso lowers, bargain hunters
will find great deals in Paradise

With the Mexican Peso at an all-time low, with average exchange rate between $15-$17 pesos to the US dollar, Americans and Canadians looking for last minute deals to Puerto Vallarta will find that this is a travelers market.Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s top tourism destination. Known for its 100-year-old historic center, the heart of the destination, it is alive with authentic culture, art, nightlife and a range of award-winning traditional and international restaurants.

Beyond the downtown area, Puerto Vallarta makes for a vacation full of activities that all can enjoy. From strolling along Puerto Vallarta’s lively Malecón (beach boardwalk) while relishing in free outdoor live entertainment like the nightly Papantla flying dancers, to riding zip lines across tree tops or swimming with dolphins and sea lions, taking a cooking class at one of the traditional restaurants or enjoying a guided tour of the local art galleries, visitors of all ages can share memorable moments during their fun-filled visit.

FOLLOWING ARE 16 BARGAINS TO ENJOY NOW

  1. Dinner at Top Restaurants – Puerto Vallarta is home to over 300 restaurants ranging from internationally renowned establishments to mom-and-pap eateries offering dishes that go back generations. Dinner for two, including a three-course meal and a bottle of fine wine, at top iconic restaurants like La Palapa, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton favorite beach-front eatery, where they brought all their celebrity friends to party, El Arrayan, famous for its exquisite traditional Mexican cuisine, or Barcelona Tapas, with its grand view of the Bay of Banderas and the city’s Downtown area, will cost less than $120 USD.
  2. Artisan Tequilas – Many ranches and haciendas around Puerto Vallarta offer half day and full day activities including horseback riding, hiking, quad bike excursions and a tour of the tequila plantation and distillery; including tasting of top artisan tequilas and the local raicilla, a spirit of pre-Hispanic origin made from the agave root. Top quality tequila and raicilla will set one back around $20 USD www.haciendadonaengracia.com / www.haciendaeldivisadero.com
  3. VIP Beach Clubs – Enjoy the beach with plenty of pampering and luxury offered by one of Puerto Vallarta’s beach clubs. Mantamar Beach club has day passes for as low as $350 pesos ($20 USD), with $250 pesos (nearly $15 USD) counted as credit towards food and drinks.
  4. Learn Spanish – Puerto Vallarta is a college town, home to international universities and private schools. A two-week Spanish immersion class at one of the many language centers located in Puerto Vallarta, which also offers the opportunity to learn about Mexican culture and traditions, costs as little as $150 USD a week. www.spanishexperiencecenter.com
  5. Artworks for Collectors – From the many sculptures that line its Malecon (beach boardwalk) to the fine art galleries that house national and international works Puerto Vallarta is known for embracing the arts. Visitors can explore the town’s numerous arts offerings on the guided ArtWalk tour which operates daily from October to May, making stops at 15 local galleries in the historic downtown area. The ArtWalk is free and most galleries; like Galeria Colectika have not adjusted the prices on art pieces; providing visitors a great opportunity to acquire amazing works of art for a steal.
  6. San Sebastian del Oeste – A 90-minute drive east of Puerto Vallarta sends visitors back in time to a 17th century silver mining village nestled in the Sierra Madre Mountains. This sleeping town of 600 inhabitants is a colonial gem, filled with historic sites and great places to eat. Stoll around town at leisure or take guided tour. A round-trip taxi ride from Puerto Vallarta and back costs around USD $90.
  7. Your Own Private Beach – For travelers wishing to explore the natural oasis and warm Pacific Ocean waters in a secluded setting, Puerto Vallarta offers a variety of ways to enjoy their pristine secluded beaches. Take a round-trip water taxi ride out of Los Muertos Beach to secluded coves or isolated beaches like Colomitos, Las Animas, Boca de Tomatlan, Majahuitas, Quimixto, Playa El Caballo and many others. $20 USD per person.
  8. Charter a Private Boat. Spend the day at sea, snorkeling, fishing, swimming, island hopping or just sun bathing on your own private boat. Prices start at $866 for 8 hours www.pvmikesfishing.com/fishing-boat-rental-rates
  9. Viva Tequila Tour – Enjoy a Tequila tour and a live performance of traditional colorful Mexican folklore for about $60 USD a person. www.viviatequila.mx
  10. Boutique Hotels – Puerto Vallarta’s Downtown and Zona Romantica area is one of the most charming and authentic locations along Mexico’s Pacific Coast, teaming with enchanting boutique hotels, each with its own charm, unique personality and history; offering the warm and friendly personalized service Puerto Vallarta is reputed for. Rates are as low as $40 USD per night. www.visitpuertovallarta.com
  11. Mex-Ology: Tequila, Tacos and Mexican Cocktails Tour – Enjoy authentic Puerto Vallarta culture and dining on a unique taco tour with Vallarta Food Tours. Also a fun way to see the Downtown area and a great start to a night of festivities. www.puertovallartafoodtours.com
  12. Become a Taco Expert – There are a couple of signs visitors must look out for before buying a taco. 1. Is the location popular? If you see a line of locals waiting to eat at the establishment that’s generally a good sign. 2. When buying tacos from a local street vendor make sure the food is served in plates covered with a plastic for hygiene. 3. There should always be at least two people working the stand, one to serve food and the other to handle payments. Try Ceviches el Güero or Tacos el Cunado where a taco costs less than $1 USD.
  13. Brunch at Canopy River – Take a ride to the middle of the Sierra Madre and enjoy a hearty Sunday Brunch amidst the varied and lush tropical flora and fauna of the rainforest surrounding Puerto Vallarta for less than $20 USD per person. www.canopytourspuertovallarta.com
  14. Walk the Malecon – The Malecon is Puerto Vallarta’s heart and where everyone, both locals and tourists, gather for morning jogs, open air yoga classes and daytime or sunset strolls. It also has features some of the most delicious traditional street food, from tacos to corn on the cob with mayonnaise and chili, each for less than $1 USD.
  15. Colorful Local Celebrations – Visiting Puerto Vallarta during any of its local festivals or celebrations that take place monthly, presents a culturally rewarding experience and a chance to see the city through the cultural traditions of its people. From the Day of the Dead to the Gourmet Festival, most celebrations have activities that are free of charge. www.visitpuertovallarta.com
  16. Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board has been working with all its trade partners to offer exclusive discounts when booking is made on their site: www.visitpuertovallarta.com. Visitors can find discounts on activities and stays for as high as 50% off.
Additional information on Puerto Vallarta is available at www.visitpuertovallarta.com

Day of the Dead Week Puerto Vallarta

¡Come and join us celebrate the Day of the dead Festival at Puerto Vallarta!

From October 28 to November 2 in Puerto Vallarta celebrates the most representative tradition of Mexico and has prepared a series of activities for you to learn more about this unique celebration which will be held in different venues around the city.

Enjoy a delicious Pan de Muerto while walking through art galleries and get to see the traditional altars and flower carpets.

Find below the program:

Wednesday October 28th 

5:30pm – Venue : OPC – Art Galleries Tour and welcome cocktail

Venue: Art Walk –  Tour no guiado de galerías de arte

Venue: Café Des Artistes y OPC -Live music, flower carpets, murals and visitors guide distribution.

 

Thursday October 29th

5:00pm – Venue: Del Refugio Church – Introducing the Camerata Orchestra School of Puerto Vallarta

6:00pm – Conference “The History of Death in Ancient Mexico”, Los Muertos film festival presents  “Macario”

7:00pm – Special menus at restaurants

9:30pm – Visitors guide distribution

 

Friday October 30th

9:30am – Venue: Different spots across the city

Flower, sawdust and sand carpet exhibit.

10:00am .-Venue: Lázaro Cárdenas Square – Interactive Altar Openning

Altar tour Downtown Vallarta

Altar tour Downtown Malecón

Restaurant altar tour

Decorated boats in honor of deceased captains

7:00pm – Venue: 5 de Diciembre Cementery- Music and Beer Festival

 

Saturday October 31st

10:00am – Venue: Cuale Island – Paint your Calaverita

12:00pm  -Screening “La Leyenda de la Nahuala”

4:00pm – Face painting for récord Guinness

5:30pm – Venue: 5 de Diciembre Cementery -Catrinas and giant puppets parade

6:30pm – Venue: Hidalgo Park – Mixcoatl folkloric ballet from Aguascalientes

7:00pm – Venue: Muelle Street – Silence walk  ” Catrinas y Catrines”

Music and Beer Festival

11:00pm –  “Catrinas” Post party – Prizes for the best costumes

 

Sunday November 1st

10:00am – Venue: 5 de Diciembr Cementery – Religious ceremony

4:00pm – Venue: Lázaro Cárdenas Square- Little angels party, Pan de muerto exhibit and gathering

7:00pm –  Xiutla folkloric ballet exhibit

Music and Beer Festival on Muelle Street

8:00pm – Screening “El libro de la vida”

 

Monday November 2nd

11:00am – Venue: Armas Square – Exhibit “Las Catrinas de Lupe” by Karla Moreno Producciones

11:30am – Venue:  5 de Diciembre Cementery – Parade “La Caravana de la Muerte”

7:00pm – Venue: Local Market – Gathering “Una noche de muertos en Puerto Vallarta”

7:30pm – Xiutla folkloric ballet exhibit ” Día de Muertos Special”

9:30pm – Catrinas contest award ceremony

10:00pm – Festival Closure

11:00pm – Fireworks

 

https://www.facebook.com/diademuertospv/

Day of the Dead Puerto Vallarta

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS


DAY OF THE DEAD

 

Most people who are not from Mexico, think the Day of the Dead is a day full of sadness, freight, and other horrible feelings. It is not; Day of the Dead is a beautiful ritual that is performed happily and lovingly, to remember all the loved relatives and friends that are no longer with us, through festivals and lively celebrations. Assured that the dead would be insulted by mourning or sadness, Day of the Dead celebrates the lives of the deceased with food, drink, parties, and activities the dead enjoyed in life. On Day of the Dead, the dead are also a part of the community, awakened from their eternal sleep to share celebrations with their loved ones.

Although Day of the Dead is usually a private holiday celebrated among family members, for example, Cemetery in the 5th of December Colonia is the site of traditional Day of the Dead observance for private celebrations,  it is also a celebration of the whole town, and therefore Asociación Vallarta Centro prepares an Annual Día de Los Muertos Festival, a celebration that promises to be magnificent. This celebration includes the display of conventional altars and Catrinas, pan de muerto tastings (a sweetened soft bread, often decorated with bone-like pieces, that’s traditionally baked during the days leading up to El Día de los Muertos), and other traditional Day of the Dead activities. It also includes folklore dancing dedicated to the dead, a parade, singing, dancing, Mariachi music, and a firework display. All in all, besides enjoying the natural beauty of Puerto Vallarta, it’s beach, sun, water activities, and tourist attractions, you will also be able to enjoy its cultural side through the famous Day of the Dead, one of the most important celebrations in the whole of Mexico.

OCTOBER 31 :: The souls of those that were killed or died of unnatural causes are remembered.
NOVEMBER 1 :: The souls of the children are honored with special designs in the altars, using the color white on flowers and candles
NOVEMBER 2 :: The souls of the adults are remembered. Schools and some offices and businesses are closed in Puerto Vallarta.

These are the days when art, religion, life, death, sadness and humor all come together in bright colors, tears and music. The dead are visited (or visit) and the living take the time to decorate and elaborate the past. The afterlife opens to the present. The graves are cleaned. The souls are refreshed.

The City of Puerto Vallarta is also sponsoring an altar competition with the entrants to be displayed on November 1 & 2 at the City Square at the Presidencia.

Display of Altars and parade starting at the Malecon heading to the Rio Cuale Municipal Market, ending with a folk festival with Charros, Catrina contest and fireworks.

The festival will also include a film festival, a food tasting and a series of concerts, folkloric ballet and a presentation of a series of photos on the theme of death, as it is viewed by popular Mexican culture.

Organizers will also try to break the Guinness Book of World Records for the number of Catrinas in one place, the playful visualization of death was made famous by Jose Guadalupe Posada, and has received notoriety across the US and Canada as of recently.

When: October 27th – November 2nd, 2015
Place: Malecon and Municipal Market

Watch this short video about DAY OF THE DEAD.

 


(left : Jose Guadalupe Posada’s original ‘La Calavera Catrina,’ circa 1910. Jose Guadalupe Posada’s original “La Calavera Catrina,” circa 1910. credit: Courtesy Mexican Museum)

La Calavera Catrina (‘Dapper Skeleton’, ‘Elegant Skull’) is a 1910–1913 zinc etching by famous Mexican printmaker, cartoon illustrator and lithographer José Guadalupe Posada. The image depicts a female skeleton dressed only in a hat befitting the upper class outfit of a European of her time. Her chapeau en attende is related to French and European styles of the early 20th century. She is offered as a satirical portrait of those Mexican natives who, Posada felt, were aspiring to adopt European aristocratic traditions in the pre-revolutionary era. She in particular has become an icon of the Mexican Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.

 

Catrina has come to symbolize not only El Día de los Muertos and the Mexican willingness to laugh at death itself, but originally catrina was an elegant or well-dressed woman, so it refers to rich people. Death brings this neutralizing force; everyone is equal in the end. Sometimes people have to be reminded.

Many shops in Puerto Vallarta  sell various versions of Catrina.   Some  wonderful examples  of her can be found at Galeria Indigena. (See more  on the Gallery  HERE)

And  Colecktika and Peyote People. Both the  same  owners,  both have  contemporary Mexican Folk Art  that will make you look a some very old traditions in a whole new way. Colecktika  has more fine art – while  Peyote People has a variety  of affordable  arts  and crafts.

One of their specialties  is  art by the Huichol Indians. Deep in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Western Mexico live the Huichol Indians. Very little is known about the exact origins of the Huichol, but today they are clinging to a set of customs and beliefs that make them one of the best preserved Pre-Columbian tribes in the Western Hemisphere.

“Since 1997 we have been traveling up to the ancient Huichol Indian Ceremonial Center of San Andres Cohamiata where we have followed a number of Huichol families through their daily lives and have documented the ceremonies that set them apart from the rest of the world. Through this web site we will give you a never before seen look into the Huichol Indian ceremonial cycle and will be marketing their art for the money they need to host their traditional rituals and ceremonies.”

Peyote People is a fair trade co-operative based in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico that provides most of the carvings to our artists as well as new iridescent glass beads that are imported exclusively by us into Mexico for our artists to use in their art. We have been recognized by the Huichol Indian Traditional Government of San Andres Cohamaita for not only promoting their artwork but also for our commitment to the preservation of their customs and traditions through what we call CULTURAL AUTHENTICITY:

“Cultural Authenticity may be an invisible quality but it is what separates the ‘urban’ Huichol from those who actually live in the Sierra and are actively involved in the preservation of their cultures traditions.”

 

Puerto Vallarta in 360 Collection

The same technology used by Google Maps to allow users to experience 360º street views of locations around the world is now being used to bring people closer to previously unavailable places. Many of us have seen Google’s conspicuous vehicles traveling through the city, collecting imagery that can be incorporated into their mapping system.

Advances in their equipment now allows for a portable version of the same camera system. Worn like a backpack, Google Maps in now able to open our eyes to places we couldn’t have imagined just a few years ago.

In recent months, Google staff has visited our destination, creating beautiful images of the Marietas Islands, Marina La Cruz, Vallarta Adventures’ Dolphin Center, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens and Las Caletas, among others. These locations now form part of Google’s Special Collections-Mexico, an increasing collection of landmarks located throughout the country.

Vallarta Lifestyles’ Managing Editor, Paco Ojeda, has been creating 360º spheres in Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas for many years. His personal collection also resides in Google, and has been visited over 190,000 times. Feel free to explore his images by clicking here.

Puerto Vallarta Gay Mens Chorus

Get ready to put on your “sequins and diamonds” or just your “sandals and denim” as the Puerto Vallarta Men’s Chorus presents its Vallarta Pride Festival Concert Series “Sequins & Diamonds” at Act II Stages on Monday, May 18, at 7:00 P.M. and twice on the evening of Friday, May 22 at 7:00 P.M. and 9:00 P.M.

This 4th annual PVMC pride concert series promises to be one of the Festival’s highlights as the whole region joins in celebrating PV’s vibrant and diverse LGBTQ community!

This year’s PVMC Pride Festival concerts will feature some of the region’s finest male voices under the direction of Artistic Director Alfonso López. The program’s selections reflect the theme of the festival, “Unity”, with a diverse array of songs performed in Spanish and English.

In addition to being a Pride Festival sponsor, PVMC’s multi-national “Pride” shines as bright as a diamond all year through its commitment to being a year round chorus and through its partnering with many local non-profits to build bridges of understanding to our diverse community and other organizations through our music. Working with organizations like the PuRR Project, the Bucerías Children’s Library, Pride Festival, SETAC and Bugambilia Festival, PVMC has brought its inspiring message of love and understanding through quality choral music performed in Spanish and English to diverse audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Come see Mexico’s first gay men’s chorus as Director López wraps up his critically acclaimed first season with the Chorus by purchasing your tickets in advance at VallartaTickets.com or at the ACT II Stages box office, located at Insurgentes 300 in the Romantic Zone, 322-222-1512. You’ll be proud you did!

For more information, contact info@pvmenschorus.org or visit our website at www.pvmenschorus.org.

Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens’ Tourism Award

The Vallarta Botanical Garden has once again been distinguished as one of the ‘Top 10 North American Gardens Worth Traveling For’ by the Canadian Garden Tourism Council. The award was presented on March 17, 2015  at the Garden Tourism Conference in Toronto.

Robert Price and his mother Betty founded the Vallarta Botanical Gardens in 2004 after realizing the need for conservation and environmental awareness in the area. Bob was specifically concerned with the numbers of orchids that poachers were taking from the nearby jungles to sell commercially.

He envisioned a place where orchids could be propagated and displayed without depleting the local populations. The Garden opened to the public in 2005 and has been flourishing ever since.

The creation of Vallarta Botanical Gardens has provided an unprecedented opportunity for the community to share the wonder of the vast diversity of Mexico’s plant species with the world.  They have assembled botanical collections in a safe environment with viewing trails and have already built the most-visited public collection of orchids in the country of Mexico.

More orchid species are found in Jalisco than in any other Mexican state. A current goal is the creation of the National Collection of Mexican Orchids, the most complete collection of Mexican orchids anywhere in the country.

Its about  30-40  minutes  south  of Romantica Zone.  A taxi is about  $20.  Buses  go there as well.  Admission  is  just 80 Pesos. (about $6).

Visit them online for more details!

Gay Bar Hopping Puerto Vallarta

Whether you are traveling alone  or with a group,  Gay Vallarta Bar Hopping is tons of fun!   Experience the best personalized nightlife service, meet people from all over the world, and discover 7 of the best gay hot spots while you have a drink at each stop and are having the time of your life…..all in five hours.

This tour is a great way to see the clubs and make new friends, while visiting Puerto Vallarta!

Christian Serrano the owner  says, “I decided to create the tour because so many clients I had would ask “what can we do tonight” or “what places do you recommend?” Sometimes they couldn’t find some places or got there too early or too late and missed the spirit of the venue. I wanted every visitor to experience the very best of Vallarta’s gay nightlife and fall in love with this magical town the same way I did.

The bar hopping tour is a unique service that I created using my 9 years of knowledge living in PV full time and going out a LOT hehe!! I also incorporated my customer service knowledge that I learned in school and working in the US for a national corporate restaurant chain.”

 

 BOOK  IN ADVANCE.  Spaces  are limited  and some nights  DO SELL OUT!   Prices  range  from  $60-$130  depending on the night  and which liquor package is chosen  and if dinner is included.  (Dinner is included  Friday and Saturday, but not on Thursdays).

Final Days for KINSEY SICKS @ Palms

FINAL  DAYS!   Last show is March 1st!

GET TICKETS  NOW!