Riviera Nayarit - Calendar of Activities 2008 By M. Silver Associates Inc. | Photos by Jesus de Avila- April 2008
Riviera Nayarit, Mexico– Part of the fun of a holiday is to enjoy local festivities and events. Others select their travel date to participate in specific activities. Following are activities scheduled in Riviera Nayarit in 2008.
January 1
New Year’s Day: The first day of the year is celebrated by a national holiday. Banks are closed, but in most of Riviera Nayarit’s towns like Bucerias, Sayulita and San Pancho, many shops and restaurants open in the afternoon. Or simply spend the New Year’s relaxing on one of the area’s beautiful beaches!
January 6
Día de Los Santos Reyes (Kings Day): A national celebration that acclaims the arrival in Bethlehem of the Reyes Magos (Wise Men) bearing gifts for the baby Jesus. Children throughout Mexico anxiously await waking to toys and gifts left by the “Three Kings.” Rosca de Reyes, which is a crown-shaped sweet bread decorated with jewel-like candied fruits with a small doll baked inside, is served on this day. The lucky person who finds the doll in his or her slice of cake must host a party on February 2nd, known as Candlemas Day.
January 16-24
La Virgen de la Paz (Virgen of Peace Festival): A week of activities take place in Bucerías to celebrate The Virgin of Peace culminating in her arrival by decorated boats at the waterfront on January 24th as a blessing to the seafarers.
January 19-26
IV Festival of Migratory Birds: Riviera Nayarit is home to a vibrant natural eco-system that is inhabited by exotic wildlife such as sea turtles, whales, and wild dolphins. Birds also flock to San Blas in Riviera Nayarit arriving from all over to the mangrove swamps, estuaries, lagoons and beaches, thus making San Blas one of the most prominent natural shelters in the western hemisphere. According to the Audubon Society, San Blas is only second after Panama, with the largest number of bird species. Ornithologist and amateur birders from all over the world travel far and away to search for birds. The Festival of Migratory Birds is held annually to celebrate the arrival of these birds and during the event, many activities take place including conferences and seminars by wildlife experts and ornithologists to help create awareness on the importance of preserving and conserving the natural reserves/zones in Riviera Nayarit so that we can assure that the migratory birds continue to come to this lands and reproduce.
February 2
Patron Saint Festivals in Valle de Banderas - La Virgen del Tintoc: The Virgin del Tintoc festival is celebrated in the town of Valle de Banderas in the traditional way with floats, a pilgrimage, a street fair with dancing and fireworks. Also, annual celebration of “Fiesta de la Candelaria”.
February 3-5
WesMex Junior Optimist/Laser Qualifying Regatta: Qualifying regatta in Banderas Bay sponsored by Vallarta Yacht Club for junior category includes numerous events. For more information and updates on program for the Regatta please visit www.vallartayachtclub.com
February 5
Constitution Day: This national holiday celebrates the establishment of the current democratic constitution of the United States of Mexico on February 5, 1917.
February 15-18
Natura Vallarta: Art exhibit and conference with ecological focus hosted by artist Federico León de la Vega at his Estudio-Café on the Malecón of the Marina in Nuevo Vallarta.
February 17-19
Vallarta Motorcycle Week: Vallarta Bike Week is celebrated by motorcycling-themed activities throughout the bay area, and has grown into a considerable event involving more than 500 motorcycles of all types including vintage Harley-Davidsons. For more information, or to register please visit www.vallartabikeweek.com and www.pvchoppers.com
February 18
5th Annual Art & Wine Festival: Sponsored by VYC, enjoy wine, food & art. www.vallartayachtclub.com
February 21st - March 17th
National Mexican Fair, Tepic: This event portrays the culture and customs of the people of the state of Nayarit, in addition to expositions of art, handicrafts, gastronomy, culture, theater and other events. Admission free.
February 23rd -24th
Sayulita Days: The annual cultural event draws locals and visitors for street fairs, dancing, art shows, live music and more. www.sayulitalife.com
February 22
Bucerías Art Walk: This monthly art walk in downtown Bucerías includes not only the art galleries but other businesses as well with free horse and buggy transportation. Contact Christy Beguesse at abrokenart@gmail.com for information.
February 22-25
5th National Charro Championships: Fifth national qualifying tournament for charro offers city-wide activities as well as the daily competitions at the lienzo in Mojoneras
February 24
Flag Day: Flag Day is celebrated with school parades and programs.
February 24th – March 5th
Festival Bahía de Banderas: This growing annual festival includes cultural events, artistic presentations, dance, folklore, handcrafts, a charro parade, a night of comedy, the crowning of Miss Banderas Bay 2008 and much more. Sports competitions will include cycling, surfing and kite flying.
March 1-8
Banderas Bay Regatta and Racing Clinic: Learn while you sail at this clinic and regatta, open for all classes and skill levels. www.sailing-jworld.com
March 5-12
Patron Saint Festivals in Punta de Mita
March 4-9
J/24 UBS World Championship: With over 250 local affiliates in the J/24 boat category, over 70 entries are already signed on to this major international sailing event. www.j24mex.com
March 18
Thierry Blouet Gastronomy Contest: Annual competition for chefs in Banderas Bay
March 20-30
Holy Week - Easter Week: The most important religious festival of the year. Schools close and families gather on the beach.
March 21
Spring Equinox: The spring equinox is a return to an older pre-Christian tradition of recognition of cycles – celebrate with a day on the beach or a tour of the region’s beautiful parks.
March 21
Benito Juárez’ Birthday: A beloved national holiday which celebrates the life of an extraordinary historical figure who was the twice-elected president and introduced major initiatives in the fields of education
March 22-25
Banderas Bay International Regatta XV: Cruisers’ Regatta, this international event features all classes from the smallest cruisers to megasleds. See site for timetable. www.vallartayachtclub.com and www.banderasbayregatta.com
March 30
Bucerías Art Walk: This monthly art walk in downtown Bucerías includes not only the art galleries but other businesses as well with free horse and buggy transportation. Contact Christy Beguesse at abrokenart@gmail.com for information.
March TBD
PGA Tournament, Vista Vallarta: More than 30 professional and amateur players are expected at this international televised event that will take place at Vista Vallarta Golf Course with a purse of US$100,000. www.vistavallartagolf.com
April 14
Overnight Cruise to Punta de Mita: Join the sailors on this fun overnight cruise to Punta de Mita from Nuevo Vallarta’s yacht club. www.vallartayachtclub.com
April 23-24 TBD
Spring Distance Series II: 2nd Distance sailing event sponsored by Vallarta Yacht Club. www.vallartayachtclub.com
April 25th - May 3rd
Patron Saint Festivals in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle
April - TBD
Third Annual Red Cross Golf Tournament: Hosted by Flamingos Golf Course in Flamingos, Nayarit, this annual event raises funds for the local Red Cross units. www.flamingosgolf.com.mx
April 27
Bucerías Art Walk: This monthly art walk in downtown Bucerías includes not only the art galleries but other businesses as well with free horse and buggy transportation. Contact Christy Beguesse at abrokenart@gmail.com for information.
May 1
Labor Day: International holiday honored in Mexico with parades for the union workers.
May 3
Fiesta Santa Cruz: This annual festival is the culmination of a week of cultural, culinary, artistic and other fun activities in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.
May 5
Cinco de Mayo (Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla): This first historic battle for independence from the French in Puebla on May 5, 1862 is celebrated as a national holiday.
May
Canadian Tour at El Tigre: This open invitational golf championship tournament is sponsored by El Tigre Golf Course and is part of the not for profit International Canadian Tour. The winner takes home a purse of USD$125,000.00 For more information please visit www.eltigregolf.com and www.cantour.com.
May 10
Mothers’ Day: Traditional Mexican family day to honor mothers.
May 11-13
14th Annual Sports Classic: Fun for the whole family at this annual event including basketball, soccer, aerobics, tennis and a mini-marathon
May 12 TBD
3rd Nocturnal Golf Tournament: Takes place at the Mayan Palace Golf Course in Nuevo Vallarta. www.mayanresortsgolf.com
May 12-13
Aquatic Journey in the Santa Maria del Oro Lagoon: Locals and tourists decorate boats and take boat trips across this enigmatic lagoon.
May 14-18
VI Copa Vallarta (Vallarta Cup Soccer Tournament): This tournament in its sixth year draws soccer teams involving up to 100 teams of youths regardless of country of origin as long as the teams are registered. www.vallartadeportes.com
May 22-25
Women’s Regatta Las Marietas: Hosted by the local women’s prize-winning sailing team, this annual event expects teams from the US, Canada and other countries. www.regatalasmarietas.com
May TBD
Seniors Cup de GADO
Senior golfers are hosted at Flamingos Golf Course, the oldest golf course in Vallarta, established in 1978. www.flamingosgolf.com.mx
May
Music Festival of May: This annual festival features a country each year, this year that country is Mexico. Details and dates pending. www.festivaldemayo.org
May 15-31
Restaurant Week: Banderas Bay restaurants offer special prix-fix menus during this two-week period. The best time to enjoy local cuisine from some of the region’s best restaurants.
June 1-3
Fishing Tournament, San Blas: Fishing tournament for local, national and international contestants.
June 3-5
Meeting Planners Mexico: An opportunity for the public and business sectors of Vallarta to meet representatives of other Mexican tourist destinations. For more information, please visit: www.meetingsmexico.com
June 16
Anniversary Tournament at El Tigre: A local annual tournament that takes place to celebrate the anniversary of the El Tigre Golf Course. For more information please visit www.eltigregolf.com
June 24
San Juan: Celebrated by a weeklong fiesta in San Juan de Abajo
June 27-29
Festival of St. Peter and St. Paul in Mexcaltitan: Locals place images of the saints in two boats and celebrate the festival on the lagoon.
June 29
Day of St. Peter the Apostle in El Tuito: The parish of Tuito enjoys its annual celebration.
June TBD
Couples Championship
Celebrated in the Nicklaus and Weiskopf golf courses at Vista Vallarta. www.vistavallartagolf.com
July 1-7 TBD
North American and European Optimist Championship: A sailing competition that attracts over 200 boats each year. For more information please visit www.vallartayachtclub.com
July 12-14
Second Riviera Nayarit Fishing Tournament
Sport fishing tournament that attracts local, regional, national and international participants. During the first year, participants caught Marlin, Dorado, and Sailfish (later released) that exceeded weight expectations and broke local records. For more information please visit www.fishingtournamentvallarta.com
July 28th - August 15th
Corn Festival, Jala, Nayarit: During this traditional country fair, agricultural products are displayed, particularly the huge corncobs found only in this region.
August 1-15
Corn Festival, Xalisco, Nayarit: This traditional country fair features cultural events, local dishes based on corn, and displays of agricultural products.
August 31
UjENA Bikini Jam: In this international competition for bikini models and photographers, a series of events will take place in Banderas Bay with photo shoots, a 5K run and the final crowning of the bikini model 2007 at a local nightclub. www.ujenatalent.com
August 31st - September 2nd
Final Audi Cuattro Cup: National golf competition sponsored by Audi, previous tournament in Acapulco.
September 14
The Day of the Charro: This special day honors the charro with parades on horseback throughout the towns that feature a lienzo (stadium for charreada)
September 15-16
El Grito de Independencia: Celebrating the shout for independence in 1810 when on the night of September 15th the bells rang at the church in Dolores Hidalgo. The evening of the 15th features parades, games, speeches, culminating in fireworks while the 16th is a national holiday with military parades. The two days are the core of Fiestas Patrias. www.mayanresortsgolf.com/vallarta/index.cfm
September 26th – October 4th
San Francisco de Asís (Assisi): The town of San Francisco (San Pancho) celebrates their saint's day with a pilgrimage, charro parade, street fair and fireworks.
September – December
Turtle Release: During the hatching season of the marine turtles, many local hotels participate in the program to release the recently hatched baby turtles. Participating hotels include: Presdiente Intercontinental Puerto Vallarta Resort, Samba Vallarta All-Inclusive by Pueblo Bonito, and Casa De Mita. Make sure you contact the hotels to find out more about their turtle release programs. Information on these hotels are readily available at www.RivieraNayarit.com
October
Vallarta Yacht Club opens for season: The nonprofit Vallarta Yacht Club opens for a season packed with sailing and parties. www.vallartayachtclub.com
November - May
Polo Season: At the polo fields in nearby San Pancho (San Francisco), Nayarit and Costa Careyes in Costalegre, participate or enjoy polo matches with true professionals. www.mexicopolo.com or www.equestrian-vacations.net
November
Copa Vallarta (Vallarta Cup) Golf Tournament: This annual pro-am golf event is held at El Tigre and Vista Vallarta with a purse of $200,000 pesos and other prizes including Swing Vallarta. www.vallartagolf.com
November
Sailfish & Marlin International Tournament: This extraordinary annual event in its 52nd year takes place in Banderas Bay with cash prizes for those catching the big ones. www.fishvallarta.com
November 1-2
Todos los Santos, Día de los Muertos (All Saints’ Day, Day of the Dead): Traditional, pre-Hispanic celebrations of a time when the spirits of the departed dead are welcomed back by altars decorated with favorites of the departed.
November 3-4
Antique Automobile Event : Rincon de Guayabitos
November 13 -23
Gourmet Festival: In its 14th year and better than ever, the Gourmet Festival involves the best restaurants in the bay area in a celebration of cuisine. www.festivalgourmet.com
November 20
Mexican Revolution, also Sports Day: This national holiday celebrates the Mexican revolution of 1910 when Francisco I. Madero denounced Dictator General Porfirio Díaz calling for a national insurrection. Sports day is celebrated with parades featuring schools, activities, seniors and more.
December
Seventh Annual Cruisers Great Chili Cook-Off: Said to be more fun than any chili cook-off in the world, sponsored by the Vallarta Yacht Club. www.vallartayachtclub.com
December
Surf Classic in Sayulita: This annual event for surfers draws people from all over the world to this major surfing destination in Sayulita. www.sayulitalife.com
December 1-12
Pilgrimages for the Virgin of Guadalupe: Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, celebrate the twelve days with pilgrimages (peregrinaciones) each day and evening with processions and floats, Aztec dancers, folklore groups and military bands.
December 15th - March 31st
Whale Watching Season: Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see the amazing Humpback Whales in their winter habitat
December 16
Desfile de Alegria, (Happiness Parade), Tepic: Colorful parade with attractive floats
December 16-24
Posadas: The Posadas commemorate the Biblical story (brought here by the Spanish) of Joseph and Mary searching for posada as the birth date of the child nears
December 24-25
Christmas: Midnight mass is held the evening of December 24th with presents exchanged in the evening or in the morning of the 25th replacing the exchange of gifts originally celebrated on Day of Kings, January 6th
December 31
New Year’s Eve: Many of the restaurants in Riviera Nayarit offer New Year party celebrations. Please check Riviera Nayarit’s website at www.RivieraNayarit.com for restaurant listings and contacts
About Riviera Nayarit
Riviera Nayarit is Mexico’s newest travel destination stretching along 100 miles of pristine Pacific coast framed by spectacular mountains to the north of renowned Puerto Vallarta. Mostly undeveloped, the destination extends from the resorts of Nuevo Vallarta to the historic, colonial town of San Blas, including exclusive Punta Mita and the spectacular Banderas Bay. The region features luxury resorts and eco-tourism boutique hotels, world-renowned surfing, four professional golf courses, rare native wildlife including sea turtles and tropical birds, mountain and island adventures, shopping for local artwork and traditional Huichol handicrafts, charming fishing towns and miles of serene beaches. For more information, visit: www.RivieraNayarit.com. Email to a friend
April 25th - May 3rd 
December 31