EVENTS CALENDAR 2008 RIVIERA NAYARIT

January 1
First Day of the New Year
Observed within the whole country. Stores and restaurants are open at tourist destinations.
January 6
Three Great Kings Day
Traditional day to share the sweet roll and swap presents.
January 16-24
Our Lady of Peace
A week full of activities in Bucerias, where the lady ends her pilgrimage arriving on donned boats to the malecon on January 24, as a benediction to the sailors
January 19-26
IV Festival of Migrating Birds
San Blas
During the festival trips to the bird’s sanctuaries are made; furthermore, cultural events take place at the main plaza of the place.
January 25 – February 2
Patron Saint Festivities in Valle de Banderas
Municipal seat where pilgrimages in honor of the Lady of Tintoque take place.
January 30
Café des Artistes
The Café des Artistes del Mar starts operations and service to tourist at Punta Mita with the well known French cuisine of international Chef Thierry Blouet.
February 2
Our Lady of Rosario del Tintoque
In Valle de Banderas the Lady of Tintoque is honored with parades, pilgrimages and street parties. On that day the festivity of Candlemas also takes place, which is celebrated with delicious tamale made with corn dough filled with meat.
February 3-5 (to be confirmed)
“WesMex Junior Optimist/Laser” boat race
Sponsored by the Vallarta Yacht Club with several events scheduled for this junior class www.vallartayachtclub.com
February 5
Constitution’s Day
This is a national holiday; the establishment of the current Constitution for the Mexican United States is celebrated, as of February 5 of 1917
February 15-18
Natura Nayarit
Art show and conference with an ecological hub sponsored by artist Federico Leon de la Vega at his Studio-Café, at the malecon of Marina Vallarta
Motorcycles’ week in Puerto Vallarta and Motorcycling Festival (to be confirmed)
Bike’s events to take place in the Bahia area; this week has turned into a considerable event which involves over 500 motorbikes of all kinds. Hotel Hacienda Palma Real is this year’s host. www.vallartabikeweek.com and www.pvchoppers.com
February 18
Art and Wine Forth Annual Festival
Sponsored by the Puerto Vallarta Yacht Club; enjoy food, wine and art. wwwvallartayachtclub.com
February 21 – March 17
Mexican Heritage National Fair; Tepic, Nayarit During this event the culture, roots and customs of the Nayaritan people is shown. Also artistic, handcrafts and cultural shows take place, and of course our gastronomic shows and presentation of famous artists at the town’s theater and cock fights, among many other family attractions. (this year access is free)
February 21-24
Sixth National Charro Championship Vallarta 2008
This yearly tournament in its sixth edition offers activities all over the bay’s area, as well as daily competitions in the Mojoneras Ring of Puerto Valarta.
February 22
Art Walk in Bucerias
Contact Christy Beguesse at abrokenart@gmail.com for this monthly walk in downtown Bucerias, which does not only include art galleries, but also other establishments with free transportation on horseback and motorcycle.
February 23-24
Sayulita’s Days
This annual event lures locals and visitors with fairs, dancing, art shows, life music and more. www.sayulitalife.com
February 24
Flag’s Day
With programs and school parades this day is celebrated.
February 24 – March 05
Bahia de Banderas’ Festival
This great event takes place in several towns of the municipality of Bahia de Banderas and each year it gets larger with more cultural events, artists presentations, dances, folklore, crafts shows, charro parades, a comedy night, the crowning of Miss Bahia de Banderas 2008. It includes sports competitions such as bicycling, among others.
February 24 – March 05
Wine Festival of Vallarta
This first festival focused on wines, with conferences, history, letters and cultural events with music, theatre and visual arts sponsored by the Petite France in Puerto Vallarta.
March 1-8
XVI International Bahia de Banderas Regatta
www.vallartayachtclub.com
www.banderasbayregatta.com
March 5-12
Patron Saint Festivities at Punta de Mita
March 9-13
Castration Clinic
Bucerias and the RAVS sponsor the castration of pets, as well as classes for veterinarians. www.ruralareavet.org
March 18
Thierry Blouet Contest
Yearly contest for Chefs in the Bay at Café des Artistes www.cafedesartistes.com
March 20-30
Holly Week and Easter Week
This is the biggest religious event in the year. Schools are closed and families travel to the beaches.
March 21
Spring Equinox
Celebrate this festivity going back to pre-Christian eras with a tradition for the acknowledgment of the cycles.
March 21
Benito Juarez’ Birth Day
National holiday that honors this historical character
March 22-25
Bahia de Banderas International Regatta (Nuevo Vallarta) www.vallartayachtclub.com
March 30
Art Walk in Bucerias
Contact Christy Beguesse at abrokenart@gmail.com for this monthly walk at Bucerias downtown, which does not only include art galleries, but also other establishments with free transportation on horseback and motorcycles.
April 14
Crossing Over at Night to Punta de Mita (to be confirmed) Join the sailors in this fun event that starts off from the Nuevo Vallarta Marina. www.vallartayachtclub.com
April 23-24 (to be confirmed)
Distance Spring Series
Bahia de Banderas host to the event of distance sponsored by the Yacht Club. www.vallartayachtclub.com
April –
Red Cross Annual Golf Tournament
The Flamingos Golf course sponsors this yearly event which collects funds for the local Red Cross. www.eltigregolf.com
April 25 to May 03
Patron Saint Festivities at La Cruz de Huanacaxtle
April 27
Art Walk in Bucerias
Contact Christy Beguesse at abrokenart@gmail.com for this monthly walk at Bucerias downtown, which does not only include art galleries, but also other establishments with free transportation on horseback and motorcycles
May the 1st
Labor Day
International Day honored with parades here in Mexico
May the 3rd
The Holly Cross Celebration
This annual festival is the culmination of a week of culture, gastronomy, art and other fun activities at La Cruz de Huanacaxtle
May 5
Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla
This historical battle against the French army took place in 1862, on May 5 in Puebla; it is celebrated as a national holiday.
May
Canadian Tour at El Tigre
The El Tigre Golf course sponsors this tournament as part of the non-profit Canadian Tour.
www.eltigregolf.com and www.cantour.com
May 10
Mother’s Day
Very traditional Mexican Day to honor mothers.
May 11-13
Sports Classic
Fun for the whole family at this annual event in its edition number 14, which involves all of the community and basketball and football teams, aerobics, tennis and a mini-marathon.
May 12 (to be confirmed)
3rd Night Golf Tournament
At the Mayan palace golf course in Nuevo Vallarta www.mayanresortsgolf.com
May 14-18
VI Vallarta Cup (soccer)
For six years this tournament has attracted teams involving up to 100 youths, regardless the country of origin as long as they are registered. www.vallartadeportes.com
May 12-13
Cross wind in the majestic lagoon of Santa Maria del Oro Locals and tourists don their boats and cross wind the waters of this enigmatic lagoon.
May (to be confirmed)
GADO Seniors Cup
Senior golfers are invited to the Flamingos Golf Course, the first course in Vallarta, established in 1978. www.flamingosgolf.com.mx
May –
May Music Festival
Annual event which takes place in the City of Guadalajara, being one of the main scenarios the Degollado Theater; in parallel there are seminars and conferences. Each year the festival has a special guest and this 2008 Germany it is. www.festivaldemayo.org
May 22-25
Las Marietas Women’s Regatta 2008
Sponsored by the local ladies. In this event the participation of the teams of the United States, Canada and other countries is expected. www.regatalasmarietas.com
June 01-03
Fishing Tournament in San Blas, Nayarit
Local, regional, state sports-fishing lovers take part and fishers all over the country and abroad are welcome to participate.
June 3-5
Meeting Planners Mexico
This is an opportunity for the audience and the business sector to come to Vallarta and meet the representatives of the Mexican destinations. www.meetingsmexico.com
June (to be confirmed)
Pairs Club Corp. Championship
Takes place at the Nicklaus course and Weiskopf course in Vista Vallarta www.vistavallartagolf.com
June 16
El Tigre Anniversary Championship
This is the sixth year in a row that this local tournament takes place. www.eltigregolf.com
June 24
San Juan (Saint John)
A One week fiesta at San Juan de Abajo
June 27-29
San Pedro and San Pablo Festivities at Mexcaltitán Locals place onto two boats the images of both saints and perform a race in the lagoon.
June 29
Saint Peter Apostle Day at El Tuito The El Tuito Parish performs its annual celebration.
July 1-7 (to be confirmed)
North American and European Optimistic Championship Sailing tournament that includes over 200 boats. www.vallartayachtclub.com
July 12-13-14
II Riviera Nayarit Fishing Tournament Sports fishing tournament, which during its fist year had a record registration of local, state, country and foreign participants. During this first year catches were marlin, mahi-mahi and swordfish of great size and weight surpassing all expectations.
July 28 to August 15
Corn Fair in Jala, Nayarit
During this traditional festivity, agricultural products are shown, outstanding the enormous corn ears, unique in this country.
August 1-17
Corn Fair in Xalisco, Nayarit
There are also gastronomical shows of products made with corn, among other attractions such as cultural events.
August 31
UjENA Bikini Jam Contest
International models and photographers take part in this international contest with a series of events in Bahia de Banderas, which is the scenario for photographs, and also a 5-miles race and the crowning of the winner model, which takes place at a local night club. www.ujenatalent.com
August 31 – September 2
Audi Cuattro Final Cup (to be confirmed)
National gulf tournament sponsored by Audi with a previous tournament in Acapulco. www.mayanresortsgolf.com/vallarta/index.cfm
August 31 – September 10
Mexico is the Mariachi
Annual event where Mariachi from several places of the State of Jalisco meet.
www.mariachi-jalisco.com.mx
September 4-6
Audi Ladies Cup (to be confirmed)
Ladies National Championship www.mayanresortsgolf.com/vallarta/index.cfm
September 14
Day of the Charro
Charros are honored on their Day with parades on horseback in all the towns that have a charro ring, Puerto Vallarta included
September 15-16
Independence Day
The night of the 15th of September of 1810 when the Priest Hidalgo tolled the Bells and summoned the people to Independence at the Church of Dolores Hidalgo is celebrated with two days of festivities and fireworks, parades, games, speeches and a military march past on the 16th as a national holiday.
September 26 to October 04
San Francisco de Asis
San Francisco, Nayarit better known as San Pancho celebrate its Patron Saint with a pilgrimage, a charro parade, fair on the streets and fireworks.
September – December
Liberation of Turtles
During the marine turtles incubation period many hotels in the bay participate at programs to free the new born involving the whole of the community and the guests.
September –
Erotic Art Festival
Puerto Vallarta galleries are hosts to this annual festival of erotic art.
October 1-31
October Fests
Guadalajara annually celebrates these festivities dedicated to cultural and artistic events, such as craftsmen and country shows.
October
The Yacht Club of Vallarta opens for the season
The nonprofit club opens the season with many events. www.vallartayachtclub.com
November – May
Polo Season
Participate or enjoy the matches with true professional at the polo fields in San Pancho, Nayarit and Costa Careyes at the Costalegre. www.mexicopolo.com and www.equestrian-vacations.net
November 1-2
All Saints Day, the Day of the Death
A pre-Hispanic tradition, where the spirit which leaves the body is celebrated and welcomed to decorated altars with the favorite foods of the deceased.
November 3-4
Old Cars show at Rincon de Guayabitos, Nay.
During this show, the owners of old cars of several makes and models gather in this attractive beach place to share and exchange experiences.
November 8-12
Second Salon Soccer Tournament
A national championship of young players teams making and effort to qualify. www.vallartadeportes.com
November
Golf Championship: TaylorMade Golf Invitational
One of the largest tournaments of Vista Vallarta celebrated every year.
www.vistavallartagolf.com
November –
Golf Championship Vallarta Cup
Pro-am annual tournament celebrated at El Tigre and Vista Vallarta with a $200,000.00 pesos grant and other prizes that include the Swing Vallarta. www.vallartagolf.com
November
Half Marathon
International half marathon of 21 kilometers sponsored by the town hall and sports department stores in Puerto Vallarta.
www.maratonvallarta.com
November
Rally to Paradise
Continuation of the festivities that start during the Baja-Ha-Ha, this sailing section from Los Cabos to Vallarta. www.sailing-jworld.com
November 12-23
XIV Gourmet Festival
This year better than ever, the Gourmet Festival includes the best restaurants in the Bay celebrating gastronomy. www.festivalgourmet.com
November 20
Mexican Revolution Day, also Day of the Sports
National holiday celebrating the 1910 Revolution, and the Day of the Sports with parades.
December
Pro-Am Championship Vista Vallarta
Pro-am yearly championship, this is the major event in Vista Vallarta
www.vistavallartagolf.com
December 15 – March 31
Whale watching Season
Do not miss the opportunity to see the wonderful humpback whales in their winter habitat.
December 1-12
Lady of Guadalupe Festivities
Twelve days celebrating the lady of Guadalupe with processions and donned cars, each day with folkloric dances, pre Hispanic performers and military Bands. This takes place in Sayulita, Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.
December –
“Seventh Annual Cruisers Great Chili Cook-Off”
Sponsored by the Vallarta Yacht Club, it is said to be the funniest.
www.vallartayachtclub.com
December –
Vallarta Pro-Am Championship
One week at Vista Vallarta where some of the best international teams participate for over $100,000.00 US in prizes.
www.vistavallartagolf.com
December
Surf Classic in Sayulita
An event which every year brings surfers from all over the world into Sayulita, Nayarit, one of the most important surf destinations.
www.sayulitalife.com
December 16
Joy Parade in the city of Tepic
Colorful parade of picturesque donned cars.
December 16-24
Posadas
The traditional Posadas honoring the Bible story.
December 24-25
Christmas
The Midnight Mass takes place on the 24th of December, followed by the great dinner and a presents exchange; this also takes place on the following day.
December 31
The Old Night