53rd International San Blas Sport-fishing Tournament Riviera Nayarit

 Attractions, Riviera Nayarit, San Blas  No Responses »
May 062013
 

Riviera Nayarit San Blas Sport-Fishing Tournament 2013

Riviera Nayarit is hosting this year’s International Sport-fishing Tournament of San Blas, located on the Riviera Nayarit  from record asistencia torneo de pesca san blasMay 29th to June 2nd, 2013 at the Tourist Marine place located in San Blas, Nayarit, Mexico.
San Blas is both a port and popular tourist destination, located about 160 km north of  Banderas Bay and Puerto Vallarta and 64 km west of the state capital Tepic. The town has a population of about  8,700 pe0ple, and was founded by local Indians in 1531.  However, the official date is 1768 for that event, when Don Manuel Riviera and 116 families were ordered to occupy the town on orders from the Viceroy of New Spain; and San Blas became a new naval base for the Spanish Navy.
San Blas is also known for its amazing estuaries and fresh water springs with a gateway to an extensive mangrove forest and federally protected nature preserve where hundreds of bird species like blue, yellow and pink footed boobies can be found and other jungle life.  Along with all of this history, wild life, flora and fauna – San Blas is known for its fishing, and delicious San Blas shrimp!

The San Blas 2013 Fishing Tournament will be very much like last year’s tournament.  The fees remain the same, but this year the prizes SanBlas: image 42 0f 60 thumbhave increased – making it more fun than ever to win!  This year the winner of each category wins a CAR!  In addition to a chance to win a car the $19,000 peso registration fee includes participation in the daily “Jackpot,” the Inauguration Ceremony, the official lunch on Friday, the closing Ceremony, and one ticket for the raffle – if you don’t win a car, maybe you can win a brand new outboard motor!  Its easy to register via Bank Deposit, wire transfer or cash on the same day of the event.
Click here to go to the Registration page.

When you are registering ask about custom tee-shirts for your crew.  For more information and the exact times visit http://www.clubdepescadeportivatepic.com/programa.html

Tournament by Vessel
Each vessel can have up to 4 fishermen on board; the winner will be the one that catches the heaviest fish in each category record asistencia torneo de pesca san blasduring the three days of the competition.
Catches by Day (maximums per vessel):
- Three Sailfish – minimum weight 25 kg each
- Three Mahi Mahi – with minimum weight 10 kg each
- One Marlin – minimum weight of 85 kg
* Note: every single fish officially weighed in, after a vessel’s return will become the property of the Sport-fishing Club of Tepic, even if it doesn’t meet the get the minimum weight. So, don’t get attached folks!  If you would like information from someone who does this every year and knows all the ropes, contact Peter Vines on his facebook http://www.facebook.com/pvfishing?fref=ts

Thanks goes out to Riviera Nayarit for the great photos.  This is a big event every year for all of the fishing folks out there….so get registered for this fun event, and get out there, catch the big one, and take home a car!!

Have some fun fishing in the annual San Blas International Sport-Fishing
Tournament on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico!

 

 Posted by Cat at 12:15 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fun on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico

 Attractions, Riviera Nayarit  No Responses »
May 042013
 

Sup’ing, Massaging, n’Partying on the Riviera Nayarit

Hey gang, just had a pretty cool week out and about down here on the Riviera Nayarit  in Mexico with my kool brother-in-law, and I can’t wait to tell you about it! With Eric just getting into town, our week of fun started on Thursday…and what a long and fun Riviera Nayarit community weekend it was!

Living life on the Riviera Nayarit is simply beautiful with many Riviera Nayarit attractions; as it is no surprise why more and more folks come here for a vacation or to relocate, like I did over two years ago.

We started out our days hanging out in the villa, chillin’ out, and enjoying the sunrise over the Banderas Bay, cupp-a-joe in our hands, and giving thanks and that we can be and live in such an amazing place called the Riviera Nayarit.


An Equinox Blessing at Los Arroyos Verdes Retreat
It all started on Thursday with a lovely blessing for the lunar equinox at Los Arroyos Verdes Eco Retreat in Bucerias.
At Los Arroyos Verdes Retreat, every item is ecologically relevant – every reused, recycled, reinvented, recreated marvelous piece of art that even an old fire hydrant can become. Everything is also for sale at this Eco green retreat.  Fall in love and take it home with you!
Los Arroyos Verdes Eco Retreat  is special on so many levels, not just the pragmatic idea of recycling, but the spiritual, the physical body, and the intellect – all your senses are engaged when you walk the grounds at Arroyos Verde, slumber in a chair in a quiet corner, or enjoy the pool and veranda area.  There is a corner, a spiritual haven for nearly everyone at Los Arroyos Verdes Eco Retreat, my friends and I found ours just off the pool area, in a quiet spot not far from the peacock walk.

We were there to join together in a celebration of a lunar equinox – asking a blessing and thanking mother earth and all the powers and elements for their healing presence in our lives, and releasing all of the old ideas and energies that can prevent one from moving  forward in life.  Marielana Capdevila, who was born in Mexico City, led us in a spiritual walk, an acceptance with gratitude for all that we are given, and the weaknesses we all have – a walk that culminated in shedding our chrysalis of old, un-useful thoughts and habits – a spiritual and intellectual spring cleaning. Marielena also is an amazing artist, and specializes in portraits and personal mandalas.

We ate at the restaurant enjoying delicious limonada con agua mineral – a delight – while Julio, our waiter at Los Arroyos Verdes, prepared chicken nachos and shrimp salads.  Oh, my goodness!  Another bite never to be forgotten in this life time!  Julio is amazing, Los Arroyos Verdes is amazing.  Dine, live in peace, or a short drive from Puerto Vallarta, visit Arroyos Verdes in  Bucerias this summer for a romantic weekend get-away in one of their comfortable Bucerias rentals, or for a relaxing day by the gorgeous pool.  Plan your wedding or special occasion with them. There is something always going on at Los Arroyos Verdes Eco Retreat in Bucerias!

Sayulita SUPing
Friday, I took my visiting brother over to the SUP Club on the north end of the beach in Sayulita for his first SUPing adventure. Here is a note from my brother-in-law about his experience!
“A great bunch of guys led by Antonio, who is a SUP instructor extraordinaire!  In just a few minutes of really excellent instruction, Antonio had explained the SUPing fundamentals, and we were wading out for my first ever, really, no kidding, I am NOT putting you on, SUP effort.  How I’ve missed out on the SUP phenomena is beyond me – I’ve spent the last 35 years sailing on and living along the coasts of the world.  But here I am living large on the Riviera Nayarit, and Antonio of the SUP Club Sayulita has – no kidding, in about 2 minutes of on water instruction – got me up and SUPing….and I MEAN SUPing!  None of this paddling around on a mill pond crap, I am up really SUPing, I am bending my knees and digging in.  Very cool sensation by the way, and a very neat way to get about on mother ocean.  If you love her like I do, you will love SUPing ans SUPing in Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit, with the SUP Club Sayulita is absolutely the way to go.  Very impressive!   You want to SUP, to see Antonio at SUP Club Sayulita.  Now, don’t put to the test, I was no means keeping up with the aces that zip around in the surf zone in Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit sporting their thongs and fancy moves – but I paddled out to the anchored sailboat in a reasonable amount of time — and I only fell off about 20 times — but you know what I had a blast – and for a guy like me that icing on the cake!”
SUP camps are abundant in Sayulita. SUPing is really for everyone, and Sayulita is the perfect place to learn! . Especially now that the currents have shifted…and Sayulita is often known as “Lake Sayulita” in the summer months!

Sayulita Mercado
Friday was also the  last day for the Sayulita Mercado, or the Sayulita Farmer’s Market.  We went over to get in some last of the season purchases.  It’s refreshing to see organic products, crafts, produce, local wares and organically prepared food, much of it hand made by locals, of all races and nationalities coming together in such a wonderful community event.  Live music was fun while we shopped and ate. Adios until next season mi compadres!  For everyone who is staying for the spring and summer, about ten or so of the vendors from the Sayulita  Mercado are moving their gig to “Tacos on the Street” (owned by Sandrita) every Saturday morning – at least until they get a feel for affordability. They are located on Revolution on the right corner just before the bridge as you come into town.

Sayulita Massage on the Playa
I wanted to treat my brother-in-law for an experience with a massage with David Chavas, who does the Benzonite clay massage on the playa in Sayulita, located just north of Costenos Surf shop. I can say from my own experience that David and his clay work magic…especially on my face wrinkles…almost better than a facial!
David is a nice looking guy, but he wears his clay all over his face and body to protect him from the sun all day. Some folks are a bit put off by that at first. But, once you get on the table all of that fades away.  Here is what my borther-in-law said about his massage experience.

“Well, at 56 you just can’t jump up and “git’er’dun” like you used to, at least I can’t!  How does the old song go…”I’m as good as I once was, once…” so off I went to get a massage.  SONRISA GRANDE!!  I was very fortunate that my sister turned me on to David Chavez of Therapeutic Massage with Benzonite Clay (or “Con arcilla o barro” if you prefer).  MARVELOUS!! Oh, the aches and pains that I no longer have are legion.  He worked on me, smearing us both liberally with the arcilla o barro for 90 minutes – he found aches I didn’t even know I had, YET!  Cripes…he has the strongest fingers I’ve encountered on 7 continents!  An ex-boxer, David Chaves understands muscles, recovery, stimulus, nerve endings….and after years and years of study, both formal and informal he possesses encyclopedic knowledge of anatomy and various forms of massage – Thai, Swedish, Deep Tissue, the list is long, and exhaustive.  Extraordinary strength, knowledge, talent and a passion for healing is a rare, beautiful thing – visit a David Chavez of Therapeutic Massage in Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit – do something for yourself today! …and you have an masseuse of rare skill and ability…a rare mixture indeed.
A brisk swim in the beautifully warm water off Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit and a shower back at David’s washed off the clay, and I was a new man.

When your Hungry Try Km 5 Surf Bar!
Km5 Surf Bar and Restaurant, located along the back way out of Sayulita, en-route to Punta de Mita Road.  A late lunch, and a head start.  A head start to get a meal and a good seat, because on Friday nights Km5 Surf Bar and Restaurant has live music and there is no place else to get a groove on like the intimate dance floor at Km5 Surf Bar and Restaurant.  The band I was delighted to see perform played a pleasing mix of some original riffs, cooler than cool oldies, and some current themes – carrying them pretty ably – with some really cool vibes coming off the bass.  Buon hecho compadres!  Food is really center stage! The food is all freshly made on site by Chef Rodo using all fresh produce, fish and meat and organic lettuce and produce.  I was honored to meet Chef Rodo during my visit to Km5 Surf Bar and Restaurant – we chatted while he made, from scratch, his special pizza dough.  Chef Rodo, and his trained staff, create every plate and pizza from scratch that comes out of the kitchen at Km5 Surf Bar and Restaurant and he gets it!  He proudly puts his name behind everything that comes out of the Km5 Surf Bar kitchen.
Try the Portobello and asparagus burger with cheese – I nearly died – what a delicious sandwich!  The asparagus was simply perfect….grills marks, a tang – not a singe, if you know what I mean…the Portobello was another technical triumph, just on the dry side of wet, the juices were still there but not dominant…Ha!Listen to me, can you tell I enjoyed that sandwich.
Km5 Surf Bar and Restaurant is a special place, totally original painting – the galley is made to be the inside of an old VW combi van – the ground floor is six inches deep in sand – the action is upstairs where the breeze blows, and the sun glows.   It is the only authentic Surf Bar on the Riviera Nayarit that I know of with the “surf shack” building and the sand floors downstairs, and amazing views of the ocean and jungle. Surfboard rentals are available as well.  Check them out, you’ll be glad you did.

The Perfect Ending for a Lovely Weekend!
We ended the our Sunday the way all days were meant to be spent – with family and friends.  We made a little camp down on Destilidaras Beach, and had fun swimming and chillin’ before heading up to dinner at the house.   It was a day filled with blessings of the amazing Riviera Nayarit!
Our bones loosened up in the warm sun as we walked and swam, then we ate and drank. The Riviera Nayarit beaches are why most folks are here.. ..where the jungle meets the Pacific ocean.

We left there and came home to our villa overlooking Banderas Bay -  Having taken in the view with appropriate vigor, given a nod for another perfect sunset – all accompanied by an adequate, but so far, not overwhelming, amount of eating and drinking, we repaired to the living room/swimming pool area and began to eat and drink in earnest.
Eating and drinking is a very, very important pastime here on the Riviera Nayarit – and we spent an awful lot of time eating and drinking!
And so this wonderful weekend ended as it began, looking out over Banderas Bay, surrounded by my friends and family of drifters, misfits, and retired bums – all of us adrift on the never ending adventure that is life here on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico!

 

 Posted by Cat at 1:10 pm  Tagged with: , , , , ,

Annual Aguas Abiertas Competition on Riviera Nayarit

 Attractions, La Cruz  No Responses »
Apr 242013
 

La Cruz Hosts 3rd Augas Abiertas Riviera Nayarit

Located on the Riviera Nayarit,  La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Mexico expects 500 swimmers in all categories to participate in the third Aguas Abierta Riviera Nayarit, which is scheduled to take place on April 27, 2013 at the Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.  La Cruz is located between Bucerias and Punta de Mita, west of the 200 Road.

Young swimmers of all ages will be testing their endurance in this competition, with levels starting at:  7 to 10 year old children swimming 500 meters,  kids 11 and 12 swimming 1.250 km.; swimmers ages 13 and 14 competing in the 2.5 km swim, and amateurs 15 years and older swimming the 3.75 km in the required time of under 2 hours.  If the first two Aguas Abiertas are any guide – it’s going to be great fun for everyone!

The main competition will be a 5km race for professional swimmers with a time limit of 1 hour, 20 min.  Last year Alan Rojas Sagrero won in a time of 1:01:33 and Lizeth Rueda Santos in Aguas Abiertas Riviera Nayarit 2011 time of 103:26, both swimmers bettering the 2011 times!  This year should be an exciting competition. (photos courtesy of Riviera Nayarit)

Registration
Registration will be open until Wednesday, April 24th, so get signed up!  Until April 21 registration is $550 pesos, increasing to $600 pesos after that date.  For more information, contact: belin@nadoseguro.com or pedromoran@nadoseguro.com.

The public is invited to attend the competition.  Come and watch from the beach next to the Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. The La Cruz Marina has hosted this event for the last 2 years. This competition draws the best swimmers the Riviera Nayarit region, and the rest of Mexico. This is an event not to be missed and fun for the entire family.  Come on over to La Cruz on April 27th and enjoy the Third Annual Augas Abiertas swimming competition.

Discover the Riviera Nayarit for an amazing Mexico vacation filled with beauty, amazing and beautiful beachfront and Eco Retreat rentals, along with fun Riviera Nayarit activities that will create beautiful memories lasting a lifetime for the entire family!

 Posted by Cat at 5:50 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , ,

San Pancho Music Festival 2013 on Riviera Nayarit

 Attractions, San Pancho  No Responses »
Feb 212013
 

San Pancho Music Festival in Mexico

Its that time of year again, and the 13th annual San Pancho Music Festival is happening on February 22 through the 24th.
They will feature performing artists from the region of Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, as well as musicians from the United States and Latin America.  The San Pancho Music Festival has really come a long way and grown from the original concept of a backyard venue of a local resident in 2001. Click here for last years photos!

San Pancho, also traditionally known as San Francisco,  is located on the Riviera Nayarit just north of Sayulita and South of
Lo de Marcos off of the 200 highway  in Mexico. A small quaint town filled families and unity, this town is also chalked with Mexican culture, art and wildlife. The San Pancho estuary holds many birds and other wildlife, with clean pristine beaches making San Pancho a place to go and be remembered.

The location of the San Pancho Music festival is at the Plaza del Sol, and is easy to locate, as there is only one main avenida. As you come into San Pancho, it is off of the main street on the left, about half way into town. Last year in early 2012 the  Plaza del Sol in San Pancho was remodeled and it’s facilities updated.  A new stage was completed to enhance the Plaza as an entertainment venue.  Public rest-rooms were modernized, the portico was remodeled with new landscape installed.   The Plaza is now better suited for the ever increasing crowds drawn to the community celebrations and festivals.

The San Pancho music and  fun will begin at 5pm each day, with performances up until 11pm each night with fun a jam session Saturday evening. The lineup for music looks like fun this year.
Here they are :

Friday 2/22
5pm – Folkloric Dancers
5:45pm – Juan-Ted (rock-n-roll, blues, pop, guitar)
6:30pm – Frida’s Eyebrow (blues, folksy ballads)
7:15pm – Pantera Fantasma
8pm – Dave Fisher & the 8 O’clock Band (folk, ballads, guitar)
8:45pm – Los Bertos y Las Muses
9:30pm – The Duvalin Band (classic rock, pop)
10:20pm – Atrakadero (Latin ballads and Banda)

Saturday 2/23
5pm – Leonardo (Swedish hang)
5:45pm – Joe Hadlock (jazz, pop, keyboards)                                     
6:30pm – Uiok and Friends (classic, new age, pop)
7:15pm – Werther Ellerbrock (blues, pop, rock, guitar)
8pm – Jeff Oster (smooth jazz, trumpet & flugelhorn)
8:45pm - Steve O’Connor & Doug Robinson (jazz, keyboards)
9:45pm – Banderas Bay Jazz Allstars (jazz)
10:15pm – Jam Session with:

·         Jeff Oster, trumpet
·         Chas Eller, keyboards
·         Bryan Savage, alto sax
·         Steve York, bass
·         Werther Ellerbrock, electric guitar
·         Lazaro Poey, drums
·         Doug Robinson, melodica
·         Steve O’Connor, acoustic guitar

Sunday 2/24
5pm - to be announced                                                
6pm – Luna Rumba
7pm – Tatewari (flamenco)
7:45pm – Beto, Carlos, and Carlita (traditional ballads)
8:15pm – Latcho & Andrea, The Blonde Gypsies (flamenco, gypsy boogaloo)
9:15pm – Los Compas (Nortena music, Latin)
10:30pm – Mariachi / folklorico

It is a truly wonderful balance of amateurs and professional performers coming together for 3 days to share an unforgettable and enriching musical experience in one of the most beautiful regions of Mexico.  Come early and enjoy the day and the San Pancho Beach.

The San Pancho Hostel is offering rooms on Saturday for 1/2 price! Stay Saturday, and get Sunday FREE, along with a late checkout on Monday!

That’s a sweet deal, and makes for a very fun weekend! 
You an contact them here.


Discover the San Pancho Music Festival on the Riviera Nayarit in beautiful Mexico!


 Posted by Cat at 2:42 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , ,

The Beauty of a Riviera Nayarit Vacation in Mexico

 Attractions, Riviera Nayarit  No Responses »
Feb 032013
 

The Beauty of the Riviera Nayarit

If you are looking for a new travel destination, a vacation that will truly be remembered, a tropical paradise filled with nature’s beauty and attractions that are truly breathtaking, then take time to discover the beauty of Riviera Nayarit. Riviera Nayarit is located north Puerto Vallarta in the Pacific coast of Mexico. It is also nestled along Sierra Madre Mountains. It boasts a 200 mile stretch of deep blue sandy beaches with first class resorts, beachfront rentals and one of a kind attractions. It is the beautiful place in Mexico where the jungle meets the Pacific ocean. The typical temperature is about 80 degrees, which is like summer everyday, and lows in the mid 60″s! The Riviera Nayarit is also listed as a very safe place to travel in Mexico.

Also, the perfect time to go is between December and April, which is known as the “high season” due to the perfect weather. One fact that most folks are not aware of is that the Riviera Nayarit is also the perfect Mexico vacation destination in the spring and early summer months. The snowbirds have left back to Canada or the U.S leaving the beaches almost to yourself, and the pricing is quite reduced for airfare, rentals and tours. They heat along with the rains have not yet arrived, making it a perfect Riviera Nayarit Spring vacation, with so many of the flowers in bloom. Riviera Nayarit is perfect for all ages, whether you are with your friends or family for sure everyone will enjoy their vacation.

Riviera Nayarit also offers lots of activities and attractions that will definitely make your stay worthwhile. If you are planning to just relax and unwind then you can check out some spas and wellness programs that are widely available in the pueblos lining the Riviera Nayarit. If you are the adventurous type, you will be glad to know that you can try canopy zip lining, ATV rides, deep sea fishing, sailing, diving or hiking in the jungles.  There is also  the very new popular sport SUP (Stand up and Paddle) and, of course world renown surfing.

You can also practice your swings because many top of the line golf courses are also available in Riviera Nayarit. What makes this beautiful paradise unique from other travel destinations is that it offers close nature encounters like swimming with dolphins, sea lion encounters and the most popular one, whale watching.

I am also quite sure that you will enjoy the night life and food along the coast and at the same time there are many stores and markets (also known as tianguis)  for shopping so you won’t have any problem looking for souvenirs, unique art and collectables.

So what are you waiting for? For your next vacation, definitely consider Rivera Nayarit, not only its beauty is truly a treasure, it also has lots of activities and attractions that are complete for your pleasure.

Discover the Riviera Nayarit for an amazing Mexico vacation, or relocate to Mexico for life!

 Posted by Cat at 1:39 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , , ,

Banderas Bay Art Auction Sale on Riviera Nayarit

 Art, Attractions, Banderas Bay  No Responses »
Jan 092013
 

Banderas Bay Art Auction Sale in Mexico

The Bucerias Art Galleries located on the Banderas Bay, on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico are bringing an exciting event and a new concept to the Puerto Vallarta and Bahia de Banderas area, the Bucerias Art Auction for the public.
This Banderas Bay art auction is a public art sale, and gives one a chance to acquire a piece of art, a collectible treasure, a one of a kind antique item that you can show off, or an opportunity to have a unique conversation  piece from someone’s downsized collection.
Art is coming in from many sources such as  Banderas Bay art collectors, Banderas Bay artists and private homes around the Riviera Nayarit. It also is an opportunity to make space in your home, garage or attic while putting some cash in your pocket.
We accept all interesting items that you would like to sell or donate, just bring them in for evaluation.
Banderas Bay Art Auction and a Good Cause
The best thing of all, is that this auction benefits a great cause. Proceeds from the sales of the items will go to the ” Bucerias Children’s Library”.  This project started by a group of foreigners wanting to help local children learn to read and promote reading and learning to adults and young adults, and children.
The Bucerias Art Auction Public Sale will take place at the Bucerias Art Galleries center. There are several galleries that are sponsoring the event, Gallery 64 - Artists Showcase – Alejandro Rangel Hidalgo Museum – Espinosa Art Center and more joining daily.
This type of Banderas Bay art auction will be a first because it is not just an auction sale for a good cause, it’s also an opportunity for every person or business to sell unwanted or treasured items for cash, as 80% of the selling price goes to the seller, and the remainder of the proceeds are donated.The Banderas Bay art is from artists around the Riviera Nayarit, and surrounding areas. Banderas Bay artists are becoming excited about the event, as their is quit a bit of Banderas Bay art along with many Banderas Bay artists!
The Auction is on Saturday January 19th 2013, with viewing and registration starting at 5:00 pm. The Bucerias Art Auction begins at  6:00 pm. To enter items for the auction, please bring them between 10am and 5pm at the Bucerias Art Galleries, located on Lazaro Cardenas # 64 in Bucerias Mexico. Come and join us for a fun evening of Banderas Bay art collections and unique items. It is an event that you will want to be a part of.
For further information please call Paula at : 329-2981549 or email at this contact form.
 Posted by Cat at 10:10 am  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Our Lady of Guadalupe on the Riviera Nayarit

 Attractions, Riviera Nayarit  No Responses »
Dec 122012
 

Mexico Celebrates Our Lady of Guadalupe

Everywhere throughout the Riviera Nayarit and all of  Mexico celebrates this Mexico holiday on December 12th with festivals of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Town squares will be decorated, with festivals, church’s will have celebrations, and new paintings on sides of buildings of Guadalupe, along with the bombs going off at all hours of the night and early morning. This is how Mexico celebrates, and Mexico loves Our Lady of Guadalupe.

The Story of Guadalupe
The story of Guadalupe takes place in 1531 when a local peasant named Juan Diego saw on the slopes of the hill of Tepeyac a vision of a teenage girl surrounded by light. This girl spoke to him in the Nahuatl language and asked that a church be built at this location. Juan Diego thought she was the Virgin Mary. He needed to prove this to the Archbishop at the time by getting a sign from this teenage girl. He was instructed to pick some flowers, Castilian Roses, which was a difficult task as they were hard to find since it was late in the blooming season. The so called “Virgin Mary” arranged the flowers in a cloak in such a way that when it fell to the ground in front of the Archbishop there was an imprint left on the cloak of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The icon is now displayed in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

A church was constructed and  replaced the Old Basilica that was finished in 1709, as it became a danger due to the sinking of the foundations. Today, a modern structure called and the New Basilica was built next to it where the original image of the Virgin of Guadalupe rests today in the New Basilica.
Built between 1974 and 1976, the new Basilica has a circular floor plan. The image of the Virgin Guadalupe can be seen from any point within the building. The circular structure is 100 meters (330 feet) in diameter, and can accommodate up to 50,000 people!

The Riviera Nayarit next door neighbor, Puerto Vallarta,  has their Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrations start on the 1st of December and finali on the 12th. The streets of Puerto Vallarta during the Festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe ignites with festivities, processions and religious passion. On December 12, 1851,  Puerto Vallarta was discovered, so this day holds a lot of excitement and celebration for the local people of Puerto Vallarta. With the new PV malacon built, all festivities are fun! Take a taxi as there will not be a place to park anywhere close to the malacon. The streets during the Festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe ignites with festivities, processions and religious passion. Many groups and organizations arrange to meet and participate in the pilgrimage to Puerto Vallarta’s Cathedral “the Church of Our Lady Of Guadalupe”. Today between 18-20 million pilgrims visit the Basilica.
The original  Basilica is located in Mexico City, in the northern neighborhood of Villa De Guadalupe Hidalgo (or simply “la Villa).  in Mexico City.

Miracles, cures and interventions were attributed to the Lady of Guadalupe. Pope John Paul II has visited her sanctuary four times in 1979, 1990, 1999 and 2002. In 1999 he declared Dec. 12 a Liturgical Holy Day for the whole continent. This year many types of meditations are happening as this December date is 12/12/12,  and everyone celebrates.

Celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe day on the Riviera Nayarit, relocate to Mexico for life!

 

 Posted by Cat at 12:04 am  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , ,

The Best Riviera Nayarit Tours in Mexico

 Attractions, Play, Riviera Nayarit  No Responses »
Nov 092012
 

Having Fun on Riviera Nayarit Tours

Riviera Nayarit is a region of outstanding beauty and anyone who decides to come here to check out the Best Riviera Nayarit tours in Mexico,  like ocean tours, whale watching tours, petroglyph tours, surfing tours, or pueblo and tequila tours will long have a memory of a holiday they will cherish for the rest of their lives. As far as a Riviera Nayarit Tours in Mexico  is concerned these are among the most fascinating.  River Nayarit tours have splendor that makes an experience of a lifetime like no other tour can, and will be the best days of your Riviera Nayarit vacation. Click on the links and photographs to find out more information, and to see more great photos as you discover what fun Riviera Nayarit Tours can be about!

The Petroglyph tours including a magical, mystical visit to the AltaVista Petroglyph in the region of Riviera Nayarit. This fascinating archaeological site lies in north eastern region near Jaltemba Bay. The locals here in Riviera Nayarit call it “La Pila del Rey.”
Here you will find stone engravings (known as Petroglyphs), spread across more than 200 acres of land. For this Petroglyph tour you will need an extra memory card in your camera. As you follow the river through the jungle, it feels like you are in a land of long ago. The stone carvings have existed for over 2,000 years and were carved by the Tecoxquines, who were an ancient civilization from the Aztec era. The images often appear to show that the Aztec tribe was trying to communicate with their gods or deities.

The Riviera Nayarit lies on the shores world’s largest ocean, the Pacific; here the different Riviera Nayarit tours in the ocean will take you on a journey around Banderas Bay, the central Riviera Nayarit and Jaltemba Bay.  There is an island behind the rocks (on left) that you snorkel to get to on the Marieta Island Tour.  This  photo has a Blue Footed Boobie bird. It really does have blue feet! The surfing tours and the whale watching tours also take place in this region. On the Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, the waters along the Pacific Coast are pristine breeding grounds for Humpbacks, Bryde and Orcas. These whales often share the waters with dolphins.

Whale watching tours are certainly one Mexico tour that you will never forget. The whale watching tours begin around December and continue onwards until the end of March, sometimes into April, and there are hundreds swimming around the bays in the Riviera Nayarit region. Take a holiday and a Mexico tour in the middle of the whale watching season see some dolphins too. These beautiful creatures are ever present along the Riviera Nayarit region so once again do not forget your camera. You may want to reserve your space now. There are a couple kinds of Whale watching tour boats. There are panga boats, and larger tri catamarans both with transportation included, and also including food and beverages.  Both of these tour experiences are wonderful, fun and exciting. with  different pricing, and both types should be checked out to decide what is right for you, or try both!

The surf along these bays in the Riviera Nayarit region is also ideal for those wanting to experience a Riviera Nayarit surfing tour. Surfing tours include your wet suit and board and a ride to one of the best waves the Sayulita bay and Punta de mita area can offer.
There are a lot of different tours that are truly amazing! Click here to discover the only round pyramids on the planet! If you are needing any type of transportation, VIP Transportation  has everything you need! For all tours, the airport, shopping and City Tours.  Riviera Nayarit tours are a pleasure to behold and the tours here are an experience you will not forget.

Discover the Best Riviera Nayarit Tours on your Mexico vacation,
relocate to Mexico for Life!

 Posted by Cat at 11:38 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Riviera Nayarit Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead

 Attractions, Pueblos, Riviera Nayarit  No Responses »
Oct 312012
 

The Riviera Nayarit celebrates Dia de los Muertos

On the  Riviera Nayarit Dia de los Muertos celebrates  and in all of Mexico, people are creating elaborate decorations to celebrate their deceased File:Mexico-Day of the Dead altar.jpgloved ones on a very celebrated Mexico holiday called Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, which is on November 1st and 2nd.

Every pueblo on the Riviera Nayarit Dia de los Muertos celebrations will  be in the cemetery and or the town square.
November first is the day that celebrates those who died as children and is called the “Day of the Little Angels” or All Saints Day, and November second is to celebrate the adults, and is also known as All Souls Day.

This 3000 year old ritual initially began in August, the 9th month of the Aztec Solar Calendar, and celebrated for the entire month honoring the dead.  This tradition continues today on the Riviera Nayarit and all of Mexico as families make altars in honor of a family member or loved one, or an outstanding community member that has benefited society.
The Mexican Afterlife
On the Riviera Nayarit Dia de los Muertos for many Mexicans in Mexico have a different view of the afterlife, keeping your identity when you die, and return for this day, the Dia de los Muertos. Many elaborate alters with different painted skeletons and skulls are dressed up to honor their loved ones. This shows respect and that they are not forgotten. The alters are a way to guide the spirits home. People also dress up like Catrina or skeletons as part of the celebration with amazing make-up and lavish costumes.
This is the reason why you see the Mexican folk art of the skeletons or calacas, which are sold everywhere all over the Riviera Nayarit and Mexico.  These skeletons are made out of chocolate and sugar and paper mache.  Some well known Mexican Folk Artists create very elaborate altars,often signing their artwork.
The elements are important in an altar, which are water, earth and salt. Alters are constructed in many layers. On one side of the altar clothing from the deceased is laid  out, and in the center of the first level a photograph with a path to the earth, incense and colored paper that symbolize the life and death aspects. Skulls, candles and marigolds are placed at the altar, along with water, fruit, bread and corn for the offering and the feast along with music.
The Beautiful Catrina
La Catrina, or also la Flaca, la Huesuda, la Pelona are a fixture throughout the Riviera Nayarit and all of Mexico. You will these skeletons everywhere dressed up in many different elaborate costumes. Beautiful collectors items,  Catrina’s make a wonderful piece of Mexican Folk Art for your home or a terrific gift for a friend.  She is not a fancy model…this lady is la Muerte….a that is a lady of death!

There is a lot of creativity, time and energy put into the making of a Dia de los Muertos altar, and often contests are held. Here are some celebrations taking place along the Riviera Nayarit .
There are alters at all of the pueblo cemeteries, and visit the local churches, and there is usually altars in the town plazas. Listed below are some of the towns events along the Riviera Nayarit,  Dia de los Muertos style.
Get out this season and enjoy the Mexican culture, and celebrate your dead this season!

Celebrations Along the Riviera Nayarit

Bucerias Events
The Bucerias community is having a Riviera Nayarit Dia de los Muertos celebration in the main town plaza on November 2nd this year. The BBCC (Bucerias Bilingual Community Center) was asked to join in on the celebrations and to make an alter as part of the town initiative.
The BBCC will be starting work on the altar around 9am and later in the day will be ready to receive visitors who will be able to buy the BEST POZOLE in town! The display will be on for 2 days.  Information on what classes, events and workshops happening this season will be available to people who wish to volunteer. The BBCC can use your support, and have many different avenues for that! All of the alters will be fun to see and honor in Bucerias!

Sayulita Events
Sayulita Mexico has a few things going on for Halloween and a Riviera Nayarit Dia de la Muertos Celebrations.

This Halloween night on Wednesday  at Colegio Costa Verde, they are having a  celebrate Halloween and Dia de los Muertos! All ages welcome!
The Costa Verde School is located on the main avenue coming into town before the bridge on the right hand side of the street.

I have heard that this is a pretty good haunted house, so get ready for some scary screaming fun!

The second Day of the Dead Festival at the Sayulita Town Square

On the Riviera Nayarit Dia de los Muertos on November 2nd is being celebrated at the Sayulita Town Square with  live music and dance this season. This is a two day event on November 1st, and 2nd, with both days starting at 7:30pm. This is the  second Dia de los Muertos, (Day of the Dead)  Festival Event at the the town square.
November 1st there will be altars and projects in the Main Town Square with lots of treats for the children.
On November 2nd, the Danza Mexicana party gets going with the Los Tikkilyches, Son de Afuera, which is going to be a special treat! So get ready to get your goove on! Along with awards for the best altars. Also, there will be a show of Prehispanic Dance which will be wonderful entertainment for all ages.

Some of the photos used in this post are from last years event, and sent by Alyssa Adams. Thanks so much Alyssa! See you at the town square!

San Pancho Events

San Pancho has some fun events this year for a fun Riviera Nayarit Dia de Los Muertos party.

Come Celebrate on the Riviera Nayarit Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the  Dead) on Restaurant Row San Pancho, highlighting the San Pancho restaurants. This Friday, Novemberhttp://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s480x480/550842_10151096602969067_204903924_n.jpg%5B/img 2nd, the party on the playa starts at 7pm ending at  11pm, and we will be having  a sunset torch lighting, along with a Ballet Folkrico at the San Pancho Malecon, where Main street meets the sea. Dress up in a traditional Costume, Calavera or Catrina and get a free Tequila.
There are 12 participating San Pancho Restaurants that will have specials  on some tasty food, and there will be live entertainment. Dress up and come and enjoy the live entertainment, and eat delicious food to your hearts content. Hope to see you there!

Entreamigos’ Celebration of Life

Entreamigos has prepared a week full of activities to learn everything about the day of the dead. Join us in this unique Mexican celebration of life on the Riviera Nayarit Dia de los Muertos.
Day of the dead: History and significance, Monday, October 29th, 6PM
Entreamigos Spanish School presents the first of a series of amazing cultural events. July Aquino will share with us the history behind this exceptional Mexican ritual, the meaning of all the elements involved, and how to make our own altar.
Day of the dead in pictures,
Monday, October 29th, 7PM
Photographer Tara Gimmer will share with us her vision of this traditional day. Enjoy extraordinary images captured by Tara in Patzcuaro and different places of Mexico.
Children art workshop: Papel picado, Tuesday, October 30th, 3PM
Kids will make colorful decorations for our day of the dead ceremony and understand what they represent in the day of the dead altar.
Cooking class: Make your own pan de muertos, Wednesday, October 31st, 2PM
Learn how to make this delicious and ancestral Mexican dessert with Estibaliz at entreamigos kitchen. Children and adults are welcome!
 1st Annual Entreamigos Altar Contest, Thursday, November 1st, 12PM
Make your altar with entreamigos. Be a part of our day of the dead celebration, create your altar and share it with the community… a one in a life time experience!
*All altars will be posted on entreamigos website and facebook page. Share it with friends and family, the altar that gets more likes will receive a special treat from entreamigos!
Day of the dead celebration, in loving memory of Richard Lamping,
Thursday, November 1st, 8PM
Entreamigos is dedicating this day of the dead celebration to the life of a beloved friend: Richard Lamping. Richard spent more than 20 years living in the community of San Pancho. He knew the name of everyone young and old, foreigner and local to San Pancho.  He was always generous of heart and laughter and could be found walking or riding his bike all over town, joining in or adding to the latest of the local chismes.
He especially loved the kids and was a wonderful friend to all!

See all the altars and share with us some pan de muerto and chocolate at Entreamigos.

La Penita Events

La Penita celebrates on the Riviera Nayarit Dia de los Muertos celebrations at restaurants, the town square and churches.

Xaltemba Restaurant and Gallery
Its that time of year again as Xaltemba Restaurant & Galeria opens their doors for their 6th year of business in La Penita on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico.

They opened on October 30th, with their big party and seasonal opening on Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) on November 2nd, serving wonderful appetizers and drinks at the Xaltemba Galeria located across from the Xaltemba Restaurant.

Come on over and celebrate life with Eddie and Roberto at Xaltemba Restaurant and Galeria this season, as it’s aligned this year with Dia de la Muerto, the Day of the Dead.
Its always fun and an event to remember as the season gets started!
Be sure to visit the local churches and the main town plaza for on-going events and amazing alters.

Visit the Riviera  Nayarit for Dia de los Muertos, (the Day of the Dead) where the Riviera Nayarit celebrate with the amazing works of Mexican art on the pacific coast and throughout all of beautiful Mexico.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Posted by Cat at 5:37 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , ,

Riviera Nayarit Celebrates Mexico Independence

 Attractions, Riviera Nayarit  No Responses »
Sep 142012
 

Mexico Celebrates Independence Day Riviera Nayarit Style

On the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico, you will find  Mexico Independence Day flags and celebrations everywhere!  Mexicans love to celebrate, and this is an official Mexico Holiday. The actual holiday is on the 16th, and everyone gets that day off. Many only have to work a half a day on the 15th as well. This year it falls on the weekend, so not so much worry about making it to the bank or post office. But, if your coming to the Riviera Nayarit to celebrate, its a good idea to get your bungalow rental  in advance. The Riviera Nayarit is filled with fun and hip towns  with lots of stores for shopping, fun bars and restaurants and  great beaches for swimming, surfing and SUPing.(stand up and paddle). There are also evening party cruises happening, with dancing, drinking and screaming!

Mexico Celebrates their Freedom
In Mexico we celebrate our independence with the traditional cry of freedom that marked the beginning of the battle for independence in Dolores Hidalgo in 1810.
The Grito de Dolores (“Scream of Dolores”) also known as El Grito de la Endependencia   (“Cry of Independence”), was File:Iglesia de la Colonia Niños Heroes de Chapultepec.jpguttered from the small town of Dolores , near Guanajuato on September 16, 1810. It is the event that marks the beginning of the  Mexican War of Independence. The “grito” was the announcing of the Mexican War of Independence  by Miguel, a Roman Catholic priest.  Since October 1825, the anniversary of the event is celebrated as Mexican Independence Day. 

Since then every year in the Zocalo people gather to hear the voice of the president of the republic the pain cry: “Viva Mexico.” Similarly, the governors of each state and the president of each municipality, giving the cry in the government compound in their city or pueblo.

On the night of September 15 in all entities, people gather around the palace to hear the speech and shout VIVA MEXICO! The hubbub squares fill with Mexican food stalls, bands, plays and dances. Tequila and mariachi bands are a must.

At approximately 23:00 hrs the cry is given immediately after the castle and burned gunpowder, fireworks, firecrackers, fireworks and the famous “bull”, ring the church bells and “breaks” the dancing begins.
On September 16, in the morning, people often attend or watch on television the Military Parade organized by the Federal Government (in the CD. Of Mexico) and state governments.

It is a tradition to place flags on cars or on the roof of the houses from the beginning of the month, announcing the celebration.  You can also find many street stalls selling straw hats, horns, whistles, fake mustaches and flags of all sizes. Pick up a flag or two and help celebrate Mexico;s freedom.

DIA DE LA INDEPENDENCIA EN MEXICO

En México festejamos nuestra independencia con el tradicional grito de libertad que marco el inicio de la batalla de independencia en Dolores Hidalgo en 1810.

Desde entonces todos los años en el Zócalo Capitalino se reúne la gente a escuchar de voz del presidente de la republica el grito de dolores: “Viva México”. De igual forma, los gobernadores de cada estado y el presidente de
cada municipio, dan el grito en el recinto gubernamental de su respectivo lugar.

La noche del 15 de septiembre en todas las entidades, la gente se reúne alrededor del palacio a escuchar el discurso y a gritar VIVA MEXICO! Las plazas se llenan de algarabía con puestos de antojitos mexicanos, bandas de música, representaciones teatrales y bailes folklóricos. El Tequila y el mariachi
no pueden faltar.
Aproximadamente a las 23:00 hrs se da el grito e inmediatamente después y se quema el castillo de pólvora, fuegos artificiales, cuetes, petardos y el famoso “torito”, repican las campanas de las iglesias y se “rompe” el baile.

El 16 de septiembre, por la mañana, la gente suele asistir o ver por televisión el Desfile Militar organizado por el Gobierno Federal (en la CD. de México) y por los gobiernos estatales.

Es una tradición colocar banderas en los automóviles o en la azotea de las casas desde principios del mes.

También se puede encontrar en la calle numerosos puestos vendiendo sombreros de palma, cornetas, silbatos, bigotes falsos y banderas de todos los tamaños.

El 15 de septiembre se trabaja medio día y el 16 es feriado oficial.

Visit the Riviera Nayarit for a fabulous vacation. There is always so much to discover; play, eat and have some fun! The Riviera Nayarit is a safe place to relocate to as well. What a wonderful climate to retire, and to relax in.
Mexico loves to party, and Mexicans love to be loud. Come and celebrate the Mexico Independence Day on the Riviera Nayarit.

Discover the Riviera Nayarit for an amazing vacation, Move to Mexico for life!

 Posted by Cat at 2:48 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , ,
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