Condo & Villa Rentals Gay Vallarta Condos - Condominiums LP - Beach condos PB Vallarta Gay Hotels Gay Vallarta Villas - 2 bedroom villas - Three bedrooms Gay Travel Guide Art Galleries Cafes - internet Calendar of Events Contact Info Community Groups Fun - Excursions Gay Bars & Clubs Gay Beach Gay Cruises Tours Gay Links etc Gyms - Spas Lesbian Vallarta Map Malecon downtown More Gay Bar photos More Gay Beach pics More Malecon pics Puerto Vallarta beaches Restaurant dining Services Shopping & malls Straight Nightlife Tourist Info Vallarta Climate Vallarta Photos

the seahorse statue, the main symbol of Puerto Vallarta Mexico

January

January 6 - Day of the Kings or Dia de los Reyes
Celebrated in Mexico the Day of the Kings has become a traditional gift-giving day for children, in memory of the three wise men who tradition says followed the Star of Bethlehem and brought gifts to Christ in the manger. Ends the 12 days of Christmas. Some of the local Puerto Vallarta charities make a point of delivering thousands of toys to needy kids in town.

January 26, 2013 - 3rd Annual Gay Diversity Day at the Botanical Gardens **
Now an annual event for the Puerto Vallarta gay and lesbian (LGBT) community, one of the goals is to raise awareness, meet and enjoy our community, as well as fund raise for the gay-founded Vallarta Botanical Gardens. On January 26, 2013 there will be the 3rd annual Diversity Day at the Gardens from 11am-9pm. A day filled with fun! Includes the River Jamboree, Tea dance with DJ Jesus, workshops, speed dating, line dancing, the Vendor Mart, and their famous "Bonfire of the Vanities" - all starting at only $250 pesos person, which includes the entrance fee and a free cocktail. Diversity Day is a "mix-in" with the other Garden guests, but gay guys and gals are encouraged to wear green shirts to show solidarity and strong numbers.

January 27-February 3, 2013  - Annual Beef Dip Leather & Bear Week in Puerto Vallarta  **
Steve Buczek's 10th Annual Leather & Bear Week in Puerto Vallarta will be held from Jan 27-Feb 3, 2013. Entertainment venues and hosts for Beef Dip 2013 include The Abbey gay hotel (host hotel), the Blue Chairs Resort by the Sea, gay nightclub C.C. Slaughters featuring local Dj Marko, No Borders, and The Palm Cabaret & Show bar. Activities include cocktail, dance and pool parties, the Beef Dip booze cruise, Canopy River zipline tours, and Wild Trek ATV off road adventures.

Every Saturday in January - Puerto Vallarta Race Cup Series
Each Saturday in January the Vallarta Yacht Club sponsors sailboat distance racing. Check their website for details, Mike Danielson is the event chairperson, Tel: 297-2222

February

February 5 - Constitution Day
Celebrations around the signing of the Mexican Constitution on February 5, 1917, the first such document in the world to set out social rights, it also guaranteed the supremacy of the State over the catholic church.

February 14 - Saint Valentine's Day

February 16-20, 2012 - Vallarta Girl 2012   **
After their first successful inaugural year in 2011, Vallarta Girl will be back in 2012 as many women and hip DJs return to Puerto Vallarta, one of Latin America's most popular gay vacation-resort destinations. From Thursday, Feb 16 through Monday, Feb 20, 2012, there will be events at the beaches, nightclubs, jungles, and rivers of Puerto Vallarta. Lesbian party-goers will enjoy 4 nights and 5 days of fun in the sun. Vallarta Girl events and attractions will include beach parties at El Dorado restaurant and Lido Beach Club, a jungle adventure in Nogalito with canopy zipline, nightlife parties at Hyde and other locales, the Cuale River horseback riding adventure, and final day brunch at famed Daiquiri Dick's. Photo at left: The Real L Word's Whitney, Rose, and DJ Lezlee with our NYC gurl plus VallartaGirl co-producers DJ Kimberly S. and Tanya at the El Dorado - picture thanks to Vallarta Girl and gogayPV

February 17-21, 2010 - Puerto Vallarta 8th Annual Charro/Cowboy Championship
The competition includes approximately thirty-five of the best Charro or cowboy teams from all over Mexico. Some 900,000 pesos in prizes. Information Email to campeonatovtacharro@hotmail.com

February 12, 2013 - Puerto Vallarta (Gay) Carnival Parade  10pm  **
Put on primarily by the gay community in Puerto Vallarta as part of what I consider to be Puerto Vallarta gay pride, and in celebration of the coming of spring. This past season the parade was held on Saturday, February 18, 2012. Festivities and parade of floats started at 9pm and for the first time begin at the northern end of the downtown Malecon near Hidalgo Park, going down Morelos and Vallarta streets into the South Side and along Basilio Badillo and Olas Altas street, where it ended up. See photos from the annual Puerto Vallarta Gay Carnival festivities in February 2010 and 2012 and March 2011, along with further info of this PV attraction and fun part of local gay life. Carnival is already scheduled for the evening of Tuesday, February 12, 2013.

February 24 - Flag Day/Dia de la Bandera
A national holiday celebrated annually in Mexico since its establishment in 1937 by President Lazaro Cardenas.

February 20, 2013 - Duckaton - Puerto Vallarta GLBT Center fundraising event 7pm-11pm**
The Duckaton 4, an annual fundraising benefit for the SETAC Puerto Vallarta Gay & Lesbian (GLBT) Center takes place on Wednesday, February 20th, 2013. The 4th Duckaton event will once again be held and hosted at the Boana Torre Malibu condo-hotel, located at 325 Amapas street, just up the hillside from the well-known los Muertos gay beach. There will be a local DJ and also mariachi band for entertainment, food from some of the town's finest restaurants, an open bar, and of course SETAC's famous rubber duckies floating in the pool! Tickets on sale starting February 1, 2013, at the SETAC community center at 427 Constitucion street, Tel: 224-1974 or the Torre Malibu condos. Donation of 400 pesos in advance, 500 pesos at the door and 250 p. for locals.

February 22-24, 2013 - Puerto Vallarta Writers Conference
Each year with a different theme. The eighth annual Puerto Vallarta Writer's Group conference weekend will be held in Feb 2013 once again at the Los Mangos public library and the theme is "Writers Unleashed". Featured presenters include James Callan, Beth Groundwater, Corey Mitchell, Suzy Spencer, and David Lyons, author of the thriller, Ice Fire, who will be the keynote speaker. Workshops will include: using social media, writing dialog, short stories/flash fiction, short essays/journals and writing for children. The Puerto Vallarta Writers Group has weekly meetings every Saturday, 10:30am-Noon at the International Friendship Club (IFC) above the HSBC bank building on Insurgentes Avenue and A. Rodriguez.

March

March 1-16, 2011 and March 17-31, 2012 - Huichol Festival Wixaritari Tatei Kie
Annual festival at the Plaza Caracol on Blvd. Francisco Medina at Km 2.5. Experience the art, food, traditions, ritual dances, music and songs of the Wixarika de Tateikie indigenous culture native to the states of Jalisco and Nayarit. More than 50 artisits will be exhibiting their art. Traditional and local music shows start at 6pm. Free.  Daily, 10am-9pm

March 3-8 - Spring Fever Carnival 2011   **
The Puerto Vallarta Gay Pride and Carnival Parade this year will be part of the larger festivities and celebrations of the Spring Fever Carnival 2011. Spring Fever will include parties every night with international DJs, guest performers and lots of fun Club Papi dancers. Guests and entertainers at Puerto Vallarta nightclub Manana will include DJ Manny Lehman, DJ Dan De Leon, singer Pepper Mashay (“Dive in the Pool!”), the incredible Flava, and others to be announced. Go to these websites for further information regarding Puerto Vallarta Spring Fever Carnival and the Puerto Vallarta (Gay) Carnival. Sponsors include Abbey gay hotel, Alaska and Horizon Airlines, Casa Cupula gay guesthouse, nightclub Manana, Club papi, Latin boyz, Manhunt and Obsidian PV.

March 21 - Birthday of Benito Juarez
National holiday celebrating Benito Juárez, born in Oaxaca in 1806, who was the first and only full-blooded indigenous national ever to serve as President, where he served 5 terms from 1858-1872. A great liberalizer, he was dedicated to democracy and equal rights for indigenous peoples.

March 19-23, 2013 - Banderas Bay Regatta
The yearly Banderas Bay Regatta for five days every March is now in its 21st season and provides a competitive opportunity for many classes of cruising ships and race boats. The Regatta is a non-profit event hosted by the Vallarta Yacht Club. The pleasant climate and consistent winds in Banderas Bay in March provide for a near ideal sailing venue. Sponsors include Grupo Lloyd, O'Rourke & Associates, Paradise Village Marina, PV Sailing, the State of Nayarit, and Vallarta Lifestyles Publishing Group.  Tel: 297-4963;Cell: 044-322-728-6684

March 22-28, 2012 - Puerto Vallarta Wine Festival
The mission of the Puerto Vallarta Wine Fest is "to provide the public with different expressions of the Wine Culture such as cultural and artistic expressions", and to help promote Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay as a gastronomical and culinary tourist destination. The 6th annual wine event is supported by the Jalisco State Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Tourism, and the Banderas Bay and PV Tourism Trusts. Participating Puerto Vallarta restaurants include La Dulce Vita, La Leche, La Terraza di Roma, Le Kliff restaurant, Porto Bello bistro and the River Cafe, and Vallarta hotels include Casa Velas, Marival, Mayan Palaca, Sheraton Bugamvilias and Velas Vallarta. Usually occuring each year in Feburary, the 2012 Vallarta Wine Fest celebrations were moved to coincide with the Mexico Tourism Tianguis 2012 Exposition.  Tel: 226-4600 ext. 5001

March 25-31 - 4rd annual Flower & Garden show
The Botanical Gardens has it's 3rd annual Flower and Garden show on March 23-30, 2011, open to cooperatives, plant nurseries, and anyone related to the flower and garden industry, as well as to the interested public. The event "Generates an alternative touristic attraction and a promotional space for those related to the industry in Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay." Visit the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens website.

March 25, 2012 - 5th annual Ecological Festival Green Vallarta
NOT Recommended - I defer to Rick's opinion on this one, over at the PV Scene - Vallarta Verde he notes that this is a "pseudo ecological festival that basically cons local, good-hearted people into thinking that they are supporting the environment, when, in reality, it is a conservative political" activity organized by someone who has also expressed anti-gay sentiments.

March 29, 2011 - Olivia Cruise in Puerto Vallarta  **
Arriving in Puerto Vallarta on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 8am-9pm. The Olivia lesbian Cruise travels in style aboard Holland America's vista-class ship, the ms Oosterdam. The luxury cruise ship boasts multiple bars and a dance club, internet center, cafe, casino, library, full-service spa, the fine dining Vista Dining Room serviing four-course meals and extensive sea vistas, a gourmet specialty restaurant, poolside snack bar, multiple jacuzzis and two pools, show lounge, movie theater, and a full wrap-around promenade deck with padded deck chairs. Cruise leaves San Diego on March 26 and visits Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas.

April

April 16-18, 2012 - World Economic Forum of Latin America
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico will host the 2012 World Economic Forum of Latin America from April 16-18, 2012. The forum will attract leaders from business, academia, civil society, government and the media from across Latin America to discuss the global and regional economies.

April 22-25, 2011 - 4th National Folkloric Dance Festival
Held at various locations throughout the city of Puerto Vallarta and presenting dance companies from 8 or 9 different States, including the local Vallarta Azteca Folkloric Group, Mixcoatl from Aguascalientes, Tequexquicalli of Queretaro, and Tezcatl Tlalli from Zacatecas.

April 28-May 1, 2011 - First Puerto Vallarta International Gay Film Festival  **
Discontinued. The Puerto Vallarta International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival mission: "To enrich, entertain and educate the public, encourage a sense of community through international and culturally diverse film, video and other media that offer historical and contemporary perspectives on the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience with a focus on Mexican filmmakers and Spanish language films." Monthly screening series with the feature documentary Make Up by Pavel Cortés on October 30th, 2010, poolside at Casa Cupula in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

May

May 1-28 - Cultural Festivals of May
The city-municipality of Puerto Vallarta, local businesses and artistic groups sponsor all types of performances throughout the town to showcase the talents of local and national artists. There are many concerts and dance performances in the Puerto Vallarta Theater, main downtown Los Arcos amphitheater, Los Mangos Library and at the Cuale Cultural Center, as well as art and photography exhibits, folkloric ballet and mariachi bands in Hidalgo Park, and other locales and neighborhoods.

May 1 - May Day
Labor Day or International Workers' Day is a holiday duly celebrated by Mexican unions and members in parades and gatherings nationwide.

May 1-5 - Close Up Vallarta 2012
The 2nd International Festival of Video Creation, Close Up Vallarta presents a range of material from video art to experimental film. Categories include video art, animation, performance and experimental shorts. Venues include Teatro/Theater Vallarta and the Cuale Cultural Center.

May 2-5 - Poetry at the Sea
The 2nd Poetry at the Sea organized by the Univ. of Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta include poets Zelene Bueno, Ana Belen Lopez, Elva Macias, Carmen Villoro, Eraclio Zepeda and 7 others from Mexico, Colombian Juan Manuel Roca, American Ilan Stavans, Magnus William-Olsson from Sweden, Iraqi Jasim Mohamed, and Annunziatia Rossi from Italy. Poetry readings, film screenings, literary workshops and book presentations are planned.

May 5 - Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army's triumph at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 against the French invasion. Cinco de Mayo has limited significance in Mexico, although it is a national holiday, but the date is observed in festive celebrations by many Mexican-Americans in the USA.

May 6, 2013 - 7th Annual Altruism Festival
Charity benefit put on at the CasaMagna Marriott Resort and Spa which includes culture, music and dance plus food presentations by over 35 Vallarta restaurants and eateries. All proceeds raised in this Puerto Vallarta charity festival are distributed among two dozen charities including: AGAPE, Amigos de la Cruz (APERCH), Between Friends of San Pancho, Casa Infantil Mojoneras, Botanical Gardens Vallarta, Childrens' football school Pumas Vallarta, DIVAC Disabled Vallartenses, Esperanza-Grupo for cancer survivors, Fundación Asistencial Down de PV, International Friendship Club IFC, Manos de Amor por Bahía, Nayarit library, Paraíso Felino, PEACE, Proyecto Pitillal busca un amigo, Puerto Vallarta food bank, Puerto Vallarta Los Mangos library, Rotary Club, DIF Vallarta, Santa Barbara rehabilitation clinic, Senior Center CAIAM, the SPCA, Toys for Tots, and Women's Association of Vallarta. Up to 1,600 people have attended this special event. At least 40 local Puerto Vallarta businesses sponsor the Altruism Festival. (My note: Too bad none of these funds go to any gay outreach or AIDS-related organizations.)

May 10 - Mothers Day
Mexico is still at heart a matriarchal society, so mothers receive special attention starting at midnight on May 9 with the singing of Las Mañanitas.

May 15-31, 2013 - Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Week
Vallarta Lifestyles' 9th annual Restaurant Week when many of the Banderas Bay area's finer restaurants offer enticing special three-course menus at a fixed price from May 15-31. Participating Vallarta restaurants include: Amapas Sunset, Archie's Wok, Barcelona Tapas, Cafe des Artistes, Coco Tropical, Daiquiri Dick's, El Arrayan, Hacienda San Miguel, Kaiser Maximilian, La Estancia, La Leche, La Palapa, Le Kliff, Los Chilaquiles, Mezzogiorno, Si Senor, the River Cafe, Thierry's Prime, Trio, Vista Grill and Vitea. Endorsed by the Puerto Vallarta municipality, the PV tourism bureau (FIDETUR), and the local Hotel and Motel Association.

May 24-26, 2013 - Vallarta Gay Pride  **
The town's 1st annual "Vallarta Pride 2013" event will take place during the weekend of May 24-26, 2013. The festivities will have an auspicious beginning Friday evening with a cocktail kick-off at 9pm at the Taste restaurant located at the lovely Casa Cupula boutique hotel, and continue for 3 days celebrating local Gay, Lesbian and Transgender culture. The festive proceedings will include a mass commitment ceremony at Lido Beach Club on Saturday at 11:00am; a Vallarta Pride fashion show at the Blue Chairs Beach Club on Sat at 2pm; a Tea Dance "Heat" beach party at El Lido and the Blue Chairs starting Sat afternoon at 4pm; and to top the day off, starting around 8pm there will be Themed Night Parties at participating gay bars, lounges and nightclubs.

Saving the best for the last, there will be a fabulous Vallarta Pride Parade on Sunday at 4pm strutting and waving through various streets of the South Side, eventually ending up at the Lazaro Cardenas Park for Vallarta Pride Festival 2013 with more celebrations, dance and music.

The local Tourism Department at City Hall, led by Director Carlos Gerard and Sub-Director Enrique Tovar, aims to increase tourism to the town. The three day Pride/Orgullo event was created to celebrate the unique atmosphere and culture that has contributed to Puerto Vallarta's success as a international travel and gay tourist destination. One of the main organizers Bill Hevener said, "The event will not only increase tourism and celebrate diversity, but promote tolerance and unity to the many communities that make up Bahia de Banderas." Pride will also coincide with the quite popular Restaurant Week from May 15-31.

June

June 1, 2013 - Guadalajara Gay Pride Parade  **
Traditionally now taking place on the first Saturday of June each year since 1996 in Guadalajara, the capital of the state of Jalisco and the second largest city in Mexico. Known as the "Marcha de la diversidad Guadalajara" or the Diversity March or Parade, 3pm-8pm. A number of Puerto Vallarta gay businesses and organizations participate. Several tens of thousands of people attend, watch and celebrate, and the week before the parade is noted for cultural events and the International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival of Guadalajara. Gay life in the city has expanded enormously since the late 1980s.

July

July 1-15th, 2011 - Japanese Today
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico will host an exhibition of contemporary Japanese art from July 1-15, 2011 at the new Puerto Vallarta International Convention Center. Co-sponsored by the Japan International Artists Society and the PV Tourism Board, this exciting exhibition will introduce works from more than 200 Japanese artists. “Japanese Today” will feature over 300 works of art ranging from traditional Japanese calligraphy, kimono embroidery and ceramics to contemporary oil paintings and 3-dimensional art. Further info visit Puerto Vallarta hosts Japanese Today.

August

September

September 16 - Independence Day
Commemorating the beginning of Mexico's war of independence from Spain (1810-1821), started by Father Miguel Hidalgo of Querétaro with his famous 'grito' of independence, and which eventually established the Republic of Mexico (the United Mexican States).

October

October 2011-May 2012 - Art Walk Puerto Vallarta Downtown
The ever-popular Old Town Art Walk this year has 16 participating Puerto Vallarta art galleries which host complimentary cocktail receptions and expositions on Wednesday nights from 6pm-10pm during the high season winter months starting October 27, 2010 until May 25, 2011. People wander from gallery to gallery in search of art, conversation and the perfect glass of wine, certainly a good way to meet some Puerto Vallarta artists and make new friends. Galleries participating this year are Art Gallery Millan, Corsica Galeria de Arte I and II, Emociones Art Gallery, Galeria Arte Latinoamericano, Galeria Corona, Galeria des Artistes, Galeria de Ollas, Galeria Omar Alonso, Galeria Uno, Galeria Vallarta, Galeria 8 y mas, Galeria Uno, Galeria Whitlow, Pacifico Gallery, Sergio Bustamante, and The Loft Galeria. Look for a map at your hotel or in participating galleries. Main info here for the Puerto Vallarta Art Walk (with map).

October 11-23, 2011 - Pan American Games
The 16th Pan American Games will be held primarliy in Guadalajara, the captial of the state of Jalisco, with some events in other cities such as Ciudad Guzman, Lagos de Moreno and Puerto Vallarta. Further info visit the official website of the Pan American Games 2011 (in english). An estimated 6,000 athletes from over 40 nations will compete in 36 sports. Vallarta will be hosting sailing, beach volleyball, the triathlon on October 17, and open water swimming competitions.

October 15-22, 2011 - Gay Mexican Riviera Cruise - Mariner of the Seas/Atlantis Events  **
The 3,200-passenger Mariner of the Seas sails from Los Angeles to the best of Mexico, first visiting gay Puerto Vallarta from 12pm to 2am on October 18, then on to Mazatlan (Oct 19) and Cabo San Lucas (Oct 20). Mariner of the Seas is the newest ship in Royal Caribbean's Voyager Class, featuring an in-line skating track, massive sports deck, rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, a five-story theater, an authentic 1950s style diner, casino, a spectacular three-story restaurant, and with plenty of outdoor spaces. Sponsored by Atlantis Events

October 17, 2010 - Puerto Vallarta ITU Triathlon Pan American Cup
The Olympic-distance event (1.5k swim, 40k bike, 10k run) is scheduled to feature nearly 100 of the top triathletes in the Americas aiming for regional titles. PATCO, the Panamerican Triathlon Confederation, is comprised of 38 national federations in the Americas.

October 27-November 3, 2012 - Olivia Travel - Vallarta Palace Resort  **
Lesbian women's week in Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit north of Puerto Vallarta at the beachfront, luxurious Vallarta Palace Resort. Details about the all-inclusive Vallarta Palace Resort by Olivia Travel on the Mexican Riviera coast. Accommodations, drinks, food and most activities are included.

October 28-November 4, 2011 - Halloween in Mexico Cruise  **
Atlantis Events' first-ever Halloween cruise, sailing from Los Angeles on the Carnival Splendor which can accommodate up to 3,000 gay and lesbian guests and revelers. Stops at the extraordinary beaches of Cabo San Lucas (Oct 30-31) and gay Puerto Vallarta, arriving on the morning of Nov 1 and departing at Midnight. A lineup of brand new entertainers and spectacular parties. For more information Halloween in Mexico Cruise

October 30, 2010 - Monthly screening series
Monthly screening series of the Puerto Vallarta International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. On October 30, with the feature documentary Make Up by Pavel Cortés poolside at Casa Cupula in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The documentary chronicles the lives of the five stars of the iconic transvestite show at the popular Guadalajara gay disco Monica's.

October 31 - Halloween  **
Halloween or All-Hallows-Eve is widely celebrated in Puerto Vallarta with trick-or-treating by the kids earlier in the evening in their neighborhoods, and then at many of the local gay clubs and nightlife spots late at night where there are contests for the best costumes. So plan on dressing up!

November

November 1-2 - Day of the Dead
On November 1-2 each year the Mexicans celebrate the Day of the Dead (Nov 1, All Saints Day and Nov 2, Dia de los Muertos or All Souls Day) to remember those who have died and on this day return for a visit. Altars are constructed on which photos, flowers, food, sweets, and other mementos and offerings to the departed are placed. For interesting info and many great photos of the Puerto Vallarta Day of the Dead.

November 2-9, 2013 - Club Atlantis Vallarta  **
Annual week of fun in the sun, gay friendship and entertainment on the beautiful beaches of Nuevo Vallarta, some 30-40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta and the Blue Chairs gay beach on Los Muertos. Club Atlantis takes place at the all-new, all-inclusive Vallarta Palace Resort which has room amenities, swimming pools and jacuzzis, a gorgeous stretch of beach, sauna/steam bath, 4 restaurants, piano bar, outdoor T-dances, sports facilities, an outdoor theater, nightly events and parties, and a gay-friendly staff. For more information visit 2013 Club Atlantis Vallarta Resort

November 5, 2011 - Puerto Vallarta Golf Championship Cup
Now postponed. The 10th annual Puerto Vallarta Golf Cup on the Vista Vallarta Golf course. Presented by Fideicomiso Puerto Vallarta. Sponsors include Corona, AmeriMed Hospital, Aeromovil, Casa Velas, Festival Gourmet, Four Season Hotels and Resorts, Honda, InfoGolf Mexico, Lans, Tequila Herradura, Toyota, Vallarta Opina, and Vista Vallarta. The Cup features play on the 18-hole Tom Weiskopf golf course.

November 7-10, 2012 - International Sailfish and Marlin Tournament
The annual Puerto Vallarta International Fishing Tournament is now in its 57th year. Sponsors include the City of Puerto Vallarta, Corona, Mercury, Nextel, Santorini and Toyota PV. In an effort to protect wildlife and help preserve fish species, only marlin of over 100 kilograms, sailfish of more than 35 kilos, tuna over 30 kilos, and mahi-mahi over 10 kilos will qualify. Sailfish teams may also participate in the mode of catch and release.

November 14-23, 2013 - Puerto Vallarta Festival Gourmet
The annual Puerto Vallarta Festival Gourmet (Festival Gastronomico) in November features the culinary talents of local chefs from Vallarta and the neighboring state of Nayarit, as well as guest chefs from internationally acclaimed restaurants and hotels. Highlights of the international Gourmet Festival include cooking classes, cheese seminars, chefs hell raising party, tequila madness night and the Gourmet brunch at Café des Artistes. Participating Puerto Vallarta restaurants have included Cafe des Artistes, Coco Tropical, Kaiser Maximilian, La Palapa, Le Kliff, Porto Bello, the River Cafe, Thierry's Prime Steakhouse, Tikul, Trio and some 15-18 or so other restaurants and PV hotels including Andrea at Hotel Velas Vallarta, El Patio at Dreams Villamagna, Gaviotas at Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center, La Casona at Villa Las Estancia, Las Casitas at CasaMagna Marriott, L'isola at Fiesta Americana Hotel, and Westin Resort & Spa. Tel: 222-2247

November 14, 2012-April 11, 2013 - Private Home Tours with the International Friendship Club
Take a tour through some of Puerto Vallarta's and Banderas Bay's most beautiful homes and villas. Sponsored by the International Fellowship Club (IFC), the donation goes to various Puerto Vallarta charities. Starting mid-Nov 2011 meet at Restaurant La Albufera, 242 Aquiles Serdan, west of Ignacio Vallarta street, Weds and Thurs, $35 USD cash only or peso equivalent. Ticket sales opens at 9am on tour day; advance reservations may be made at the IFC office. Buses depart at 10:30am and returns at 2:30pm after viewing 4 homes. Tours run from Nov 14, 2012 to April 11, 2013. Try to wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a camera. For further info call Tel: 222-5466 or 221-5681; Visit the International Friendship Club IFC - Puerto Vallarta on facebook.

November 20 - Revolution Day or Día de la Revolución
Anniversary of the start of the Mexican revolution lead by Francisco Madero on November 20, 1910 which overthrew the 34 year dictatorship by Porfirio Díaz Mori. The 10 year revolution-civil war eventually created the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) which ruled Mexico for 72 years.

November 20-23, 2011 - International Expo and Business LGBT, Puerto Vallarta   **
First International Gay and Lesbian Expo in Puerto Vallarta is taking place over several days from Nov 20-23 at the President Intercontinental Resort. The objectives are "to be a showcase and business platform for buyers and sellers who drive national and international products and services to the LGBT community." Among service providers are major airlines, cruise ships, hotels, restaurants, travel operators, travel agents and tourism boards. Further info at International Expo LGBT Puerto Vallarta. This is the first time Mexico has hosted such a Gay Expo and perhaps it should be noted there was no support or assistance from the Mexican federal or state agencies such as Sectur, the Secretary of Tourism. The
2nd International Expo LGBT will be held in Cancun from September 6-9, 2012. Sierra Pirineos 9-3, Colonia Lazaro Cardenas, Tel: 222-4077
 

Thanksgiving Week - Nov 24-26, 2010  **
Mark Alan Smith will be singing live at Paco’s Ranch in a three-night engagement during Thanksgiving week: Nov 24, 25 and 26, 2010 at 8pm each night, 100 pesos admission. Mark’s live vocal impressions (no lip sync in this show) of Cher, Bette Midler, Patti LaBelle, Judy Garland, Liza Manelli, Patsy Cline, Carol Channing, Louis Armstrong and many others leave his standing-room-only audiences applauding. Tickets may be purchased at Bar Frida, Hotel Mercurio, VES Offices and online at www.MarkAlanSmith.eventbrite.com Opening Night, Wednesday, November 24 is a special show to benefit VES, Vallarta Enfrenta el Sida, A.C. Proceeds from this performance will help VES continue their HIV education and Puerto Vallarta outreach work. Doors open at 7:30pm.

November to April - Walking Art Tour of the Puerto Vallarta Malecon
Galeria Pacifico sponsors a Public Sculpture Walking Tour that starts at 9:30am every Tuesday at the Millennium sculpture near the Hotel Rosita at the north end of the PV Malecon. You might be able to meet some of the sculptors of the statues and hear them speak about their work along the mile long malecon. Galeria Pacifico owner Gary Thompson acts as your guide and talks about the present local art scene. The Walking Art Tour every Tuesday, 9:30am-11:30am, Nov 15 to April 10. Free, no reservation. For further information call the Puerto Vallarta Pacifico Gallery, Tel: 222-1982

December

December 1-12, each year - Festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Festivities and processions involving tens of thousands of Puerto Vallarta inhabitants and visitors, who each year pay homage to commemorate the miraculous appearance of the Virgin Mary to the peasant Juan Diego on December 12, 1531. According to tradition, the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was imprinted on the cloak of Juan Diego, and to this day it is on display in Mexico City at the Basilica of Guadalupe which was constructed at the site of the appearance. Hundreds of local PV businesses and their employees have processions from their place of employment through the streets of Puerto Vallarta during the Celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe and end up at the local downtown church, often referred to as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

December 6-10, 2010 - Puerto Vallarta Film Festival of the Americas
Now discontinued, alas. The Puerto Vallarta International Film Festival event brings together filmmakers of divergent styles and subjects who face remarkably similar obstacles to the production and distribution of their films. At its core, the Festival hopes to create a forum where these films and filmmakers can come together and share their art, ideas and cultures.  Tel: 297-1605 and 297-1947