Events are a wonderful way to immerse yourself in, and learn about, the Mexican culture. Here is a list of upcoming holidays, festivals, events, and activities worth planning around. Also check out our Community Calendar for a complete list of what's going on in the Jaltemba Bay area. If you have information about an event, please email us so we can include it in our next issue. And don't forget to add your event... it's FREE! 

This Week

Upcoming 

October 25-30

Butterfly Festival 

Vallarta Botanical Gardens

During the end of October, there is an abundance and diversity of butterflies in the area. The Vallarta Botanical Gardens is taking advantage of this and will be offering daily tours at 1pm. They will walk you through their favorite viewing spots of these fluttering friends, and help you identify certain species. For more info, visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens website.  

October 31  

Halloween 

Although Halloween is not a Mexican holiday, you will still find costumes, parties, tricks and treats. And don't be surprised if some goblins come knocking at your door. 

November 1-2  

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

During this 2-day holiday, relatives celebrate the lives of those who have passed on. November 1st is All Saints' Day, when Mexicans pay homage to the souls of the children who have passed. November 2nd is All Souls' Day, when the souls of those who died in adulthood are honored. Relatives of those who died, gather at cemeteries throughout Mexico, bringing bread, fruit and decorated sugar skulls, along with candles and the favorite food of the people they are remembering, to celebrate the lives of those passed on. The mood is far from morbid: it is lively, upbeat, and is a celebration of life!

November 10-20

XVII Festival Gourmet 

Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit 

During this 10-day festival, 15 restaurants from Puerto Vallarta to San Blas and Tepic will participate in the prestigious International Gourmet Festival. For more information, visit the Festival Gourmet website. 

November 13 

5th Annual PEACE Race for Change

El Tigre Golf Course, Nuevo Vallarta 

Peddle for PEACE in a variety of runs, walks and bike events, plus contests, games, food and drink. From silly to serious, there's a heat for everyone who's committed to healthy bodies and healthy communities. Registration is only $200 pesos and all proceeds benefit community programming. To register, email Nicole Majewski. For more information, visit the Carrera Blog.

November 16-19 

JBAR Free Spay & Neuter Clinic

Location Needed  

The next Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue (JBAR) Free Spay & Neuter Clinic will be held in 5 short weeks. If you would like to volunteer your time, make a donation, bring an animal in to be sterilized or learn more about JBAR and these clinics, visit the Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue (JBAR) community webpage. 

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Special Events for 2011-12

Click here (or on the left sidebar) to view a list of upcoming Fundraising, Charity and Special Events, as well as information on how you can participate and/or help.  

* Indicates possible non-working holidays.

** Indicates Nationwide holidays -- Schools, banks, post offices, and other public government offices are closed during these Mexican National Holidays. Often times these and other major holidays include the nearest Monday to create a 3-day weekend.

Ongoing

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays:

Guayabitos Yoga

(Oct. 31 - March 30, 2012)  Work on strength, flexibility, core power and balance during these outdoor yoga classes. Classes start at 7:30am (and 9am in January).  More Info >

Wednesdays:

Rotary Club of Jaltemba Bay

(Year-Round)  Rotary Club meets every Wednesday morning at 7:30am at Piña Colada Restaurant in Guayabitos.  More Info >

Thursdays:

Tianguis in La Peñita

(Year-Round)  The Tianguis (open-air market) is held every Thursday from 8am-1pm or so around the La Peñita Plaza (map). It is "the" place to shop for silver and handmade jewelry, tablecloths and linens, glassware, Talavera plates, Huichol Indian artwork and Oaxacan rugs. You will also find fresh fruits and veggies, homemade breads and locally-produced honey and coffee beans. This is one of the largest and most well-known markets in the area. While the Tianguis continues year-round, many of the artisans do not participate during the summer months.

Fridays:

Casa Cooking Classes

(Nov. 18 - March 23, 2012)  Each class focuses on a traditional Mexican meal using the freshest local foods with information on ingredients, utensils and techniques. Classes are Fridays at 2pm. Registration starts now!  More Info >

Saturdays-Sundays:

Breakfast at Tiffany's 

(Oct. 15-16 - April 21-22, 2012)  Every weekend from 8am-noon on the back terrace at El Panorama Hotel in La Peñita. 10% of the proceeds go to Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue (JBAR). Reservations are required.  More Info > 

You can view a full list of events and activities on the Community Calendar.