With its popularity now, it is difficult to believe that Puerto Vallarta was once a quiet fishing village and port town. Located in the state of Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta was founded on December 12, 1851 by Don Guadalupe Sanchez Torres and was originally named “Pierto Las Penas”, meaning “Port of the Rocks.” The village was first established as a port for the mines in the area to transfer silver. In 1918, this simple fishing village was made into a municipality and renamed Puerto Vallarta after Ignacio Vallarta, a former governor of the state.
Nuevo Vallarta is a wonderful place to spend your Spring Break; it’s warm, beautiful, and full of things to do. While you are there, your calendar will likely be full from trying to pack all that the area has to offer into just a few days. When you are putting your schedule together, you may want to save March 11th for the Becas Ball which offers a night of good food and fun while also benefitting a great cause.
The Todos Santos Art Festival is a week-long celebration of art and Mexican culture. This year’s festival will be January 30-February 6 and promises to be just as successful as ever.
If you were thinking of visiting beautiful Puerto Vallarta soon, may I suggest you do so in late September? That’s when El Arrayan will be having their final cooking class for the season.
Head to downtown Cabo San Lucas on October 18th to join in Fiesta de Cabo San Lucas, the celebration of the patron saint of Cabo. Festivities include a parade that passes through downtown’s closed streets. There are depictions of the patron, dances, music, and food. Lots of food! Street vendors set up around the area and serve local cuisine as well as international treats. The vendors and performances change every year which make it an enjoyable and unique experience each time. Best of all, there is no admission fee.
By Keith Kennedy
It was just after 3pm on day two in Cabo San Lucas when it hit me. I could live here.
360 days of sun every year, some of the best beaches in Mexico, a county of water sports and fishing, great restaurants, and plenty for “la familia” to do. Sure, I’d have to find a new career, but where there’s a will, there’s a way?
Though many travelers to Cabo San Lucas were concerned about the course of hurricane Jimena, the impact so far has been minimal and according to recent reports, the path of the storm has changed course, leaving the Northern part of the Baja Peninsula preparing for the worst. According to Weather.com, “The hurricane has passed to west and is now north of the resorts along the southern tip of Baja California. The area did not experience any major impacts.”
It shouldn’t surprise you that across Mexico there are several festivals celebrating tequila. After all, Mexico is the birthplace of the popular drink and there’s no reason not to be proud of that! In October, Cabo San Lucas hosts the Baja Sur Tequila and Mariachi Festival, a 3 day event that celebrates the history and quality of tequila with the music of mariachi. What could be better?
