This Friday, December 5th, Twitter will light up with a party dedicated to every activity in the Riviera Nayarit.
To celebrate the success of the previous two parties and in order to end the 2014 Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau’s (CVB) marketing campaigns on a high note, there will be a third #RivieraNayarit Twitter Party taking place next Friday, December 5th.

This final Twitter gathering of 2014 will take place right at the start of the region’s high season, so it will focus on all of the activities guests can enjoy in the Riviera Nayarit so visitors can know just how many wonderful things there are to do in our destination.

The Twitter Party will take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., hitting a high point from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., when the Riviera Nayarit Social Media Club—made up of local hotels and tourism businesses—will chime in in order to interact with the participants.

On this occasion there’s an open invitation for all those interested in participating as hosts of the Twitter Party and lending their support to enhance circulation, surpass the previous goals and help position the destination more strongly to benefit the community at large. If you’re interested in being a host please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The idea is to share the experiences you may have had in the Riviera Nayarit, such as interacting with nature by participating in a turtle liberation program, whale watching, bird watching or any interaction with any other species in the region, always accompanied by the hashtag #RivieraNayarit.

Or, perhaps you’re into extreme sports on land or sea, or maybe your experience has been a tranquil evening enjoying an excellent dinner and an unforgettable sunset… The idea is to share it all at the Twitter Party!

Come join the fun and share your experiences to give tourists, residents and citizens of the bay area even more options of things to do in our destination. Stay tuned to the Riviera Nayarit’s Twitter accounts at: @RivieraNayarit (Spanish), @riv_nayarit (English), and @Riv_NayaritBR (Portuguese).

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 1-6, 2014 - Puerto Vallarta Pro-Am Golf Championship

The annual Puerto Vallarta Golf Cup on the Vista Vallarta Golf course. Presented by Fideicomiso Puerto Vallarta. The Cup featured play on the 18-hole Tom Weiskopf golf course. The Pro-Am is open to both male and female participants, professional and amateur.

December 20-31, 2014 - International Fireworks Festival

Vallarta will host a new annual event starting in Dec 2014: the International Fireworks Festival, with participants from 4 different countries: Italy, USA, Canada and Spain, and five Mexican states: Jalisco, Puebla, Zacatecas, Sonora and Mexico State. The 11 day/night event will include a variety of cultural activities including dance, music and art exhibitions. Fireworks will be set off from three different spots: Los Muertos Pier, the downtown Malecon, and Peninsula Plaza area, and will last approximately 20 minutes each. Supported by the Jalisco Ministry of Tourism, the National Council for Culture and the Arts, and Puerto Vallarta's municipal government and the Hoteliers Association.

Billy Burnette, formerly of Fleetwood Mac, will be playing a rockabilly set in the Vallarta Nayarit Classic Rock Fest with Lee Rocker & Slim Jim Phantom on Friday, December 12th. You don't want to miss it!

Buy Tickets here: http://www.vallartanayaritclassicrockfest.com/

http://www.ticketmaster.com.mx/Vallarta-Nayarit-Classic-Rock-Festival-boletos/artist/2058694?tm_link=edp_Artist_Name.

It all started 14 years ago with the first ever Great Chili Cook-Off, now it's bigger and better. Not just chili, but Taste of Nuevo too.

On December 6, from 4:00 - 8:00 pm, the Marina Nuevo Vallarta Malecon will be the location of the 14°Chili Cook-Off & 2° Taste of Nuevo Vallarta, in Riviera Nayarit.

Last year, over 400 people attended to sample the wonderful sample dishes provided by the participating restaurants and also tasting fantastic chili made by professional and non-professional contributors.

Attendees may purchase sample tickets for $10 pesos. Each ticket will allow a "sample" of chili or any of the other types of food offered. Attendees may also use tickets to purchase bottled water, soda, beer, wine and Margaritas. Music will be provided.

Net proceeds will all go to charity, evenly split between Families at the Dump and the Navy League.

Parking will be available at Marina Nuevo Vallarta and water taxis will be available from the Vallarta Yacht Club (VYC) and Paradise Village.

Exhibitors are encouraged to sign up now. Last year we had over 40 booths, we hope to have more this year.

This is one of the first opportunities of the season to expose your restaurant to hundreds of tourist and local residents.

Any questions can be directed by email or call to Rudy Trejo, Manager Vallarta Yacht Club (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 297-2222,) or Dee Cockerham, Chairman (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 291-5001).

Guadalupe parades

Combining traditional Aztec and Christian motifs, young warriors dance in the streets commemorating the miraculous apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe to the indigenous peasant Juan Diego on December 12, 1531.

Festivities and processions during the first 12 days of December each year involve tens of thousands of Puerto Vallarta inhabitants and visitors, who pay homage to this miraculous event.

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 Puerto Vallarta businesses, unions, neighborhoods and organizations and their employees parade from their place of employment through the streets of Puerto Vallarta during the Celebrations of Our Lady of Guadalupe and end up at the local Our Lady of Guadalupe Church (Hidalgo 370).

The candlelight processions generally start from in front of the Woolworth store and go the 11 blocks down Juárez to the Guadalupe church. They include plenty of banners, music, singing and colorfully decorated floats which usually portray the Virgin Mary and Juan Diego.

Beyond Politics

Grab some popcorn and head to the Fifth Annual Film Series sponsored by the Costa Banderas Chapter of Democrats Abroad Mexico. The weekly films will be shown at the Puerto Vallarta International Friendship Club, Edificio Parian del Puente 13, Calle Libertad at the corner of Miramar in El Centro on Wednesday nights at 7 p.m.

Here’s the list of December films:

December 3: “Twenty Feet from Stardom.” This 2013 Oscar-winning U.S. documentary follows the behind-the-scenes of backup singers and stars Darlene Love, Judith Hill, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fischer, Táta Vega and Jo Lawry, among many others.

December 10: “Citizen Koch.” The film is set against the rise of the Tea Party in the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United ruling. A citizen uprising to recall Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker collides with the Tea Party-aligned “Americans for Prosperity,” a group founded and lavishly financed by two of the world’s richest men, David and Charles Koch.

December 17: “Too Big to Fail.” A dramatization of the events of the financial collapse of 2008 portraying the machinations behind-the-scenes between the White House and the financial industry.

There will be more films as the season unfolds. Tickets are available for a donation of 60 pesos in advance and 70 pesos at the door. You can get them at the International Friendship Club, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Refreshments will be available and seating is limited. For further information, contact Tobe Jensen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or David Kamp and Judy Snow at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Howling Good Time

The opportunity to hang out with your best friend has gotten even better. Spend a wonderful afternoon at the 9th Annual Pet Picnic in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

As always, Daiquiri Dick’s Restaurant hosts this event which this year takes place on Saturday, December 6, starting at 11 a.m. sharp. Your best friend can strut down the runway during the costume contest or show off during the obedience contest. There will be raffle prizes, a live auction and other surprises.

The event will wrap up by 2 p.m., with the costume contest starting at noon, so be prompt. Tickets cost 275 pesos in advance or 300 pesos at the door. They can be bought at the restaurant, located at Olas Altas 314 on Los Muertos Beach on Vallarta’s south side.

The price includes a boxed lunch with choice of sandwich and a doggie bag; beverages are extra. This event has grown over the years, so get your tickets early. Last year there were around 40 dogs with about double that amount for humans. The Pet Picnic was the first event in Banderas Bay that included all four-legged friends. It’s worth seeing even if you do not have a dog. It is a great way to meet other animal lovers.

All proceeds will be donated to PEACE Animals which operates mobile, spay and neuter clinics in Jalisco and Nayarit. This program is grass roots and reaches out to those that cannot afford to go to the vet, and the service is free. PEACE Animals typically set up the clinics at homes, businesses or government buildings in Banderas Bay area neighborhoods. The clinics run three to four days and the vets can sterilize up to 25 companion animals per day.

There are two vets performing the surgeries and one vet tech to assist, plus volunteers. They have performed around 4,000 operations so far in 2013.

For more information check out gretchen-peace-and-pv.blogspot.mx and the www.PeaceAnimals.org.

Riviera Maya, Mexico – Mexico's "Beyond All Inclusive, Beyond All Compare" Grand Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit are honored regionally by Travel & Leisure readers in the 18th annual World's Best Awards Survey. Making its second appearance on the World's Best Survey, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit ranks 10th amongst the Top 25 Best Hotels in Mexico. Also appearing for the second time, Grand Velas Riviera Maya ranks11th amongst the Top 25 Best Hotels in Mexico. Judging for the prestigious survey is based on opinions from among the most discriminating travelers around the world.

"We are proud to appear on Travel + Leisure's World's Best List for the second time," says Juan Vela, Vice President of Operations of Velas Resorts. "It has been an incredible year, with this award coming on the heels of Grand Velas Riviera Maya's signature restaurant, Cocina De Autor winning a AAA Five Diamond Award for restaurants, the first restaurant in an all-inclusive to ever receive the distinction."

For reservations or more information on Grand Velas Resorts, please call 1-888-407-4869 or visitwww.grandvelas.com. Rankings and a full list of winners can be found at,http://www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest.2013.

About Grand Velas Riviera Maya:

Featured in Forbes' roundup of the 10 Coolest All-Inclusive Resorts, the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya, is also home to Cocina De Autor, the first restaurant of any all-inclusive resort to receive the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award for restaurants. The all-suites and spa resort located five minutes from Playa del Carmen, is the latest and most sophisticated iteration of the ultra-luxury, all-inclusive resort experience. This Leading Hotels of the World designated resort is the preeminent one of its class boasting 491 suites, each more than 1,000 square-feet, in three separate ambiances-- premium ocean-front Grand Class Suites with terrace plunge pools for adults and families with children 12 and up, family-friendly ocean-view Ambassador Suites and Zen Grand Suites embraced by the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula's jungle. The resort presents a gastronomic tour of the Yucatan, Europe and Asia offering seven restaurants with world-class chefs from France, Spain and Mexico; dedicated butler service for each guest, and the region's largest spa sanctuary at over 89,000 square-feet specializing in signature treatments inspired by ancient cultures from around the world. The spa was named "Best Spa" in the world by Virtuoso and also earned a SpaFinder Readers' Choice Award. The resort was designed by lauded Mexican architecture firm Elias and Elias and features the sleek and modish interiors that fuse the serenity of the Caribbean with the vibrancy of Yucatan cultures.

About Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit:

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, an all-suites and spa resort located just 15 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta on Banderas Bay, is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and a recipient of the AAA Five-Diamond Award. The resort features 267 spacious ocean-view suites. The crown jewel of the resort and a member of Leading Spas of the World, the Spa at Grand Velas features 20 treatment rooms, over 60 spa treatments, gym and exercise room, spa boutique and beauty salon. The family-friendly resort also offers tiered three-temperature infinity pools, tennis court, 25,321 total sq feet of meeting space and a Kids Club. Nearby are championship golf courses, numerous options for soft adventure, and the charming town of Puerto Vallarta with its many shops, art galleries and nightlife. Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has received numerous accolades within the industry, most recently named one of Forbes' 10 Coolest All-Inclusive Resorts, as well as a 2013 Best Hotel In Mexico and the #1 Hotel in Puerto Vallarta by U.S. News & World Report.

[readon1 url="http://vallartaopina.net/2014/11/27/velas-vallarta-y-grand-velas-reciben-hoy-importante-premio/"]Source:vallartaopina.net[/readon1]

• MEXICO's Secretariat of Transport & Communications (SCT) has awarded Alstom and Spanish construction company OHL a combined Pesos 6.45bn ($US 473.2m) contract to provide rolling stock and electrification for the light rail Line 3 project in Guadalajara.

Alstom will supply 18 LRVs after beating off competition from CAF, with its share of the contract worth Pesos 4.5bn. OHL will implement civil works and provide overhead electrification through its Mexican Road Project Construction subsidiary. Its share of the contract is worth Pesos 1.95bn.

In addition OHL also secured a Pesos 1.66bn contract from SCT for civil works on the second phase of the project, which consists of the 7.45km elevated section from Avenida Revolucion to Bus Station. OHL will be responsible for constructing the viaduct and six elevated stations which will have 75m-long platforms, carrying out the work through its Mexican subsidiary.

The 21.5km Line 3 will run from Zapopán to Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque and include 18 stations, 13 of which will be elevated and five underground. Construction on the first phase of the project from Periférico Zapopan in the northwest of the city to Federalisimo on Line 1 got underway in August. The third phase of the project consists of a 5.4km section from Plaza de la Bandera to Normal. Up to 230,000 passengers per day are expected to use the line when it opens, doubling ridership on the network, which consists of the 15.5km north-south Line 1, and the 8.5km east-west Line 2.

[readon1 url="http://www.railjournal.com/index.php/light-rail/sct-awards-guadalajara-lrv-contract.html?channel=542"]Source:www.railjournal.com[/readon1]

Kansas has produced eight gold albums, three sextuple-platinum albums, one platinum live album and a million-selling single, "Dust in the Wind." On Saturday, December 13th, they will be performing at the Vallarta-Nayarit Classic Rock Festival right next to the ocean! How could you miss that?

Buy Tickets Here: http://www.vallartanayaritclassicrockfest.com/.

It’s never too early to turn one’s thoughts to the joys of the Christmas gift-giving season! Toys for Tots Vallarta is pleased to announce the 13th consecutive year of fund raising events to purchase toys for distribution to local needy kids on Three Kings Day, the traditional gift-giving day in Mexico. We’ve averaged more than 8,000 toys per year over the past 12 years, and certainly hope to reach at least this level in 2012.

Each toy we hand out equals another smile on the face of a kid who may otherwise receive nothing material during the Christmas season. Educators tell us something as small as a visit by the Three Kings with the gift of a toy can create a sense of inclusion and hope with these kids, and perhaps inspire some of them to stay in school and build a better life just like the more privileged kids. So we’re not only handing out toys, but perhaps giving the gifts of pride and hope as well.

We’ve scheduled two major fund raising events over the next month. First up is a charity golf scramble on Saturday, December 8. This will be followed by our ever-popular Gala Dinner Dance on Sunday, December 9. As in the past, the Golf Tournament will be held at the Vista Vallarta Golf Club, Weiskopf course, with a shotgun start at 11 am. The Dinner Dance will be in the ballroom of the Marriott CasaMagna Resort and Spa starting at 6:30 pm. Cost per person for the golf outing is 1400 ps. ($110 U.S.) and for the dinner dance 800 ps. ($65 U.S.) Tickets are available at the Marriott concierge desk, at the Vista Vallarta and Marina pro shops, or from Bill Clark in Olas Altas(222 3616), Carol Smith in El Centro(044 322 137 4902) or from Fred Piontkowski in the Marina (209 0064).

We hope everyone can find a way to participate in these heart warming and fun activities this Christmas season. Importantly, every peso raised will go to the purchase of toys at steep discounts from a distributor in Guadalajara. All other expenses are covered by a totally volunteer effort, plus generous donations from a large number of sponsors, including Vista Vallarta Golf Club which opens its Weiskopf course to free play, the Marriott CasaMagna Resort which provides its facilities and gourmet dinner also without charge, the State of Jalisco and Cashola which provide cash grants, and many other local business establishments.

Finally, everyone is invited to participate in the actual distribution of toys when schools resume following the Christmas break. This year it will be a day after Three Kings Day, or Monday, January 7. You will be linked up with one of our many routes that fan out across the Bahia to find the neediest kids possible in disadvantaged neighborhoods, mostly in Jardins de Ninos or Kindergartens. It’s truly a memorable day, with the kids’ smiles infectious to those lucky enough to be involved in the toy distribution.

[readon1 url="http://www.pvguide.org/blog/toys-for-tots-getting-into-the-christmas-spirit/"]Source:www.pvguide.org[/readon1]

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.- The argentine player naturalized Mexican, Vicente Matias Vuoso visited the Riviera Nayarit, specifically to his friend Jesus Carmona, in Vallarta Gardens of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, just before playing their last game of the regular season of the League Mx.

Matias Vuoso would be returning in a couple of weeks to the Treasury of the Mexican Pacific when he have finished the group stage of the Mexican soccer, because on this occasion only it was a quick visit to relax prior to the defining stage in the national league.

Puerto Vallarta Official Magazine Issue No. 1 November 2014

Trying to enclose the magnificence of a place like Puerto Vallarta within one concept is probably very complicated. However, for those of us fortunate enough to have been bewitched by the immense beauty of this paradise, all that remains for us is to honor its existence in every sense of the word.

Puerto Vallarta is superb in many ways, and the closest thing to the concept is drawn in its sunsets, all different and wonderful. There, in that diversity of celestial images, are reflected the dynamics of its surroundings, its people, its magic...

This is the first time we put together the experiences of people who know Puerto Vallarta close up, and who due to their commitment and love of the destination will show their best side.

This editorial piece is not just the sum of good intentions, but rather a collection of information of great interest to our visitors and those who enjoy this place on a daily basis.

Knowing the history of a place gives us the opportunity to understand the present. Learning about its biodiversity makes us fall even more in love with its landscapes. Understanding its culture generates a sense of belonging.

Delighting in its cuisine pleases our palates. Sharing with its people makes us feel at home, and understanding its tourist vocation guides us to be contributors in order to achieve the destination we deserve and show off on an international level.

On this literary path, we will get to know the chronological history of many passages of our port, from the arrival of electricity to the construction of the major roads to Puerto Vallarta, via the pen of the City Chronicler, Juan Manuel Gomez Encarnacion. Thanks to biologist Jaime Torres, we will also discover how the privileged location of the bay creates an ideal climate.

We will recognize the cultural offer and activity that exist in our destination thanks to the artist and cultural manager, Fernando Sanchez, as well as the exquisite narrative of what has turned Puerto Vallarta into a recurring destination for many travelers, with articles by Marcelo Alcaraz and Dr. Alfredo Cesar Dachary.

We will also talk about the business of medical tourism and hospital infrastructure, with articles by Dr. Jorge Villanueva and Dr. Max Greig. Miguel Andres Hernandez will share with us the fascinating world of conference tourism with other interesting statistics. And we will venture into the exquisite world of gastronomy, hand in hand with Nacho Cadena.

We will understand how it is that Puerto Vallarta has become one of the main gay destinations in Latin America, thanks to articles from Tim Wilson and Edgar Trevino.

In the Community section, Sara Cardona and Adriana Garcia will exalt the best asset our destination has, its people. And Francisco Santiago will remind us why Puerto Vallarta is, by nature, a healing place, giving us health and wellbeing.

In this first issue we will discover why this place is SUBERB to live and visit, with a literary journey that will allow the user to get to know the destination through the eyes of the heart and permanently fall in love with this Puerto Vallarta.

[readon1 url="http://magazine.visitpuertovallarta.com/c/portada/1-sublime"]Source:magazine.visitpuertovallarta.com[/readon1]

Join the Amigos de Bucerias in the Christmas for Kids annual fundraiser at the Drunken Duck on Monday, December 8 from 2:00 until 6:00 pm.

The aim is to provide a present for the poor children who otherwise would not receive anything – quite an undertaking!

Every year this program makes around 1,200 children happy with a new wrapped gift. The program also hands out generously donated candy bags to all the children. Mothers and grandmothers are also gifted with Crown Royal bags filled with hotel type soaps, shampoos and lotions.

Come along and have fun, dancing to live music, good raffle prizes – the proceeds will be used to buy the presents!

All elves welcome to join in!

We are happy to announce that our local business community has donated more items to be raffled off at our annual fund raiser at the Drunken Duck than ever before! We’ve got dinners, lunches, breakfasts, jewelry, massages, art work, bicycle rides & t-shirts, art work, pedicures, facials, and more.

The Drunken Duck is located on Avenue Mexico in Bucerias, Riviera Nayarit.

Donation tickets are 200 pesos. Tickets are being sold at Yo Yo Mo's (across the street from the Drunken Duck).

You are encouraged to visit the little Catholic church on the arroyo (east side of Carretera 200) at 3 or 4 pm on Christmas Eve (Dec 24) to see the distribution of the gifts! You won't believe your eyes.

For more information, email Jennie & Jan Roden at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone at (322) 222-5101. You can also contact Wendy Allen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone at (322) 169-8836.

[readon1 url="http://pvangels.com/news/3010/bucerias-christmas-for-kids-annual-gift-program-fundraiser"]Source:pvangels.com[/readon1]