Luma Living
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Culture
Pre-Columbian mystical traditions, Spanish mores, Catholicism and contemporary cultures from around the world blend and blur
to make Vallarta one of Mexico’s most dynamic and vibrant cities. The creative spirit flourishes and there is always something
to celebrate.
Art
With the exception of Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta has more significant galleries than anywhere else in Mexico.
Well-known and sought-after artists and artisans from around the world fall in love with Vallarta’s natural beauty
and charm. Sculpture, blown glass, painting, ceramics, jewelry, folk art and fashion all flourish here.
Whether you’re into the colorfully glazed Talavara pottery, traditional Huichol masks, funky hand-carved alebrijes, traditional
Oaxacan “black” pottery, the Mexican masters like Rivera and Orozco, or contemporary sculpture and painting, you will
find it in the many galleries of Puerto Vallarta.
Feel inspired.
Every Monday Vallarta’s leading artists
open the doors to their studios to the public and invite them to watch them work. A guided tour provides details about
the area, a history of Mexican art and an overview of the contemporary scene.
Visit The Pueblito del Sol Cultural Center to see the up and coming new artists before they become famous.
Cuisine
You could live out the rest of your days in Puerto Vallarta and never eat the same dish twice.
It's no wonder that Puerto Vallarta is a city filled with diverse culinary experiences. Abundant fresh fruits,
vegetables and seafood draw chefs from around the world, inspired by the local flavors, textures and aromas.
Savor the cream of prawn and pumpkin soup or roast duck with soy and honey in the fantasy-like setting of Café Artistes.
Indulge your sushi habit among the rock gardens and waterfalls of Kamakura. Or discover your favorite little taco
stand and enjoy the local favorites, including ceviche that is simply not to be missed. Finish your evening with a
sampling of one of the hundreds of handcrafted tequilas made in Jalisco.
Feel inspired.
Many of the local chefs and restaurants offer cooking classes.
In November, take part in The Puerto Vallarta Gourmet Festival. Culinary exhibits, wine tastings and internationally
renowned guest chefs. (www.festivalgourmet.com)
Festivals
Late March The Vernal Equinox.
Celebrate the first day of Spring with concerts, shows and traditional Aztec ceremonies at sunset.
May - The Annual Sports Classic
What started as a pick up game of basketball has grown into a multisport classic, drawing athletes from around the world. The two-day event usually ends with a championship game of basketball played between a team from Mexico and an American/Canadian team made up of ex-professional and Olympic players.
September 14 Day of the Charros.
At sunrise, a morning parade of beautifully dressed cowboys and cowgirls on horseback moves through the heart of town, kicking off a day filled with traditional food, dancing and spirited rodeo competitions.
September 15 El Grito de Dolores
The Mexican people love their country, and The Cry for Liberty is an emotional day for these patriotic individuals. Every Mayor in Mexico stands on his balcony, overlooking the main plaza, and yells out the names of the founding fathers, to the joyous cries of VIVA! from the crowd below.
Oct 19 - 20 6th Annual Vallarta Golf Cup
The EMC2 Golf tournament is open to both professional and amateur players and is played on the El Tigre and Vista Vallarta courses. With $800,000 in prizes and a gala event after closing ceremonies it’s a must play for golf lovers. For more information, visit
www.vallartagolf.comNovember 2 Day of the Dead
On this day, it is believed, that the dead are a little closer to this world. A joyous celebration of the beloved deceased with food, tequila, music, flowers and colorful and creative altars.
Nov 4 - 5th Annual Half Marathon
Walk, trot or run the 5K or 21K. Along the route you will enjoy beautiful panoramic ocean views and live music, making every kilometer fun. Excellent weather, perfect elevation, and one of the most beautiful runs in México. To register, visit
www.marathonvallarta.comNovermber 6 - 11th Adidas Golf Tournament
Puerto Vallarta is the perfect venue for this special event. Ninety professionals, each with their three amateur partners, will compete and enjoy this warm, sunny, friendly city by the sea. With a professional purse of $100,000, this is a major event for staff professionals. For more information, visit
www.adidasgolfproam.comNovember 8 - 18 The Puerto Vallarta Gourmet Festival.
Ten delicious days of culinary exhibits, wine tastings and internationally renowned guest chefs cooking at local restaurants. (
www.festivalgourmet.com)
Nov 16 - 19th 52nd Annual Sailfish and Marlin Tournament
One of the big social events of the season and crowned the Best Fishing Tournament in the Mexican Pacific Ocean, there is no question that the annual Sailfish and Marlin Tournament is an extraordinary event. For more information and to register visit
www.fishvallarta.comNovember - May Polo Season.
See professional polo matches at the nearby fields in San Pancho, Nayarit.
December 1 - 12 Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
One of the most authentic displays of culture and community in Mexico. A beautiful display every night as processions of people, floats, Aztec dancers and mariachis make their way to La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe for a brief blessing by the priest.
Dec 3 - 7th Puerto Vallarta Pro Am 2007 Golf Tournament
With its focus on good friends and good times, everyone loves playing the Puerto Vallarta Pro Am. A Welcome Cocktail party, Mexican buffet and Awards Dinner highlight the evenings during the 72-hole event. For more information, visit
www.vistavallartagolf.comDecember 5 - 9th Vallarta Film Festival
Focuses on environmental films with conferences, classes and gala events.
Mid-December – "Bloodless Bullfights"
The graceful matador meets the powerful bull. The "bloodless" bullfights are a great way to experience what has long been an important part of Mexican culture.
March 11 - 15 2008 2nd Annual Vallarta Wine Fest
After a fantastic first season, the Wine Fest is returning to Vallarta. Including courses and lectures, tons of tastings, seventeen guest sommeliers and fourteen participating hotels and restaurants, this year should be even bigger and bolder than the last!