| | |  News from Around Banderas Bay | September 2008 
Vallarta Celebrates Mexican Independence
 PVNN
Every September, know as El Mes de la Patria [The Month of Our Nation,] cities throughout Mexico host a series of colorful and patriotic festivities celebrating the first and most significant episode of the country's history - Mexico's Independence from Spain.
Here in Puerto Vallarta, the celebrations are unbeatable. On every street corner there are vendors selling flags, balloons, sombreros and rehiletes, all in the national colors of red, white and green, and excitement fills the air as hotels, bars and discos offer special entertainment and activities most every night.
To liven up the month-long patriotic celebrations, this year the Municipal Government has planned a series of cultural, educational, sporting and culinary events to celebrate Mexico's Independence and to promote September as "Tourism Month" in Puerto Vallarta.
Sporting events include the 2nd Annual Copa Puerto Vallarta Professional Tennis Tournament from September 2-7th; a series of conferences on Sports and Applied Sciences presented by former Olympic athletes, trainers and coaches at the NH Krystal Hotel on the 5th & 6th; the traditional Viejo Vallarta 8k race that starts at Lazaro Cardenas Plaza at 8 am on the 14th; the first Puerto Vallarta 2008 Karate Do Cup in the sports stadium at 8 am on the 21st; the International Beach Volley Ball Tournament from September 26-28th; and the Artistic Gymnastics Competition on the 27th.
Food is always a very important part of Mexican festivities, and during the month of September, Puerto Vallarta Restaurants are serving up special Independence Day Menus brimming with traditional Mexican dishes, and a Gourmet Expo will take place at 10 am everyday from September 11th through 16th on the new section of the Malecón.
Cultural activities include the Coronation of the Queen of Fiestas Patrias at 8:30 pm on September 7th at City Hall; conferences on "Mexicanhood" at the Cuale Cultural Center at 8 pm on September 8th and the 22nd; Mariachi concerts in various town plazas around the Bay every weekend; the traditional Association of Charros (Mexican Cowboys) parade in downtown Puerto Vallarta at 11 am on September 14th; an homage to Jalisco artist Alejandro Colunga on the Malecón at 8:30 on September 20th; a display of art works by the 2008 Vallarta Prize winner Pedro Tello; and works from the Sixth International Congress on Tourism at the Centro Universitario de la Costa.
But September 15th, or the eve of Independence Day, is when the celebrations really begin. All day long there will be events and ceremonies in the Plaza Principal, traditional games and competitions on the Malecón and a variety of shows performed by Mexican dancers and musical groups, including Mariachis, at Los Arcos Amphitheater.
At 11 pm the Presidente Municipal of Puerto Vallarta, Mayor Javier Bravo, will deliver "El Grito," reenacting the historic cry for independence. The ceremony reaches the high point when the crowd joins in proudly shouting out the names of the heroes of Mexico's Independence.
When the Grito ceremony comes to an end, everyone sings the National Anthem as the sky lights up with multi-colored fireworks, then everyone gathers in the Main Square and along the Malecón for the annual Baile Popular [Public Street Dance.]
September 16th is a National Holiday, similar to July Fourth in the United States. Most people have the day off from work so they can enjoy the traditional parade that starts at 10 am and winds through the streets of downtown Vallarta, followed by Mexican Fiestas at the new Plaza Galerías Vallarta at 6 pm and at the Los Arcos Aquiles Serdán Theater at 7 pm.
In short, if you like celebrations, parties and a buzzing atmosphere, September is a great time to be in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico!
Click HERE for a complete list of local events in PDF format.
Click HERE for September restaurant specials. |
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