Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The First International Celtic Music Festival of México (FIMC) will take place in Puerto Vallarta March 20-22, 2014. This unique event will gather together Celtic musicians and other traditional artists as well as Celtic crafts and art vendors for three days in the magnificent setting of sunny Vallarta and the hospitality of its people.

With the support of the State of Jalisco and Puerto Vallarta Tourist Authorities as well as the Irish and UK Embassies, FIMC 2014 has prepared a program that will include pipe band parades, free open air concerts as well as special concerts with admission charges, a traditional Scottish "ceilidh," and the "Drumming for Drinks" competition.

An inaugural parade with pipe bands will open the festival on Thursday, March 20th marching down the malecon. From day one there will be a series of concerts featuring bands like Boston's Alba’s Edge, who will be performing their very unique "Scottish Latin Jazz" music.

That same night you can attend the traditional Scottish ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee) where you can participate in Scottish country dancing. Playing the music for this event will be the international ensemble Follow the Rats. This event will take place in the "Jardin Gaviotas" at the Hotel Sheraton Buganvillias, with an amazing backdrop of sea and stars!

There will also be a concert featuring the Saint Patrick’s Battalion Pipes and Drums from México City, accompanied by Mexican Celtic Music performers Ogham Ensemble, the Bradigan Irish Dance School, and the Spanish pipes of the Asociación de Cultura de Galicia de México.

We are also proud to present the internationally acclaimed Jamie MacDougall, Scotland’s tenor, accompanied by pianist Michael Barnett and the Puerto Vallarta School Orchestra.

Chrissy Crowley, a talented young fiddler from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, will be leading sessions at the official bar of the festival.

Two distinguished pipers, Bruce Gandy and Rory Grossart, will perform a recital and conduct a "master class" for those wishing to learn more on the art of Highland Piping.

And for the very first time in Spanish-speaking America the festival will feature "Drumming for Drinks," a fun and popular percussion contest in which all formality is put aside so that drummers can display their skills for the audience, who will then select the winner.

Finally, FIMC 2014 will finish with the demonstration of the Massed Pipe Bands, where all the bands will join in playing the world’s favorite bagpipe melodies. This will take place before the main event and closing party which will include the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, winners of the Scottish "Live Act of the Year."

Additionally, Chrissy Crowley, a talented young fiddler from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, will be leading sessions at the official bar of the festival, jamming alike with musicians and music aficionados. Nothing formal, just for the fun of it. Besides, during the 3 days of FIMC 2014, you will find exclusive Celtic theme crafts and art for sale at the Parque Hidalgo.

The International Celtic Music Festival promises to become a tradition and with time will turn into one of the best attended festivals in the world due to the unequaled beauty of Puerto Vallarta.

Be sure to book accommodations early as this is a very busy time of the season for Puerto Vallarta - the city will be teeming with thousands of visitors, especially from the United States and Canada.

If you want to know more about The First International Celtic Music Festival of México 2014 visit fimcMexico.com.mx. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.