Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - There's always so much going on in Puerto Vallarta and around Banderas Bay it can be difficult to keep up with it all. Here's a look at some of this week's Vallarta news headlines, a couple of community announcements, and a few upcoming local events you won't want to miss.

City Debt Refinancing Proposal Approved

A proposal submitted by aldermen Othniel Avalos Barragan and Oscar Espinoza Bernal to restructure Puerto Vallarta's current financial strategy by refinancing the city's debt was recently approved by the full City Council. The agreement states that the $326,785,872 pesos in credit that has been engaged will be for a period of up to 10 years, with the sole purpose of restructuring the city's debt with BBVA Bancomer, and covering all contractual, registry and transfer fees. "We are asking the resource to restructure the debt under the best conditions possible. We are looking to modify the term loan at a better interest rate for the benefit of the municipality," Mayor Ramon Guerrero Martinez stressed. He added that the intention is to straighten out Puerto Vallarta's overall financial scheme by reducing loan payments and improving the city's credit rating.

Puerto Vallarta Movie+Picnic Film Series

Yang Leal of Filma13, who first brought outdoor film screenings to Marina Vallarta, has partnered up with Puerto de Luna Hotel and a local catering company to bring an exciting new entertainment option to Puerto Vallarta residents and visitors. Called "movie+picnic" the bi-weekly event turns Puerto de Luna Hotel’s spacious grounds into an outdoor theater, where you will enjoy a movie screening, popcorn, agua fresca and a gourmet picnic dinner for just $150 pesos per person. The menu varies for each screening, reflecting the film's country of origin, and optional desserts are available for purchase. Though straw mats are provided, everyone is encouraged to bring their own blankets and cushions. Join in the fun every other Sunday evening at Puerto de Luna Hotel, located at Fco. Medina Ascencio 2500 in the Hotel Zone. The next presentation will be held on November 24th at 7 pm. For more information and a complete movie schedule, visit the Movie-Picnic Facebook page.

"El Buen Fin" Sales in Vallarta Exceeded Expectations

According to Martín Puebla Ontiveros, the President of Puerto Vallarta's Chamber of Commerce, Services and Tourism, (Canaco-Servytur) El Buen Fin, Mexico's version of "Black Friday," exceeded expectations, generating at least $35 million pesos in sales locally. Puebla Ontiveros indicated that this figure only represents weekend sales at shopping malls and department stores that generated large volumes of cash flow, and does not include sales from smaller stores and businesses in the El Pitillal and downtown areas. He pointed out that it was not a "hard sell" given that El Buen Fin was held over the last long weekend of the year, which brought around 50,000 visitors to the Banderas Bay area, many of whom took advantage of El Buen Fin savings and bought several items to take back home. The president of the National Chambers of Commerce, Services and Tourism (CONCANACO-Servytur) Confederation, Jorge Davila Flores, reported that El Buen Fin 2013 exceeded $160 billion pesos in sales across the country.

Folkloric Ballet Benefit for Biblioteca Los Mangos

On Friday, November 29th the University of Guadalajara Folkloric Ballet will put on a benefit performance for the Puerto Vallarta Public Library at Teatro Vallarta. The Guadalajara dance troupe is one of the most prestigious in the country, and has toured extensively through Mexico and abroad. In this performance, you'll enjoy a dazzling repertoire that pays homage to the vibrant spirit and history of Mexico through authentic musical ensembles and dancers clad in colorful costumes, while supporting one of Puerto Vallarta's most important cultural institutions - Biblioteca Los Mangos. Tickets for this special performance are on sale now for $200, $300 or $400 pesos per person, and can be purchased at Los Mangos Library, Hotel Buenaventura, Belmar Hotel Galería, Restaurante La Leche, and at the Centro Universitario de la Costa.

Upcoming Events in Puerto Vallarta and around Banderas Bay
Click on titles for more information

• 'Fusion' Fundraiser for Banderas Bay Women's Shelter

• Riviera Nayarit's 5th Annual Touristic Half Marathon

• 'Bedazzled Broadway' at Paradise Community Center

• Vallarta Yacht Club's 'Fiesta Cubana' Fall Fundraiser

Don't forget to vote for your favorite Puerto Vallarta restaurants in our 2013 Best of Banderas Bay Awards, right HERE on BanderasNews.com. We'll be collecting your votes in categories ranging from 'Best Breakfast' to 'Best Margarita' through December 31st, and the Puerto Vallarta restaurant with the most votes in each category will be named 'The Best of Banderas Bay' at an awards ceremony in early 2014. Click HERE to vote NOW!