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

The Sun Stands Still on Saturday, December 21

Late dawn. Early sunset. Short day. Long night. This coming Saturday (December 21st) marks one of the four major way stations on the Earth’s annual journey around the sun. The sun, tilted at 23.5 degrees from the north pole, will be at its southernmost point in the sky on December 21st. For us in the Northern Hemisphere, the December solstice marks the longest night and shortest day of the year. Meanwhile, the Southern Hemisphere is having its longest day and shortest night. No matter where you live on Earth’s globe, it’s your signal to celebrate. For us on the northern part of Earth, the shortest day is here! After the winter solstice, the days get longer, and the nights shorter. It’s a seasonal shift that nearly everyone notices. Happy solstice, everyone!

Aeroméxico Launches new Direct Flight from Chicago and New York to Vallarta

Aeroméxico, Mexico’s international airline, will launch two new nonstop flights to Puerto Vallarta from New York City and Chicago. The new seasonal weekly Aeroméxico service from JFK International Airport begins January 16, 2014 and the service from Chicago will begin on December 21. A direct result of the "Live it to Believe it" campaign, other new flights will be added from Lansing, St. Louis, Rockford, New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Denver, Calgary, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg. It is estimated that the cost of the Vallarta-Nayarit campaign is $11.2 million USD and is funded by the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board, the destination’s hotels and international airport (PVR) and the other government partners involved.

SinergiArte Festival Returns to San Pancho

From December 21st-29th, the "SinergiArte" festival will return to San Pancho for the eighth consecutive year. After seven very successful festivals, this has become one of the most important cultural events in and around San Pancho, which has become to be known as the Cultural Capital of the State of Nayarit. The festival has a particular theme and focus each year, which, for 2013, is "Traces: what do we leave behind when we leave?" The artists will create works intended to encourage everyone to pay attention to the "footprints" we leave behind in our everyday lives and how our actions affect our children and future generations. This 9 day festival will fill the streets of San Pancho with art in all mediums, including dance, music, circus and theatrical performances, audiovisual and documentary screenings, literature readings, as well as photography, gastronomy, handicrafts sales and workshops offered in different locations throughout the community. Click HERE for more information and a detailed schedule of events.

Mexico City May Begin New Airport's Construction Next Year

Mexico could begin building a new airport in the capital as soon as next year, Communications and Transport Minister Gerardo Ruiz said at a news conference last week. When asked about the timing for such a project, Ruiz said, "We hope that in 2014, we could begin building the new airport," without giving details on the scope of the project. It was not clear whether the plan would involve a brand new airport or could involve upgrading the existing facility, as Ruiz said companies specialized in the field had recommended that the government expand the present Mexico City airport. The government already owns land around the airport and specialist companies will begin working on plans for the project, Ruiz said, noting that details were not yet available.

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

• 'Always In Season' at Paradise Community Center

• Home for the Holidays at Puerto Vallarta's OTFM-TC

• Christmas Dinner at Puerto Vallarta Restaurants

• South Side Shuffle, Friday, December 27th

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!