Puerto Vallarta, 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.

Mexico Reports Three New Cholera Cases

Following up on last October's story, three new cholera cases have been confirmed in Mexico, the first cases in a month, bringing the total number of cases to 187, according to a Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) cholera Epidemiological Update released on December 23, 2013. One case was reported from Federal District and two from the state of Veracruz. Since Sept. 2013, the 187 cases are from the Federal District (3), state of Hidalgo (160), Mexico State (9), state of San Luis Potosi (2) and 13 from the state of Veracruz. The outbreak has resulted in one fatality. According to the WHO, this is the first local transmission of cholera recorded since 2001 in Mexico.

International LGBT Business Expo Returns to Vallarta

The International LGBT Business Expo, Latin America's leading lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender travel business conference and consumer expo will return to its birthplace, Puerto Vallarta, from June 12-14, 2014. The Casa Magna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & SPA will host an estimated 400+ international, Mexican and local business that target the LGBT market for the three-day B2B trade show. A series of industry-leading conference topics are a feature of the program, as well as Exhibition, a consumer trade show and business networking events throughout the program. Among the various industry segments taking part are service providers such as airlines, hotels, restaurants, cruise ships, car rental agencies, travel operators, travel agents, tourism boards, CVB's, and leading companies currently serving the global LGBT community - as well as companies interested in leveraging the business opportunities of the LGBT consumer market such as banking, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, IT, clothing, alcohol, automotive and many more. Learn more at lgbtbusinessexpo.com.

Riviera Maya Hosts Heineken Winter Beach Festival

Heineken Winter Beach Festival 2013 will be part of the international events that the Riviera Maya will host during December, allowing to maintain high levels of hotel occupancy and reaffirm the destination as an important venue for World Class Festivals and Events. According to the bulletin issued by the local government, the event will be held from December 27, 2013 through January 2, 2014, with fashion shows; music concerts featuring famous Rock bands, DJs, and recording artists; and art exhibitions. On December 28, in the "Rock, Beach & Fashion" there will be a swimsuit runway from Zingara, Tommy Hilfiger, Monochrome and other internationally famous designers.

Vallarta's Second Tunnel Reopened to Traffic

After confirming that the road works were completed and the infrastructure is suitable for use, Puerto Vallarta city officials re-opened the second tunnel to traffic last week. The secondary bypass tunnel was closed in early July, after surface cracks in the ceiling and walls were discovered. Though there was no structural damage, the secondary bypass road was closed to avoid damage to cars and/or traffic accidents. After ensuring that the cracks had been repaired, the lighting was optimal, and the exhaust fans were operating properly, the Deputy Director of Highways, the Fire and Civil Protection Unit Coordinator, and the CEO of Infrastructure and Services gave the "green light" to reopen the second tunnel to traffic. In addition, various road signs and safety components were installed to guide motorists through both tunnels and help prevent automobile accidents. As a result, the twin tunnels once again offer two lanes for travel from north to south and two for traveling from south to north, thereby easing vehicular traffic in the municipality and especially in the downtown area.

Upcoming Events in Puerto Vallarta and around Banderas Bay
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• 8th Annual San Pancho Sinergiarte Festival Dec 21-29

• Bud Ellison Photography Exhibit Currently at IFC

• Artist Abelardo Favela at Galleria Contempo

• Party Guide for New Year's Eve in Puerto Vallarta

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. Vote NOW!