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 of this weekend's local events that you won't want to miss.

Chacala Village Music Festival, March 24-30

Something magical and musical is coming to the heart of Riviera Nayarit, in the crown jewel village of Chacala-by-the-sea. From March 24-30, 2014, the First Annual Chacala Village Music Festival will bring together musicians and other artists for a seven day & night celebration of music... a festival... an unforgettable bringing-in-the-spring fling! Featured musicians include: The Banderas Bay Jazz Allstars, Time 2 Play, and the cast of Bedazzled Broadway from Puerto Vallarta; Chris & Susannah Thompson of Coral Creek-Golden, Colorado; Barbara McAfee from Minneapolis, MN; Teresa Tudury of San Francisco, CA; Mexican actress Payín Cejudo; Guadalajara's La Garfield Jazz Band; and many more. Marcos Delgadillo Larios is bringing his 16 member Tepic High School Student Band, 'Estudiantina Santa Cecilia,' to perform at the Festival's Opening Ceremony on Monday night, March 24th. Profits from the Festival go to Cambiando Vidas for local children's educational needs. For more information, visit ChacalaVillageMusicFestival.com. New artists are being added every day, so be sure to check the Festival's website often.

Puerto Vallarta Carnaval / Mardi Gras Parade

Spring in Puerto Vallarta is welcomed with our spectacular, traditional, Carnaval / Mardi Gras Parade. Officially sponsored by the City of Puerto Vallarta, this year's Carnaval Parade is being held on Tuesday evening, March 4, from approximately 9 pm until midnight. The parade route begins at the northern end of the Malecon near Parque Hidalgo, continuing south on Paseo Diaz Ordaz, Morelos and I. Vallarta to Carranza where it turns west and then south on to Olas Altas, ending at the southern end of that street. Transito is providing full traffic direction and support. The purpose of this parade is to entertain both residents and tourists. Like Carnaval / Mardi Gras around the world, it is a celebration of the diversity and sensuality of life. It is a display of the colors of spring and a grand welcome to the return of the sun’s warmth. It is an expression of all that makes life in Puerto Vallarta exciting. Don't miss it! For more information or to enter the parade, visit CarnavalVallarta.com

Dalai Lama Honors 'Unsung Hero' Nicole Swedlow

At a luncheon held on Sunday, February 23rd at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in San Francisco, California, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, acknowledged and thanked the 51 highly compassionate individuals who were recognized as the 2014 'Unsung Heroes of Compassion.' "These individuals have been selected as representatives of the tens of thousands of people worldwide who quietly serve the disenfranchised and work to improve our communities through their personal efforts," said Dick Grace, board chair of Wisdom in Action, the organization hosting the event. Among the honorees, who came from countries all around the world, was our very own Nicole Swedlow, the founder and Executive Director of the EntreAmigos Community Center in San Pancho, Nayarit. Housed in a giant warehouse recognized as a model sustainable facility, EntreAmigos is an active community center that provides local children and families the skills needed to contribute positively to their changing world. To achieve these goals, the community center offers a collection of community based workshops and initiatives, a scholarship program, a bilingual library for children and adults, a computer center, and an extensive recycling program. To learn more about entreamigos' programs and activities, visit entreamigos.org.mx.

Beta Sigma Phi's 6th Annual Fashion Show

Beta Sigma Phi Sorority of Bucerias and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle will be hosting their 6th Annual Fashion Show where you can see the best fashions in the Bay of Banderas. It will be held again at Karen's Place in Bucerias on March 19th at 2 pm. Ticket price is $300 pesos and includes a fabulous lunch from Karen's Place, one (1) complimentary glass of Champagne, and the viewing of fashions from all around the Bay. Tickets are on sale now, and we will sell only 100 tickets so everyone will have a good seat. Please contact Judy Dell'Aira Tel: 329-295-0574, cell 322-151-3964 or any Beta Sigma Phi member for tickets and information.

Weekend Events in Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay
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• Demetro's Burro Statue Unveiled Tonight

• 2014 Millonario National Charro Championship Vallarta

• 14th San Pancho Music Festival Feb. 28th - Mar. 2nd

• DA's Academy Award Week and Oscar Night Celebration