Bucerías, Nayarit, Mexico - Since oyster harvesting is the mainstay of the economy in Bucerías (which means "Place of the Divers") Nayarit, every year after Easter this laid-back seaside community hosts the Feria de Ostiones (Oyster Festival) - a celebration filled with music, partying and plenty of food and fun.

On Sunday, April 12, 2015, the festival will be celebrating its 15th annual edition as one of the local community's favorite events and a fun-filled way to say "gracías" to the thousands of visitors who enjoy the Semana Santa holidays in Vallarta-Nayarit every year.

"We want everyone to come because it's an event that showcases Bucerías' identity. It's also a great way to close out the holiday season," said David Elizondo, founder of the festival and part of the Organizing Committee.

The hosts welcome attendees to enjoy thousands of oysters, as well as hundreds of kilos of ceviche and fried fish — all free — sponsored by the Organizing Committee and the Fishing and Aquaculture Cooperative for Costa de Chila, La Peñita and Boca Ameca.

The festival began as a way to honor of the local oyster divers and, since the yearly event is on the last day of oyster-culling season on El Punto Beach, every year the most anticipated event is the 'Biggest Oyster' contest. Contestants go after 'The Big One,' and the diver that pulls the largest oyster out of the sea is awarded a statuette and a cash prize by event organizers.

"They (the divers) have an oyster bank at El Punto and this event marks the close of the season for that particular bank, since they must protect the oysters for sustainability and to regulate its consumption; everything begins again in December," said Elizondo.

A queen will also be crowned during the Oyster Festival; she will be selected based on audience applause to represent the divers.

The festivities will begin in the early afternoon (traditionally around 1 pm) and continue until the "cows come home," said the founder, who expects an increase in visitors over the previous years as this annual tradition continues to grow.

This event is unique in the region and represents another fine attraction among the many already offered by 'Mexico's Pacific Treasure.' Come out and enjoy the 15th Bucerías Oyster Festival - you'll be glad you did!