Riviera Nayarit, Mexico - It's turtle nesting and liberation season, and Playa Platanitos, a coastal town in the Riviera Nayarit, is preparing for its 5th Sea Turtle Festival, to be held on July 22 and 23, 2017.

The event is focused on promoting the care of the environment and the conservation of the sea turtle, as well as driving tourism to a community of less than 100 inhabitants, most of whom are dedicated to commerce, fishing and sustainable tourism.

Five years after its inception, this effort by the community and the Playa Platanitos Eco Committee, presided by Eduardo Chávez, has resulted in a festival growing in scope and popularity. Part of its success lies in the fact that it takes place right at the start of summer vacation, which means visitors are free to enjoy its varied offer of sports, cultural and artistic activities.

This year, the 5th Sea Turtle Festival is bigger than ever, as in addition to the usual activities - including an Environmental Tourism Fair - there will also be a volleyball tournament, a bicycle circuit and a swimming competition. And, following tradition, there will be a beauty pageant to select the new Beauty Ambassador.

However, what makes this festival such a standout are its practices in favor of Mother Nature, such as last year's creation of the Hummingbird Garden and, of course, the liberation of sea turtle hatchlings, which continues to be one of the main attractions of this family event that spurs environmental awareness, especially in children.

According to Lulú Santana, founder of the festival and part of the event's organizing committee, Playa Platanitos wants to be more than just a "sun and sand" destination and is working towards also being a sustainable destination, a place where respect for nature is front and center.

"People have come to believe in us over the years," she added. "Combining tourism with conservation and the environment is a given, because we want Playa Platanitos to grow and develop, but we want it to happen in an orderly and regulated fashion."

She also stated the purpose of the festival is to attract more tourists to Playa Platanitos while sharing the message that it's better to protect the sea turtle and enjoy sustainable tourism than it is to commercialize its products in return for an economic benefit.

The Convention and Visitors Bureau is extending an open invitation to the general public to visit Playa Platanitos and enjoy the festival. The opening ceremonies take place on Saturday July 22 at 5:30 pm on the dot and it ends at 7:00 pm on Sunday. All of the events are free of charge.

For more information about the V Sea Turtle Festival visit their Facebook page, call (311) 230-9134, or email playa_platanitos_ecologico(at)hotmail.com.