Bucerías, Nayarit, Mexico - Playa El Punto is the place to be on Sunday, April 8, 2018, as Bucerías hosts the XVIII edition of the Oyster Festival, an occasion created by the divers themselves for the coastal communities and their visitors.

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 - a celebration filled with music, partying and plenty of food and fun.

Organized by the Fishing and Aquaculture Cooperative for Costa de Chila, La Peñita and Boca Ameca, every year the hosts invite attendees to enjoy thousands of oysters, as well as hundreds of kilos of ceviche and fried fish - all free! - as a way to say "gracías" to the thousands of visitors who spent their Semana Santa vacation in Vallarta-Nayarit. (The free samples go fast, so get there early!)

In addition to all of that free food, there will also be cultural events, including live music, dance performances, the crowning of a new Oyster Queen, who will be selected based on audience applause to represent the divers; and many other surprises.

The Bucerías Feria de Ostiones began in 2000 as a way to honor 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.

Sponsored by the Municipality of La Bahía de Banderas in collaboration with Bucerías retailers and restaurateurs, this annual event is a grand fiesta that's unique in the region.

"We want everyone to come because it's an event that showcases Bucerías' identity. Our goal is to hold a family-friendly event to close out the holiday season. It's also a great way to honor the divers we've lost," said Juan Fregoso López, president of the Co-op.

Come out and enjoy the 18th annual Bucerías Oyster Festival - you'll be glad you did!