Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Two charity concerts on the roof of La Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, the iconic church in downtown Puerto Vallarta, will take place on Friday, February 9 and Saturday, February 10 at 5:00 pm.
Latin musical sensation, Enrique de Allende has been raising funds for the restoration of the cupula of the church for several years. A project close to his heart, Enrique has enlisted the help of other popular Vallarta musicians for these benefit concerts that will help repair the ‘Corona’ Church, one of Vallarta’s historic landmarks and the spiritual center of the town.
Joining Enrique on Friday, February 9 at 5:00 pm will be Vallarta Favorite and Star of Postmodern Jukebox, singing star, Effie Passero. Pianist extraordinaire, Mark Hartman will accompany Enrique and Effie.
The following evening, on Saturday, February 10 at 5:00 pm, Puerto Vallarta’s Diva of Song, Kim Kuzma, along with the oh-so-talented and fabulous Kevin Anthony II, will join Enrique for another spectacular evening of music. World famous conductor and pianist, Peter Valentovic will accompany these amazing vocalists.
A donation of $100 USD is requested for each of these amazing nights of music – and it’s all for a wonderful cause. Tickets are available at the office of the church. Just look for the beautiful ‘Corona’ (crown) and you’ll find the church just above the Malecón.
With a history dating back to 1883, when its first stone was laid, the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe attained parish status in 1921. The current dome, erected in 1939 and last restored in the 1990s, holds immense cultural and historical significance for both locals and visitors alike.
But now, the dome of the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is shrouded in scaffolding, marking the commencement of a significant restoration project aimed at preserving the historic landmark. The restoration initiative, initiated last month, is a response to 16 cracks that have marred the integrity of the church’s iconic dome, allowing water seepage and triggering humidity issues within its sacred walls.
Father Arturo Arana López, the parish priest of Our Lady of Guadalupe, emphasized the project’s gravity, stating, “This is not just maintenance; it is restoration. The dome is a vital part of this iconic church, and we need to ensure its preservation for future generations.”
The anticipated cost of the restoration is approximately three million pesos (around $175,000 USD). To finance this endeavor, the parish is relying on the generosity of the community, seeking donations from parishioners, residents, tourists, and local businesses.
Expressing gratitude for the community’s support, Father Arana affirmed, “This church is a symbol of Puerto Vallarta, and we are all working together to preserve it for future generations.”
The restoration project is expected to be completed in April. In the meantime, the church remains an active place of worship, hosting masses, religious services, and serving as a cherished venue for weddings and special events.