Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – With the COVID-19 pandemic dominating the world’s news and social media channels, it can be difficult to find out what’s going on in Puerto Vallarta, the State of Jalisco, and around the Republic, so here’s a look at some of the latest local news and happenings.
Centro Cultural Cuale Workshops Resume
The Puerto Vallarta Institute of Culture (IVC) recently announced that the Cuale Cultural Center’s workshops will resume on September 7 following the strict health regulations and safety protocols set by state and local authorities for your protection. Covering lessons on all kinds of musical instruments, sculpture, painting, dance, theater and more, these FREE workshops are a great way for children, teens and adults to continue their artistic training or to learn something new. Since the number of participants will be limited to facilitate social distancing, the IVC encourages those who are interested to stop by their office at the Cuale Cultural Center TODAY from 9 am to 2 pm to register. For more information, call 322-223-0095 or 322-113-0107, email institutoculturapv(at)gmail.com, or visit the Instituto Vallartense de Cultura Facebook page.
Swoop to Relaunch Winter Flights to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cancun
Canadian ultra low cost airline Swoop has announced they will relaunch flights to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán, and Cancun this winter. “It is time to travel again, and that can be done responsibly and safely,” Charles Duncan, President of Swoop said. “We are focusing our efforts on encouraging travel with our ability to provide ultra-low fares to price-sensitive travelers.” The winter schedule will run from Oct. 25, 2020 and April 24, 2021, and include the following routes:
• Edmonton-Puerto Vallarta 2 times weekly, with service on Tuesday and Saturday
• Edmonton-Mazatlán 2 times weekly with service on Wednesday and Saturday
• Toronto-Cancun will operate up to 5 times weekly, with service on Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Traveler demand, travel advisories, and health and safety conditions will be monitored over the coming weeks, which may cause adjustments to this schedule.
19th Encounter of Traditional Mariachi Goes Digital
Like the Charros (Mexican Cowboys), the Mariachi is a symbol of nationalism and culture in Mexico, tracing its origins to the State of Jalisco. So it’s only logical that the Encuentro Nacional del Mariachi Tradicional (National Encounter of Traditional Mariachi, or ENMT) is held in Guadalajara every year. However, health authorities have decided to cancel all public events that draw large crowds due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which prevents this year’s celebration in the greater Guadalajara area. The Jalisco Ministry of Culture did not want to miss the opportunity to celebrate the music of the state so, to maintain the spirit that the ENMT has generated for almost two decades, the XIX National Meeting of Traditional Mariachi will be carried out through digital platforms and social networks from September 16 to 20, 2020. During this five-day virtual celebration, experts will share their knowledge about traditional Mariachi in online lectures and workshops, while Mariachi bands and folkloric dance performances will bring the color, tradition and culture of Mexico into your home. For more information (in Spanish) and a schedule of online events, visit jalisco.gob.mx.
American Airlines Announces New Flight to Puerto Vallarta
This week, American Airlines confirmed that it will open a temporary route from Charlotte, North Caroline to Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco from December 17, 2020 to April 3, 2021, with a weekly frequency on Saturdays. This flight is important for the destination because it opens the door to the east coast of the United States. Since Charlotte is one of the American Airline’s hubs, air connections from New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Boston, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, will make it easier for Americans from the East Coast to enjoy everything Puerto Vallarta has to offer vacationers, including preventive measures for Covid-19, beautiful beaches, natural attractions, Mexican identity, hospitality and a favorable dollar to peso exchange rate. Currently, this airline offers flights that connect our destination with Los Angeles, California; Phoenix, Arizona and Dallas, Texas.