July 24 Update from the Vallarta Botanical Garden: As you surely know, the protocols taken to stop the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) force us to limit social contact. Consequently, we have made the difficult decision to cancel and postpone our “Feria del Raicilla” event. We know that the situation is disappointing and we hope you understand that right now our priority is to keep our staff and event attendees safe. We will have Mariachi on Sunday, August 1 in the afternoon, as compensation for the event. The Gardens and the Restaurant remain open to the general public on their regular schedule.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Often referred to as “Mexican moonshine,” Raicilla is a Jalisco tradition that might not be as popular as Tequila, but certainly has a growing following.
A distilled spirit made from the agave plant, Raicilla is similar to Tequila and Mezcal and is made by artisans with recipes passed down from generation to generation.
If you’d like to know more about the spirit known as “the grandfather of tequila,” you won’t want to miss the 1st edition of the Cabo Corrientes Raicilla Festival, set to be held Sunday, August 1, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Vallarta Botanical Garden.
During the event, the public will learn about the process of making this spirit drink dating back to the 16th century, as well as the raw material used for its creation, from the experts of the municipality of Cabo Corrientes, one of the main producing areas in Jalisco.
There will also be exhibitions and special tastings of the various producers of this agave distillate, in the Garden’s 100% family-friendly atmosphere.
And, speaking of family-friendly, there will also be a pencil drawing contest that reflects the raicilla production process, with 1st and 2nd place prizes awarded at the end of the event.
To set the festival atmosphere, the Mariachi youth group, “Los Nietos,” will provide entertainment, which is sure to draw attendees from the region and from other countries, mainly from the U.S., in addition to regular visitors to the Vallarta Botanical Garden.
It is important to mention that funds raised at the Garden’s 1st Raicilla Festival will be used to support the Environmental Conservation and Education initiative in the municipality of Cabo Corrientes.
Raicilla is one of the drinks that best defines the traditions and essence of this region; And what better place for this festival than the Vallarta Botanical Gardens, a naturally beautiful space that ranked fourth in the USA Today ’10 Best Botanical Gardens in North America (2021) contest, where it was once again the only garden outside of the United States to appear on the prestigious list.
Visit the internationally famous Vallarta Botanical Garden located just 30 minutes south of Old Town at Km. 24 on Highway 200 and easily accessible by public transportation and taxi. This 74 acre wildlife preserve and botanical garden have something fun for everyone. Over 200 species of birds have been observed on the Garden’s grounds. Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit for a refreshing dip in the jungle river. See plantings of vanilla, chocolate, and hundreds of other botanical delights! Authentic Mexican Cuisine is served in the Hacienda de Oro Restaurant from 10 am to 5 pm. The Garden is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm (closed Mondays from April 1 to December 1). Garden admission is just $200 pesos. For more information, call (322) 223-6182 or visit vbgardens.org.
Click HERE to learn more about Vallarta Botanical Gardens.