Return to Home
Marvelous May
by Bay Vallarta Staff |
| Activities abound this marvelous month of May, with everything from días festivos, dance, music (both Latin and Austrian), plenty of sports, Mother's Day, and the 87th anniversary of Puerto Vallarta with a special gift for locals and visitors! Organize your time well so you won't miss a thing. The first day of this marvelous month is Labor Day. The union workers, plumbers, electricians, taxi drivers, waiters, hotel worker, take to the street for a small parade on Calle Juarez downtown. Smaller business may close for the day.  Country western songstress LeAnn Rimes will serenade fans in Nuevo Vallarta on May 4, courtesy of Chicago radio station US99. This 22 year old Grammy Award winning artist will perform at the Marival Resort, but sorry, the event is not open to the public.Contrary to popular belief, May 5 is not Mexican Independence Day (that is September 16). On Cinco de Mayo we celebrate the Battle of Puebla, when the French tried to advance on Mexico City because of Mexico's debt to France. The French were held off in Puebla, but one year later captured Mexico City. Nevertheless, May 5 is a day of celebration, but not the Corona sponsored kind that goes on up north. Take in an evening of Mexican culture at the La Iguana Mexican Fiesta in the Romantic Zone. Dance, music and literature will join together in one night that promises to become a space for the successful coexistence of three artistic disciplines. The municipal literary workshop, Vallarta songwriter Genaro González, and dance under the direction of Sandra Soto will join forces for an unforgettable evening of Simbiosis on May 5.  Puerto Vallarta just added another festival to it repertoire this year, the Tamale Festival. In all its variety, flavor and wrappings, tamal of every variety will be available allowing you to taste this Mexican delicacy to your stomach's content May 7-8.  The City of Puerto Vallarta Cultural Department presents the May Music Festival from May 8-12 on the Malecón. Austria, considered "the land of music", is the guest of honor for the 2005 edition of the May Music Festival. For a minute forget about familiar European sound references, Mozart, Hayder, Schuber, and Mahler. This time the vanguard rhythms will provide you with electro jazz fusions from Forms of Plasticity, Attwinger, Sofa Surfers and Peter Natterer's Quartet along with regulars of Puerto Vallarta's music scene.Celebrate Mom's special day with Sunday brunch. Some suggestions: Sheraton Buganvilias, El Tigre, and Daiquiri Dick's. Another suggestion is a day aboard a luxury sailboat or at Las Caletas (be sure to treat her to a massage!). Mother's Day is May 8 in the US and Canada, May 10 in Mexico; why not celebrate it twice? On your mark, get set, go! Athletic apparel maker Roketti, hosts for the fourth time a Triathalon in Puerto Vallarta. Juniors, Novices, and even experienced Olympic competitors will swim, bike and run around the city on May 14. The third edition of the Rally / Enduro Vallarta 2005 takes place once again on May 14 offering fun on two and four wheels for adrenaline seekers. Competitors on two wheel cycles, ATVs, and dune buggys will race around the Banderas Bay area hoping to win a cash prize.  For the second year, Kelly Trainor, US Consular Agent, and the Mariott CasaMagna present the Alturism Festival on May 15. Last year $272,560 pesos were spilt equally among the twenty benefiting agencies. The event will feature food from some of Vallarta's top restaurants along with entertainment from a variety of local talent and an art auction. This is a great chance to get to know some of the people and organizations that are doing great works right here in our community.  From May 15 -31 thirty three of the city's most popular restaurants will feature a three course prix fix menu at special prices during Restaurant Week. There is no better time to experience cooking by the some of the best chefs in the city and to relish in the diversity, quality, and hospitality that is offered in Puerto Vallarta's restaurants.Copa Vallarta kicks off May 18-22 at the Municipal Stadium. In this annual soccer tournament, youngsters come from around the country to compete in an event that is open to any registered national or international team. Last year there were seven teams from Vallarta in the event, which welcomed teams from nine states throughout Mexico. Over 3,300 people were involved in this major sporting event in 2004. Undoubtedly the sports event of the year for many locals and visitors, the Sports Classic reaches across the board and court to involve hundreds of participants and many more sports enthusiasts who just come out to watch May 18-22. If you're not involved, come by to observe some or even all the events, which include traditional team sports such as basketball, softball and soccer, individual sports such as tennis (includes partners), an aerobics marathon and the fourth annual Terry Fox run sponsored by the Canadian Consulate. This year a new event is disc golf, based on a Frisbee-throw, from the brand name. And not to be missed, Phantom of the Opera. Spotlight Productions puts a new twist on this class Broadway musical on Sunday nights in May at the Santa Barbara Theater.  And to close this marvelous month with a bang, we have the 87th anniversary celebration of Puerto Vallarta on May 31. Last year there was cake in the main plaza and a stellar performance by pianist Raul DiBlasio. This year, Alejandro Fernandez will light up the Malecón with a free concert! Sergio Rojas, Josef Kandol, Erika Carillo, Patricia Aponte, and Rhea Heggaton contributed to this note. |
Other spotlights |