Groups
United for Barra meets Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. at the Sunset Bar. This meeting is in Spanish, but volunteers will help with translations at its conclusion.
The Rotary Club meets at Cabo Blanco in Barra 9 a.m. on Wednesdays.
Goings on
An increase in tourists and traffic is expected during the upcoming holidays and festivals, which include Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12), the posada season (December 16-24) and Christmas. Residents and visitors should remember this means an increase in noise, as fireworks are let off at all hours of the day and night.
The local chapter of Niños con Cancer is collecting plastic bottle caps (all sizes). Contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrange to have your donation picked up or dropped off at my house.
Galeria Amiga, located in the Center for Art and Culture (CENAC) in Melaque, is currently running two shows during December: Positively Paper Photography by Jeanne McGee and Faces of Mexico by Robert Hansen. Gallery hours are Wednesday, 4-7 p.m., Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. For information, contact Jeanne McGee at (360) 647-8137 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
“Angel Tree” at Galeria de Mi Corazon in Barra de Navidad starts December 6 and runs until December 22. Each ornament contains a monetary amount for you to donate, to be used to purchase gifts for local families in need. Contact Linda at (315) 355-8405 or Facebook@LindaBelloRuiz.
Arte Moderno Mexico at Avenida Esmeralda 32 in Villa Obregon presents “Afternoon in the Garden,” showing new work by Edward Gilliam Art and VayaBags. The date: Monday, December 10, 3-6 p.m. Call (315) 355-6772 for more information. Everyone welcome.
Celebrate local dance and gymnastic companies end-of-year performances featuring tropical and Latina dancers, hosted by Claudia Flores Tuesday, December 11, 8 p.m. at the Jardin in Jaluco and Wednesday, December 12, 8 p.m. in the Jardin in Villa Obregon. Contact Flores at (315) 100-3949 for details.
Pro-Animal Bingo and Silent Auction will be held Saturday, December 15, 1 p.m. at Restaurant Esmeralda in Melaque.
The Christmas Parade in Barra de Navidad starts 6 p.m. on December 16 at Nueva España and ends at the Jardin.
All schools in the area will be closed December 20 through January 4.
Change starts with me!
This summer, the Jalisco State Congress approved a bill to end the use of plastic bags, straws and styrofoam. If enacted, on January 1, 2019 all municipalities will be discouraging their use in anticipation for a complete ban in 2020.
What can you do to promote eco-friendly replacements? First, frequent stores and restaurants that are already offering alternatives.
Poeminimo is using glass straws, El Café and Loco Loco are using bamboo straws, La Oficina and The Wok are using cardboard take out containers, just to name a few. If the restaurant does not have alternative options, ask them to start now and bring your own container and for your “para llevar.” Additionally, bring your own reusable straw and order your drink “sin popote.”
When you find yourself using a plastic cup or straw, bring it home with you and reuse it as many times as possible. Don’t forget your reusable bag. If you are running low, they are available at Hawaii Super and handmade ones available at the tianguis.
Moreover, there are a lot of ways to minimize our plastic use at home. Start with cling wrap – just don’t use it! I purchased beeswax paper to replace our cling wrap and I love it! I also bought a few good containers to keep leftovers. Also, reuse your veggies bags, drink water from the garrafones (19-liter jugs) and buy your beer in aluminum cans or in bottles that have a deposit.
What are your ideas for alternatives to single use plastics and styrofoam?
Music Scene
Barra de Navidad
Barra Galeria de Arte & Restaurant, Av. Mazatlan 5: Open Tuesday and Thursday.
Besame Mucho, Calle Jalisco 13B.
Bogavante Hotel, Av. Miguel Lopez de Legazpi: Wednesday 6:45-9:45 p.m.; Thursday 7-10 p.m.
Cabo Blanco, Av. Armada: Thursday music hosted by Danny and Sheila Beal, 1 p.m. Starts December 20.
El Maglitos Restaurant, Av. Veracruz 17.
Marlena’s Restaurant, Av. Veracruz 167: Monday 7-10 p.m.
Punto Navidad, Av. Veracruz (lagoon).
Sr. Froy’s La Casa Mia Restaurant, Calle Filipinas 66: Saturday starting at 7 p.m.
Simona’s Restaurant, Av. Veracruz 12: Tuesday 7-10 p.m.; Saturday music 6-9 p.m.
Time Out Bar, Av. Miguel Lopez de Legazpi 224: Tuesday 9 p.m.-midnight; Friday 9 p.m.-midnight; Saturday 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
Villa Obregon
La Oficina, Av. Revolution 41: Friday Open Mic 8 p.m.; Saturday with Lalo starts 8 p.m.
Melaque
Albatros Restaurant, Av. Cabanas 36: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 5 p.m.
Bistro Escondido, Las Palmitas 2.
Esmeralda’s Restaurant, Av. Gomez Farlas 461: Wednesday and Thursday 5 p.m.
Esquina Paraiso Bar (Styks), on the highway: Friday 8 p.m.
Garcias Restaurant, on the beach: Monday 7:30-10:30 p.m.
La Salamandra, Calle Abel Salgado 382: Friday starting 7 p.m.
Macondo Café, Jardin in Melaque: Tuesday 7 p.m.; Jazz music Friday and Saturday.
Poeminimo, Jardin in Melaque: Music Friday and Saturday from 9:30 p.m.
Tito’s Place Resturant Bar, Calle Las Palmas 27: Music with CHUY Saturday 4-7 p.m.
Viva Maria 1910, Calle Las Palmas 7: Friday 7-10 p.m.