Puerto Vallarta basked in a grand celebration of diversity as the city played host to some 8,000 tourists and locals for the colorful Second Annual Vallarta Pride 2014.
“It was an amazing success,” reflected William Hevener of the Vallarta Pride Committee. “All of the hotels in the area were reporting that they were completely booked or 75 percent booked. Overall the most important thing is that people had fun in Vallarta and the community was able to come together and really enjoy each other and our guests.”
The event ran from Thursday, May 22 until Monday, May 26. There were many sponsored activities and a number of bars, clubs and restaurants went out of their way to woo visitors. Los Muertos beach and Zona Romantica, where all the events took place and the hub of the popular gay district, saw an influx of visitors, giving a great boost for local businesses at a generally slow time of year.
The five-day festival kicked off on Thursday with an official cocktail opening party at the new and stylish Mantamar Beach Club Bar and Grill.
A jam packed Friday included two performances by the Puerto Vallarta Men’s Choir at the ACT II Stages entertainment complex. The screening of the documentary “Feel the Pride,” which details the history of the LGBT community in Puerto Vallarta, was also shown there. After the show a candlelight march from Stages to the Los Muertos Pier took place and symbolized the ongoing growth and acceptance of the LGBT community in Puerto Vallarta.Later that night a sold out crowd of about 300 were dazzled by the infamous Alejandra Bogue at Casa Cupula, the upscale boutique hotel. Alejandra is very well known Mexican trans woman who is a stage and screen actor, comedian, TV host and producer. She has been wowing audiences since the 1980s and is best known for her TV series “Valvula de Escape” and “Guau!” She was also the first trans woman runway model in the country.
Friday also featured something for the ladies at El Arrayan Restaurant. About 300 attended the Pink and Proud event. For the first time Vallarta Pride had an exclusive party for women that aims to celebrate, promote and strengthen the identity of PV’s lesbian community.
Saturday morning kicked off with six couples and about 40 attendants for the group commitment ceremony at Lido Beach Club. This symbolic event was held so couples could commit or renew their vows.
Early Saturday evening the much anticipated Pride Parade marched from the Sheraton Hotel to Lazaro Cardenas Park. Around 3,000 people lined the route to catch a glimpse of over 50 decorated vehicles, floats and highly costumed groups. The parade made frequent stops because many in the crowd wanted to pose for selfies with parade stars.
The park was transformed into an entertainment venue and showcased a two-hour musical event, which was hosted by Alejandra Bogue. There was also a DJ keeping things hopping, various food stands, a photo exhibit, community organization booths and plenty of mingling. Even though this party ended promptly at 11 p.m., the fun went on until dawn at nearby bars and clubs.
A fashion show wrapped things up late Sunday afternoon. Around 100 caught the best from local designers, who put a nautical twist on the “Vamos al Mar” fashion show. This was held at the Blue Chairs Beach Club and was followed by the closing party at Mantamar Beach Club Bar & Grill.
The Vallarta Pride committee is already thinking about 2015. “Our goal for next year is to start planning earlier,” says Hevener. “The lesson learned was that it is a year-long and an involved process. There’s always room for improvement but the committee is extremely pleased by the outcome.”
For more information on the LGBT community in Puerto Vallarta, visit GayPV.mx