It’s certainly not hard to tell that we are now in the “high season” in Barra de Navidad and Melaque.
The stores and markets are busy and the restaurants are full, while festivals, art shows and entertainment abound. There is much to see and do. Here’s a partial list of upcoming activities.
Carnaval
Friday, February 9 to Tuesday, February 13 sees Carnaval Costalegra, Barra de Navidad 2018.
Program details were still being finalized at press but here are the confirmed presentations:
Saturday, February 10, 7 p.m. Foreign Rey Momo event with game show, raffles, prizes, live music, and dance.
Monday, February 12, 7:30 p.m. Crowning of Carnaval’s foreign Rey Momo and Reina Extranjera, in the town square (Jardin) of Barra.
Tuesday, February 13, 6 p.m. The Carnaval Parade begins from Calle Puerto de la Navidad in Barra, loops through the Barrio Nuevo then back through to downtown.
Other events
Sunday, February 11, 8 p.m. Sea Master Special Presentation. Pettigrew Brothers Band with Special Guest Judy Belanger. If you saw Judy last year, you won’t want to miss this show. 50 pesos per person admission. Tickets available from the Pettigrew brothers at Cabo Blanco pool jam on Thursdays at 1 p.m.
Friday, February 16. Fiesta in the Bahia (bay) de Barra. Tickets are now on sale for a morning of sailing. A fee of 500 pesos per person includes a bagged lunch and a four-hour sailing adventure. Proceeds from the event will be used to remodel the electrical system at Escuela Secundaria Tecnica (Middle School) in Barra and purchase tools for students learning boat repair. “Have fun with a purpose.”
Friday, February 16. Second Annual Fiesta Mexicano in the Jardin of Barra de Navidad from 6-10 p.m. Authentic Mexican food, folkloric dancing, mariachi band, dancing and fun.
On now through February 17. Las Mexicanas – Faces of Mexican Women exhibit at Barra Galeria de Arte (Av. Mazatlan 75, Barra de Navidad). An exhibition of new paintings by Ed Gilliam. Galeria de Arte is also a wonderful restaurant and Tequila Lounge offering more than 100 tequilas. Order tequila by the flight or phone ahead to arrange for a guided tasting experience. Call (315) 109-6239.
Saturday, February 17. Fourth Annual Tastes and Sounds of Barra. Cooking classes and competitions from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Area residents (individuals or families) and local restaurants will compete in three categories: Best Chicken, Best Fish, or Best Meat Dish. Food tasting and voting commences at 2 p.m. Live music begins at 4 p.m. DJ music and a live auction will take place from 8-9 p.m. Contact Hugo Morett at Sea Master or Linda Bello Ruiz on Facebook for details.
Sunday, February 18, noon. CENAC (Center for Arts and Culture) in San Patricio is holding an open house with mime, music and food at Las Cabanas 17 (near Albatros). They will also introduce the community to their most famous volunteer, Efren Gonzalez. At 2 p.m., the artist will present a painting demonstration. Afterwards, this painting will be auctioned with proceeds going to support the center. CENAC, the brainchild of artist Nancy Lennie, will soon have its first floor open featuring movies in English and Spanish, a small performance theater, a café, an art gallery, an art supply store and a small classroom. A birthday celebration for the center is planned for March 11. Contact Jeanne McGee at (315) 355-5497 for further information or to volunteer your services.
Sunday, February 18. Dancing for Barra, 6-10 p.m. Dancing for Barra at El Manglito’s Restaurant on the lagoon. Live music featuring Jaime Elis, Frida y Adrian and H&R Rock. 50 pesos per person. Contact Linda Bello Ruiz on Facebook for further details.
Monday, February 19, 3-6 p.m. Artist’s Afternoon Social. An afternoon social featuring the paintings of Ed Gilliam at his garden studio located at Calle Esmeralda 32 in Villa Obregon.
Monday, February 19. Photography and art presentation. Photography by Jeanne McGee and 9 other artists, including jewelers, painters and more at Galeria Amiga in Casa Camara, Calle Esmeralda 129 (next door to Gilliam’s studio).
Saturday, February 24. 7th Annual Rotary Charity Golf Tournament at Isla Navidad Country Club. A buffet/BBQ luncheon is included and there will also be a silent auction with items provided by the tournament sponsors. Teams or individuals must sign up by February 20. The fee for Rotary members is 850 pesos per person, non-members 1,600 pesos. Guest luncheon tickets are available for 400 pesos each. Entry forms can be picked up at Isla Navidad, Hotel Cabo Blanco in Barra de Navidad or from any Rotary Club member. You can also call Don Egan at (315) 355-8412 or Paul Coderre at 843-492-0223 (U.S. phone number for entry forms or information). This tournament is an 18-hole Texas Scramble Format.
Thanks!
Costalegre Rotary Club members thank everyone who attended their very successful, Sock Hop/Silent Auction on January 25. Special thanks go to the businesses and individuals who donated items and time for the auction. Proceeds from this benefit will purchase items needed to complete residents’ rooms at Casa de Ancianos (seniors’ residence) in Cihuatlan that was recently remodeled. Rotary also acknowledges the significant contributions of funds and volunteer hours for repairs and painting at Casa de Ancianos by the Borrachos/Barrachas group of Barra/Melaque.