Charros
The Noveno Campeonato Internacional Charro (Ninth International Charro Championship) “Hacienda Serena 2020” takes place at Arena Vallarta from January 28 to February 2.
Sixteen of the best Mexican equestrian teams, plus 10 from the United States, will face off in this annual competition in the Mexican version of U.S. rodeo.
The event kicks off Tuesday, January 28 with a street party at Los Arcos on the malecon at 8:30 p.m. Entrance to the charro events costs 100 pesos on the first two days, and 200 pesos on the last two (when the finals take place).
Each day, after the men’s competition, teams of talented ladies (escaramuzas) perform in the arena, usually to much applause.
Attendees can also enjoy live music throughout the event, as well as a variety of antojitos mexicanos (Mexican snacks), seafood, and regional dishes. This event is 100-percent family friendly, with secure facilities, handicap access, as well as a children’s playground with staff to watch over the little ones.
Arts and crafts are also available for purchase, with unique charrería accessories to take home as souvenirs.
Organizers promise there will be clean bathrooms, parking and public transportation.
There’s also a parade of horsemen and women along the Vallarta malecon, starting at Hotel Rosita at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 31.
For more information and tickets, see arenavallarta.com.
Aguachile Festival
Your taste buds will be in for a treat if you head over to the Festival del Ceviche y Aguachile, Sunday, January 26, 2-8 p.m. at Lazaro Cardenas Park.
Ceviche is a popular seafood dish originating in Peru, typically made from fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices, such as lemon or lime, and spiced with chili peppers or other seasonings, including chopped onions, salt, and coriander. It’s usually served in Mexico with tostadas.
Aguachile (literally chile water) is a dish made of shrimp, submerged in liquid seasoned with chili peppers, lime juice, salt, cilantro, slices of cucumber and onion. Other raw vegetables can be added.
Twenty-five local seafood restaurants will be serving up a variety of aguachile and ceviche concoctions at the festival. There will plenty of refreshments available, along with live music and a Hawaiian dance presentation by a local school troupe at 7 p.m. Free entry.
Beef Dip
Thousands of bears and their fans will descend upon Puerto Vallarta, Mexico’s top gay destination, for seven days of partying, touring, cruising and dining from January 26 to February 2.
Events kick off with an official welcome party with complementary hors d’oeuvres and a free Beef Dip margarita. Meet your hosts and check out the bears, cubs and admirers for the first meet up of the year.
Other events include the Wet and Wild pool party and The Big Beef Dipper Dinner Party (one of the highlights of the week). Reservations are recommended.
For more information, see beefdip.com.
Four-day feast
Four internationally acclaimed Mexican female chefs are joining forces with Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit to host the first annual Women & Traditional Cuisine, January 30 to February 2.
Their unique cooking styles combine traditional Mexican fare with modern flavors to pamper your palate in this prestigious culinary event. Established to spotlight successful women chefs in Mexico, this four-day feast features a multi-course dining experience with special pairings of Mexican wines and spirits.
Participating chefs include Adria Marina, former chef of République in Los Angeles and Misión 19 and Georgina in Tijuana; Maffer Klyota, owner of Domitila restaurant and Tropico food truck in Colima; Zahie Téllez, the founder of Parabere Forum, a nonprofit platform supporting the role of women in the food industry; and Xrysw Ruelas Díaz, co-owner of tortilla bakery and restaurant Xokol Antojería in Guadalajara.
Access to the event is included in the nightly rate for Grand Velas resort guests, but tickets are also available for non-guests starting at US$80 per adult and US$40 per minor. See velasresorts.com for tickets.
Festival Sayulita
Festival Sayulita is celebrating its seventh year, January 29 to February 2, with only three events announced at press time.,
Instead of a once-a-year multi-day event, this year will see the festival start the process of integrating its cine, music, art and culinary events into year-round activities for the beach town’s residents and visitors. These will include pop-up events at El Centro Creativo and other community venues, as well as monthly movie nights, theater productions, farm-to-table dining and live music under the stars.
Announced events are a family movie night (a Cantinflas flick and a cartoon) on the beach, Friday, January 31, 7 p.m. in front of La Terrazola restaurant; and Voz de Sayulita, a fundraiser talent show Saturday, February 1 at the Centro Creativo, with cocktails 6 p.m., the show 7 p.m. and an after-party at 9 p.m. Donation: 200 pesos. Also February 1 is the Stumble in the Jungle 5k and 10k Family Fun Run, starting 8:30 a.m., with commemorative prizes and margaritas at the finish line. Cost 200 pesos for over 16s. Children free.
See festivalsayulita.com.
Soccer tourney
The Copa Bahía Riviera Nayarit soccer tournament, January 30 to February 3, is one of the most-anticipated events for talented young players, as it not only includes cash prizes but also the chance to be seen by scouts from professional teams. Athletic groups, soccer schools, private colleges and leagues will participate. Visit facebook.com/CopaBahiaBBRV for more details.