Preliminary Results
The boats came into the bay on Wednesday night, February 27, with Checkmate, Novia del Mar, Ariadne, Gulliver, Lady Blue II, Sensation and Everfit being the first boats to pass the finish line. The first boat on Thursday was Stars and Stripes, and many witnessed a racing duel between Stark Raving Mad and Innocent Merriment on the finishing stretch, when Stark Raving Mad just managed to beat Innocent Merriment by 51 seconds after 1,000 nautical miles of sailing. One of the most unexpected incidents on arrival was that some local fishermen had taken the buoy indicating the finishing stretch just off Punta Mita. According to some reports, they found the buoy, which is in the shape of a pyramid, an amusing plastic device.

Treat for History Lovers
History lovers have a great opportunity to explore a very debated dispute between Mexico and the United States, which began at the Battle of El Alamo in 1836. Dr. Boyd-Bowman will be presenting a lecture about Texas and the War with Mexico at 7:30 pm at the IFC Clubhouse. For more information on this event phone (322) 222-5466 or e-mail ifc@pvmexico.com.

New Restaurant Opens
If you are into checking out new places, a new gourmet restaurant called Murales has just opened by the Premiere Hotel in a peaceful setting by the ocean. The official inauguration cocktail with invited guests will take place on March 1, where their new menu of Mediterranean inspiration will be presented. It will be open only for dinner from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and offers live music by Los Bohemios. For more information call (322) 222-3737.

Vallarta Artists Go to Canary Islands
Six local artists, who recently attended a taller (workshop) conference in Zacatecas, also were chosen for a group show in Tenerife, Canary Islands. Sergio Martinez, Hania Leñero, Ireri Topete, Miguel Perez, Pedro Tello and Fernando Sanchez are the lucky and very talented artists who will meet for their group show at the Sala Conca in Tenerife in June. Maria José Zorrilla, Director of Culture, met with them to congratulate them in their efforts.

New Books About Vallarta
Two books of local interest were recently released. The first, Puerto Vallarta: 150 Años de Historia, is a work of love by historian Luis Reyes Brambila. A textual and photographic exploration of our lovely city, this invaluable book is available at Libros Libros/Books Books. The second book, a mythical prehispanic tale entitled Uitzitzilis, is the combined effort of writer Juan Manuel Gomez Encarnacion and artist Ada Colorina. Watch for the date for the booksigning at Galeria Uno in May.

New Art Gallery Downtown
Just a block and a half from the Malecon is a new gallery, scheduled to open Saturday, March 9, at 6 P.M. The first show is entitled ‘Cuerpos’, by two artists from Mexico City. Located just down the block from the popular restaurant Pipi’s, at Calle Pipila 160, owner José Villavicencio plans to feature both local and national artists. Stop in to check it out!

Cafe des Artistes Wins Canirac
Café des Artistes was recently honored by the Cåmara Nacional de la Industria de Restaurantera y Alimentos Condimentados with a special merit award. Called La Canirac, the award is sort of an "Oscar" for the already internationally-famous restaurant. Chef and owner Thierry Blouet was present to receive the award from the president of Caniråc, Andrés Olivella, in Mexico City March 1.

Galería Corsica A Success
Gallery Corsica opened March 9 with an impact on the local art world. The owners, Jose A. Villavicencio and Jean Pierre Renucci opened with an exhibition of two artists, painter Luciano Spanó and engraver Flor Minor. While Luciano recalls the work of Caravaggio in his use of light, Flor brings to mind the fine ink drawings of Leonardo da Vinci. It’s a must-see on any art walk, located at 160 Pipila downtown.

Vagina Monologues Redux
Don’t miss it the second time around. Now the Vagina Monologues, by Eve Ensler, will be presented in English. The IFC (Intl. Friendship Club) is introducing the play as a benefit for the Children’s Cleft Palate Surgery Program. Starring local actresses Patricia Elisar, Alex Ryer and Tenchirina, tickets are for sale at $150 pesos. The functions will be at the IFC at Edificio Parian del Puente #13 at 8 p.m. on March 18, 20, 21 and 23.

Mexican Film Festival Begins
If the heat gets to you, spend some time in the air-conditioned Cine Bahia at the Muestra de Cine Mexicano March 15-21. On the same dates, there is the free Muestra de Cine Iberoamericano on the Isla Rio Cuale. Check for the schedule on our events calendar. Expected to attend are actors such as the Bichir brothers, Demian and Bruno, and directors, including Montxo Armendáriz of “Secretos del Corazon”.

Fiesta Blanca, A Great Time For All
Fiesta Blanca 2002 tops the season with a successful fundraiser for the Organization Vallarta Contra el SIDA, OVCS, Vallarta's AIDS organization. Thanks to the donations of local businesses, guests enjoyed an afternoon of gourmet food, music, dancing and a fabulous silent auction. Fiesta Blanca 2002 Committee is pleased to announce they raised $8,000.USD towards helping educate the community on the subject of HIV/AIDS. Anyone wishing to make a donation or interested in information may contact jeri@mexmags.com or call OVCS directly at 9322) 222-2414.

Semana Santa is here, whether or not you’re ready. It elicits reactions, perhaps because of the traffic, the incoming hordes, or even for more traditional reasons of culture or religion. It means making money or spending it, depending on your angle. It might mean more people, if you’re ‘fortunate’ enough to have annual guests. Today I’m inviting you to take a walk (or drive) with us through Vallarta and the events and news of the week.

Just in time for Semana Santa, Señor Frog’s opened its new flagship store in the gallery just opposite the Hotel Buenaventura. The façade will get your attention at the corner of San Salvador and Avenida Mexico as you pass by toward downtown. The store has the Señor Frog’s/Carlos O’Brien line of clothing in addition to a small bar. With a view of the busy avenue, the bar is actually a quiet place to have a drink before continuing down the street. Stop in if the traffic gets you down!

Farther down the street, you’ll find the Malecon, the scene of very heavy activity during Semana Santa. Hundreds of youths come from the cities and countryside during their annual break from school. Hotels will be full and the restaurants packed. This year, there is a special security force as families not used to ocean tides, ‘big city’ ways and heavy traffic escape their usual routine. Additional latrines are already added along the tourist beaches. The ‘transitos’, or traffic police, will be increased to monitor traffic, while the beach patrols monitor activity on the coastline. In addition to safety for swimmers, they watch for drug and alcohol abuse. Be careful, be aware, and watch for the other guy, especially if he’s in uniform.

Later, as the sun lowers its head, stop in at Café des Artistes. Congratulate them for their latest honors, and stay for a meal. It might be the best you ever had. Entrée magazine, dedicated to the discovery of very special places, awarded them the Golden Award of excellence as one of the ‘World’s Greatest Restaurants’. And this comes just on the heels of the Cánirac award, pictured here, given by the national industry of food and beverages in Mexico City. Ready for more? They will be awarded the 5-star diamond award by the American Hospitality Academy April 12. It goes on. Café des Artistes will participate in a national festival in Mexico City in late June at the Hotel Marquis de Reforma, where information, honors and good taste will abound. And don’t forget the wine store across the street, Las Cavas des Artistes, where you can finally get those gourmet wines.

While in the downtown area, stop in at the ayuntamiento, or city hall, to get your schedule of the Fiestas Culturales de Mayo. Including a variety of activities and entertainment, dance and music ranging from mariachi to classical, the venues are spread throughout the city. Food is an important part of this festival, and food stands will be especially evident in the main square. Art, music, dance and traditional as well as modern-day activities can keep the whole family occupied.

There’s a place called the Santa Barbara, which if you don’t know it yet, you will soon. It has already been mentioned as the home of recent performances by both Theatre Vallarta and Spotlight Productions, Tuesday night Karaoke and Thursday night Bingo. The addition this week of a new play by Theatre Vallarta, “The Melville Boys”, directed by Eileen O’Leary, promises to keep you entertained. Eileen directs her two sons, Patrick and Robert, in a comedy that will keep you entranced. Pictured here are the two modern-day sleuths, Christy Ross and Trish Mooney. The play will run from March 26 until April 26, with performances on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, except for March 29 for the holiday. Call 223-2048 for reservations.

While we’re at the Santa Barbara, note the arrival of Donald Ross, entertainer extraordinaire of Fiji and Palm Springs fame. Don brought his piano, a modern marvel that records CDs in addition to allowing his talented fingers to stroke the board. His show will be a cabaret, a special addition with the updated sound system. Any day now, the air-conditioning will be installed and the Santa Barbara will shine on the map of Olas Altas in all its coolness. Located at Olas Altas #351 in Colonia Emiliano Zapata.

Still with me? Let’s continue on down (or up) Olas Altas, past the Café San Angel, past La Pizzeria and on up the hill. Just two doors up, as the street begins to rise, on the right side you will see The Palm Bar. Proudly presenting Carrie Chesnutt, with special guests, they have shows every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 10 PM and midnight. Stop in for a drink and enjoy the Lady and her Sax! “Jazz is in my blood”, she says, “but I also do some Caribbean and popular music. I’m very eclectic.” Check www.thepalmbar.com for more details.

Don’t get lost as we head back toward the marina area. On the way, if it’s Tuesday, you’ll see the Star Princess. It’s the newest in their line of ships, just debuting this month. The largest and most amenity-filled ship sailing along the West Coast, the Star Princess will depart from Los Angeles weekly and cruise the Mexican Riviera, ports of call being Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. She is a sister ship to the Grand Princess, featuring a wedding chapel, two specialty restaurants, three separate show lounges, swimming pools, bars and theaters.

Just in sight of the ship is the Westin Regina Resort, which recently received, once again, the four-diamond award from AAA, American Automobile Association, competing with the best in the world. The award is given after several anonymous visits and inspections to each of the hotels in question. Ever since opening in 1992, the Westin Regina has been proud to receive this award. Other recent awards are the Travel Channel’s 10 best beach resorts of Mexico, the gold list of Conde Nast and the Golden Apple of Apple Vacations.

While you’re on your walk, or drive, or even just passing through, please be aware that some merchants may try to take advantage of the busy situation. If you are conscious of any price gouging, or even any instances of the attempt to do so, please let us know. Contact us directly at voice@mexmags.com with details. Thank you. And enjoy Semana Santa.

New Movie Theater Opens in Town
A cocktail party March 20 was the inauguration for an exciting new movie theater, L’Opera, at 287-1 Encino. “I not only have a passion for the movies,” said owner Jésus Sánchez, “I’m pathological about them.” Open nightly except Mondays, the program is a variety from arts to favorites to retrospectives. The entire program is accessible at VirtualVallarta.com under events. A full bar is operating and food service is expected shortly.

Guadalupana Photo Show Opens at City Hall
The celebrations for the Virgin of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Vallarta, are an important event in December. Just this week, a fascinating exhibit of black and white photographs by Gonzalo Ramírez Soto was unveiled. Consisting of 19 carefully chosen images, it’s only a touch of his work. “I have over 70 photographs,” he says, “and am working towards compiling them for a book.” The exhibit will continue through Semana Santa at city hall.

Terra Noble Welcomes Spring
A moving welcome for the Spring solstice was performed at Terra Noble March 21. With over a hundred attendees dressed in white, the day consisted of tours of the spa as well as informative lectures on bonsai and demonstrations of massage. Owner Jorge Rubio invited the public to join in a celebration of life in a combined indigenous and eastern ceremony.

Film Festivals Close With Huge Attendances
It’s been an exciting week for movie-goers trying to fit in two week-long film festivals, one four-night homage on film, and the opening of a brand-new movie house. We were honored by the visit of many of the stars and directors of the films for both festivals. Top of the list was ‘Otilia Rauda’, directed by Dana Rotberg. The star, Gabriela Canudas, was also voted best actress in Guadalajara and in Spain at their recent festivals.

“Crazy for Gershwin” Revue is a Hit
Most of his songs are classics, and the ones that aren’t should be. “I want them to leave humming,” George Gershwin believed. The spirit of the very optimistic American composer was back on stage in song and dance this week in the show “Crazy for Gershwin”. Directed by Kathleen Hennen, the show is funny, romantic, delightful and magical. The local talent is outstanding.