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Los Arcos Rise Architect Martín Distancia Barragán continues to work on Los Arcos to have them ready in time for the upcoming festivities. With a team of stonecutters and laborers, the architect expects the project to be completed by December 1. The special porous stone, called cantera, comes from a quarry near Zapopan. Originally from Guadalajara but currently living in Puerto Vallarta, Distancia Barragán donated his time for the design and reconstruction of this symbol of Puerto Vallarta. The municipality of Zapopan donated not only the stone but also money toward the renovation work. Once again, Los Arcos will stand proudly as not only the symbol of the city but also of the spirit of cooperation among the Mexican people.
Buses Through Downtown Reduced A new proposal for the number of buses allowed through the downtown area went into effect November 29. Expected to last at least through the December festivals, the plan may be extended until January 15. In this latest version, only 24 buses will be allowed through downtown each day, eight from each of the three companies. All other buses will be either rerouted through the tunnel or back to their destination from Hidalgo Park. Upon arrival at Hidalgo Park, a transfer will be accepted upon presentation of the original bus ticket for passengers wishing to continue through downtown. The transfer system still has details to be worked out, as some of the buses do not give tickets. Another problem is the time allowed to make the transfer. In the meantime, taxi drivers seem to accept this latest solution with equanimity.
Additional Malecón Extension Proposed A proposal to extend the Malecón north was proposed in a session at City Hall Wednesday. In this plan, the extension would serve as protection against further damage to the coastline. Nevertheless, the hotels along the route that would be affected, from Hotel Rosita to the Sheraton Buganvilias, expressed their disapproval immediately. The hotels gave three major reasons: The proposal would affect the value of their property, expose it to access by vendors, and reduce hotel guests’ access to the beach area. The mayor’s office expressed the need for unanimous agreement to the plan if it is to continue.
High Season Arrives The good news is that with Thanksgiving Day hotel occupation has risen in Puerto Vallarta. The EMC2 World Golf Cup is on the horizon, as well as the Cultural Festival of December. Due to the continued construction along the Malecón, the normal daytime pilgrimages, other than that on December 1, will be cancelled this year. The evening pilgrimages, December 1 – 12, will continue as usual, beginning at 7 pm. Due to reduced street accessibility, the public is well advised to consider the alternate tunnel route, which will also experience heavier traffic than normal.
Week of November 22st, 2002
Everybody Loves a Parade Downtown Puerto Vallarta was the scene of the annual Revolution Day parade Wednesday, November 20. A national holiday, it commemorates the revolution of 1910, whenFrancisco I. Madero called for an uprising against President Pofirio Díaz. This led the country into 10 difficult years, especially in the area along the US border. The movement finally was able to wrest the power from the hands of a select few and establish the constitution that framed a functional democracy. In Mexico City, the parade is attended by the president and includes sports heroes from all over the country. Schools, sports organizations and other special groups topped off by charros on horseback form the parade here in Puerto Vallarta. Children and elderly participants dress in period costumes to represent the revolutionaries.
Cruising Vallarta A representative of the Administración Portuaria Integral, Alex Casarrubias García, reported that cruising continues to be a popular way to visit Puerto Vallarta. We will receive a total of 18 ships by the end of November. While here, many on board will take tours into the surrounding areas, as well as into the city itself. So far, this year has been the best ever, while next year promises an increase from 175 ships to a projected 186. An important thing to remember, Casarrubias García pointed out, is that up to 50 percent of cruise passengers return for longer stays after once visiting our port city. The 11- or 16-hour visit is never enough.
Film Commission Represents Vallarta Formed to attract future film projects to Puerto Vallarta, the Comisión Municipal de Filmaciones has big plans. The members, including Wayne McLeod of “Vallarta Today” and Dennis Whitelaw of the Fideicomiso de Turismo, will meet this week to present ideas and suggest strategies. The principle task of the commission will be to promote the area for filming of TV, movies and other commercial projects. This week, with the continued filming of the movie “Puerto Vallarta Squeeze,” buses were restricted from the downtown area. Filming should be wrapped up by December 15, with the movie to be released in spring 2003.
Play a Success The dramatic play “On Golden Pond” continues at Santa Barbara in Emiliano Zapata. Centered on the life and relationships of the family of Norman and Ethel Thayer, played by Frank Meyer and Beverly Rose, the three-act play drew strong applause. Their daughter, Chelsea, played by Kirsten Reinking, enters and tension mounts. Life has never been easy in this family of male bluster, female caretaking and role-playing, directed by Karen King. “I cried at the end,” said one theatergoer. “It was better than the movie.” The movie, released in 1981, won Katharine Hepburn and Henry Fonda best actor awards at the Oscars. The play is scheduled to continue until December 20. Tickets, including a three-course dinner, are $350 pesos per person. Call (322) 222-4477 or (322) 223-2048 for reservations. Santa Barbara is located at Olas Altas 351.
Week of November 15st, 2002
"Pez vela", or sailfishing, returns In its 47th year, the Sailfishing Tournament of Puerto Vallarta is November 21 to 23. Special awards include best sail crew, best lady and best youth, in addition to best sailfish, marlin and dorado. Brand new vehicles, like the first-prize Chevrolet Cheyenne pickup, and cash prizes up to $20,000 pesos await you. It is sponsored by the Club de Pesca de PV and La Delegación de Pesca del Estado, both fishing clubs. Including President Vicente Fox on its list of invitees, registration begins at Hotel Velas Vallarta on Wednesday, November 20. Daily fish weigh-ins’ will be at Flamingo Vallarta at 6 pm. Both hotels and other participating sponsors have special rates for registrants. Further information can be found at pvfishingtournament.com or by calling 225-5467.
Filming Vallarta “Puerto Vallarta Squeeze,” based on the novel of the same name by Robert James Waller, began filming locally last week. Starring Harvey Keitel and Scott Glenn, in addition to local actor Hector Soberón, filming is scheduled in traditional spots such as the Malecón. Despite the damage by the passing of Hurricane Kenna, filming continues, only delayed by one day. As the filming proceeds, the community is asked for understanding, as occasional traffic delays may be experienced. Other locations will take the film crew outside of Vallarta to Boca de Tomatlán, El Tuito and elsewhere. The film, directed by Arthur Seidelman, is scheduled for release in spring 2003.
American Airlines adds flights American Airlines added two nonstop flights a week from Chicago to Puerto Vallarta. It’s a repositioning that brings us the advantage of better service from an area that clamors for better access to the Mexican Riviera. As a cold winter descends on some of the northern regions, Puerto Vallarta prepares for a good season. The flights, on Saturday and Sunday, depart from Chicago O’Hare at 8:15 am and arrive here at 12:51 pm. The return leaves Vallarta at 1:38 pm and gets back into Chicago at 5:56 pm. The Boeing Super 80 has a capacity of 14 passengers in first class and 115 in coach.
Bus odd, bus even Regular bus service began again through the downtown area Tuesday, November 12, without further ado. Despite opposition to reinstating service that needs improvement, the bus companies won this round. The difference this time is that now they will circulate only on alternating days, based on the last number of their license plates. For example, Wednesday was odd numbers, while Thursday was even. Traffic police will monitor that the buses comply with the new regulation, albeit awaiting final approval. On Monday there is another meeting with the mayor to discuss handling imbalances in the number of odd and even licenses in some companies and the impossibility of serving the community well on some routes, considered more related to tourism. An example is the Marina area, with the major destination being downtown.
Week of November 8st, 2002
Festival gourmet underway With a coctel de bienvenida, or welcome cocktail party, at exclusive Terra Noble perched on the hill above Puerto Vallarta, the 8th Festival Gourmet was inaugurated November 7. Dancers came out of the trees and music filled the night. The visiting chefs were introduced as part of the festivities. Owner Jorge Rubio welcomed guests and the press in the ceremony, El Despertar de los Sentidos, or the “Awakening of the Senses.” Late into the night, dancing continued as the food and wine changed colors. Check our events calendar for further information on specific events.
La Palapa Back on its Feet One of the gourmet restaurants affected by Hurricane Kenna was La Palapa, a favorite on the beach. With his restaurant nearly totaled, except for the kitchen, owner Alberto Pérez was one of the first business owners to decide to move right into reconstruction without waiting for insurance decisions. Now, less than two weeks later, La Palapa is open again. Manager Lili Pérez said, “We’re open for dinner only so far. It’s so exciting, after everything we’ve gone through, to be back in business for the public.” In addition to their regular chef, they are hosting visiting chef Todd Miller during the Festival Gourmet and will hold the planned Beach Brunch November 10. Located at Púlpito 103 on Playa de Los Muertos; call 222-5225 for reservations.
Cultural Festival Rescheduled Maria José Zorrilla, director of culture, announced the new dates for the postponed cultural festival, originally scheduled November 1 - 17. The festival has been rescheduled to December 1 - 14, a time period that includes the EMC2 World Cup and the peregrinaciones, or pilgrimages, for the Virgin of Guadalupe. Says Maria José, “The most difficult was finding a schedule and dates for so many artists coming from so many different places. Unfortunately, we lost a few due to the new dates, but I think it’s a festival that the city will be proud of and enjoy.” For further information and the new schedule, check our events calendar.
Book Signings November 16 Pat Henry, writer, artist, adventurer, will sign copies of her recently released book, “By the Grace of the Sea: A Woman’s Solo Odyssey Around the World,” which documents her eight years of trials and triumphs. Turn out to show her your support, 6 - 10 pm at Galleria Dante, Basilio Badillo 269. Gil Gevins, writer, humorist, adventurer, will sign copies of the second edition of his book, “Puerto Vallarta on 49 Brain Cells a Day,” which relates another kind of journey, navigating through the confusion of cultural differences. The book signing will be held 6 – 10 pm at Lucy’s CuCú Cabaña, Basilio Badillo 295.
Week of November 1st, 2002
Vallarta Rebuilds With Pride
One of the best local headlines this week was one in Spanish that said, “Puerto Vallarta Sigue en Pie”, or “PV Still Stands.” Never has it been more obvious to residents and visitors alike that there is more than one quality that sets Puerto Vallarta apart as a special place. Already known as the “friendliest city in the world,” another more recent appellation is the “fastest recovering city” in the world. In less than a week after a category-five hurricane, the city is back in business with a smile.
Along the Malecón, the heart of the city, where the ocean entered with a vengeance, the damage is still evident, but the music and vibrancy of the city are captivating. Bars and restaurants are open, and people are enjoying the streets with reduced traffic. Buses are still restricted and there are those who express the wish that they stay that way. Walking is no longer as precarious as it once was. Taxi drivers agree, business is better for them, and point out that even parking is better.
At Los Muertos Beach, the sand is back, hauled in trucks and wheel barrels, shoveled by soldiers in green, beach vendors in white, and temporary laborers in their assorted shorts and huaraches. Tourists lie on towels on the soft sand and in their chaise lounges, waiting for the waiter with the margarita or beer. Vendors pass by with woodcarvings and rugs and amulets. Life is beautiful and the drinks are cheap. Restaurants along the ocean walk, not quite a malecón, are open and busy. The popular El Dorado and La Palapa restaurants, neighbors and both survivors of Kenna, are in the middle of major reconstruction. El Dorado aims to open for the upcoming party celebrating the birthday of Richard Burton November 10. La Palapa plans to be ready to serve dinner this weekend.
Stories of the generosity of not only the local people, but visitors as well, abound. La Petite France, one of the popular gourmet restaurants in the Hotel Zone, served diners by candlelight the night of Kenna’s visit. “People came knocking at our door, begging to be served. We didn’t have electricity, but with the gas stoves and plenty of makings for salads, we were able to not only serve the public but create a romantic evening,” says Monica Díaz, assistant to owner Don Nacho Cadena. At Playa Los Arcos on Olas Altas, hotel guests pitched in and helped move mud and sand to put the newly remodeled restaurant back in order, and by early afternoon it was fully operational once again. The Cultural Festival has been postponed, but that will give you more time to enjoy the Festival Gourmet. Beginning November 7 with cocktails at the exclusive Terra Noble, the series of dinners, brunches, cocktails and wine tastings promises the best in its eighth year. Check for the scheduled events November 7 - 17 on this website, in the November issue of “Vallarta Voice,” or the gourmet website at www.festivalgourmet.com. Also, as soon as the new dates and schedules for the Cultural Festival are announced, we will publish them on this website.
Visits were made this week by various government officials, including Gov. Francisco Ramírez Acuña and President Vicente Fox Quesada, both of whom agreed to contribute a total of $25 million pesos, about 10% of what will be needed at last estimate. A plea was made at the meeting with the representatives of the European Union for additional help with funding. Representative José Ignacio Salafranca of the Belgian-based organization promised to consider the proposal. Secretary of Tourism Leticia Navarro Ochoa promised Vallarta $4 million pesos in addition to the already tagged $10 million pesos for promotion of our destination. “The important thing to emphasize with tour operators is that services are operating normally in Vallarta, the infrastructure is intact,” she said.
Los Arcos, a traditional symbol of Puerto Vallarta taken down by the sea in its fury, will be back up within three weeks. The original architect, Martín Distancia Barragán, is committed to working on the project. Although the quarry for the porous cantera stone originally used is no longer in operation, a similar stone – also cantera, but less porous and more resistant – will actually be better. One of the best-known sculptors for work in this type of stone, Martín has no estimate yet on the cost of the replacement.
Swing Vallarta More golf is underway in Vallarta, with the Vallarta Cup beginning October 31. Manager Luis Angarita of Hotel Velas Vallarta, as the major promoter, announced an important change in venue of the Competition Swing Vallarta. Play opens today at Vista Vallarta, the same course scheduled for the EMC World Cup in December. This tournament, which will continue through Sunday, November 2, gives the hotels involved an opportunity to coordinate the effort on golf promotion for future events.
Richard Burton Party The public is invited to a birthday party November 10 in honor of Richard Burton at the newly reconstructed El Dorado restaurant, one of the few hangouts left from the ‘60s. Richard Burton, famous for his drinking, favored tequila and beer, both to be available in quantities. Photos of the era of the filming of “Night of the Iguana” will be on display and stories will be shared with an audio-visual presentation. Tickets are available in advance at the restaurant for $200 pesos or at the door for $250 pesos.
Art Season Underway One of the important events in the downtown area is the bi-monthly Art Walk, which began the season Wednesday, October 30. Scheduled 6 - 10 pm, the unescorted tour winds through the streets of Puerto Vallarta from sculptures to fine art to fun art to wine and cheese. It’s a great way to meet not only the residents and other art aficionados but the artists as well. Eleven galleries are involved this year. Schedules with a detailed map can be picked up at most galleries and stores downtown.
Vallarta Voice The new high season has begun with “Vallarta Voice” on the newsstands once again. A free English-language magazine for the local English-speaking community and visitors, the publication accepts submissions from readers. A selection of past articles can be read at www.vallartavoice.com, and submissions can be sent to voice@mexmags.com. “Vallarta Voice” is published monthly November through April and features the most complete events calendar available. Remember that some events may not be included because of deadlines and schedules and also check our events calendar here online.

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