Puerto Vallarta Scene

Puerto Vallarta Information & Events

Classes in Mexican History and Religion at the IFC

Winter 2008 Classes Offered at the IFC

by Pamela Thompson

Daniel Grippo, M.A., is offering two courses at the International Friendship Club that every expat living in Vallarta should attend. Six Moments in Mexican History starts on January 21st, and Religious Traditions in Latin America on February 15th.

With a M.A. in Religion and a Ph.D. in Latin American History, Dan Grippo is a fabulous teacher, full of experience and knowledge. We are so lucky to have him available to present these courses. What better way to learn about the country that we live in?

You are invited to register for one or both of these courses:

Six Moments in Mexican History

  • Mondays, 10 – 11:45 am
  • Six class meetings
  • First class: January 21st
  • Last class: February 28th
  • Minimum tuition donation to the IFC: $300 pesos per student

Religious Traditions in Latin America

  • Fridays, 10 – 11:45 am
  • Five class meetings
  • First class: February 15th
  • Last class: March 14th
  • Minimum tuition donation to the IFC: $250 pesos per student

Your tuition will be given to the IFC as a donation (minimum donations indicated — you may give more!) Reading materials will be provided each week, with donations to the instructor accepted to cover photocopying expenses. There will be no tests or requirements other than trying to do the readings before we meet each week.

Please contact Dan directly at dangrippo(at)yahoo.com for further information, registration and questions.

Oysters of Los Muertos

There is always a lot of chatter by tourists in Puerto Vallarta over the lack of “authenticity” in Mexican cuisine and culture in this rapidly developing resort town…

oysters5a-web

One day in January we set out to find “real” Méxican food in the middle of tourista Los Muertos Beach in Puerto Vallarta. It was there, right in front of our eyes, as we crossed the Malécon bridge over the Cuale River. Vallarta has a way of dishing up surprises like this. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, another sense, idea or emotion is stimulated.

I’ve tried these oysters while drinking in a beach-front bar on Los Muertos. They are sold by wandering vendors for between 80 and 120 pesos a plate of 12 (depending on the season and your bargaining ability). They’re good. Freshest I’ve had. And sweet. And salty.

puerto vallarta oysters-1b

Fresh Oysters, with wet-suits and floats sitting next to the oyster shuckers.

The shuckers each had his own bottle of Huichol Hot Sauce and almost every tenth oyster was eaten before it could make it on to the plates.

puerto vallarta oysters-2b

Puerto Vallarta oysters-3b

No more complaints about the lack of authentic Mexican food. OK?

by the PVScene Staff

Saint Anthony’s Feast Pet Blessing » January 17

Traditionally, on the Feast Day Saint Anthony Abbot (Saint Anthony the Great) animals, goats, chickens, you name it, are taken to churches around the country to be blessed by a priest. And this year, the SPCA de PV is sponsoring a blessing to be given at Puerta del Cielo, the new chapel of Hacienda San Angel at 363 Miramar.
Saint Anthony and Pig by Wilhelm Busch
The Thursday morning event is free and open to the public (human), but restricted to household pets only. Dogs must be on leashes and cats in cages. This is the modern yuppie version of the traditional Mexican pet blessing.

Father Juan Francisco Gradilla Gutierrez will give the blessing at 11 am sharp, so please arrive early, 10:30 ideally, so as not to interrupt the service.

Following the blessing there will be refreshments for pets and their owners offered in the garden of Hacienda San Angel, which promises to be a fun time for all.

12 Uvas » A Mexican New Years Tradition

Everyone here in Puerto Vallarta eats 12 grapes during the 12 strokes of the midnight bells….

This is an old Spanish tradition dating back to 1909. In December of that year, some Alicantese vine growers came up with the idea to better sell huge amounts of grapes left over from an excellent harvest.
12 Uvas at New Years

The tradition consists of eating a grape with each bell strike at midnight at New Years, December 31. If you’re a fast thinker, a wish may be made with each grape.

According to the tradition, eating these grapes leads to a year of prosperity and people always need hope at celebrations, especially one marking the end of one era, however ephemeral, and the beginning of another.

Typically, grocery stores double the price of uvas the week before New Years.

OTHER NEW YEARS TRADITIONS:
Those who want to find love in the new year wear red underwear. Those who want money wear yellow underwear.
Red and Yellow Panties at New Years

Indigenous Cultural Fair » Parque Hidalgo » November 7-18

The Indigenous Cultural Fair is taking place from November 7 to 18 in the Parque Hidalgo square.

Puerto Vallarta Indigenous Fair

Seven indigenous communities are participating, Tzotzil, Zapoteca, Otomi, Mixteca, Nahuatl, Wixaritari and Triqui. They are presenting their traditional cuisine, dance, music, medicine and handicrafts and a total 70 exhibitors are participating.

This is a unique opportunity to get a close look at the cultural expressions of seven native communities, each with its own language, costumes, and rich traditions; obviously, not to be missed.