Puerto Vallarta Scene

Puerto Vallarta Information & Events

World AIDS Day March » December 1

An Open Invitation from V.E.S. on World AIDS Day

– by Ed Thomas

The 1st of December, World AIDS Day, is the day when individuals and organizations from around the world come together to bring attention to the global AIDS epidemic.

Here in Puerto Vallarta, World AIDS Day will be commemorated with a march along the Malecón that begins at Parque Hidalgo on Monday, December 1st at 8:30 am and ends at Los Arcos with speeches by different state and local dignitaries.

world aids day marchPV World AIDS Day participants will gather at the Parque Hidalgo at 8 am to prepare for the 8:30 am start. We would love to have a big turn out for this march. There is always a good turnout from the schools and the women of Vallarta, but we would like to show that the expats and the seasonal residents care about what goes on here locally.

Also for those marching we ask that you wear a white shirt or T Shirt. We will provide the red ribbons, and if you would like to make and carry a banner with supporting words or the name of a friend/relative with the virus or affected by it all are welcome. Also in other cities people have carried Red & White balloons feel free to do so at this event.

VES will be providing free rapid testing that day at three different sites along the Malecón; at the end near the fishing boats, at the seahorse statue, and at the Los Arcos Amphitheater. The tests, which take approximately 15 minutes, will be available at all three locations from 10 am-2 pm and from 3-7 pm.

Helping out the VES mobile detection unit that day will be a crew from CAPASITS (Centro Ambulatorio para la Prevencion y Atencion del VIH/SIDA e Infecciones de Transmision Sexual) and a crew from SSJ (the Secreteria de Salud Jalisco.)

As 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of the first World Aids Day celebration in 1988, the theme of this year’s observation is “Keep the Promise – Stop Aids.”

Worldwide HIV & AIDS Statistics
AIDS statisticThe latest statistics on the world epidemic of AIDS & HIV were published by UNAIDS/WHO in July 2008, and refer to the end of 2007.

More than 25 million people have died of AIDS since 1981.Puerto Vallarta’s HIV/AIDS non-profit organization, Vallarta Enfrenta el SIDA, and CAPASITS, work together to provide high-quality medical care, counseling and psychological support, education and prevention programs, and outreach to at-risk communities in the Banderas Bay area. For information, assistance, or to volunteer or donate, please visit VallartaEnfrentaSida.org.

Blu’s Block Party » November 29

I love street parties in Puerto Vallarta and this one is probably going to top my list of the most memorable. What can you say? If this block party doesn’t blow the bloomers off of Vallarta, nothing can. Blu’s Salon is celebrating the beginning of its 4th year in business here in Vallarta with this modest approach to street partying.

(from Blu’s own words – never mind that he speaks of himself in the third…):

So here’s the deal. When blu throws a party, we tend to go over the top. I mean what’s the point of inviting 300 of your friends to close down Olas Altas, if you’re not going to give them something to talk about for a long, long time … right?

Well blu is in a party mood again, and when that happens, you need to be ready for anything. Saturday, November 29, 2008, is the night to put in your calendar now. On this particular night, there will only be one place to be from 8 till 10 pm. And that’s on the sidewalks and in the street in front of blu, the five star salon and spa, at Olas Altas 513. This party is free and open to the public. What a great way to start off the season – with free blu Mojitos, free blu Margaritas and free red and white wine.

But wait! That’s not all. No siree. blu is also ready to show off a little … with fashion, hair, jewelry, fashion and – oh yeah – more hair. At exactly 9 pm, we’ll have a fabulous fashion show. Each stylist will have their own models upon whom they will have worked their own form of magic. And, let me tell you, from the designs I’ve seen, they will all be a sight to behold.

Learning from our first fashion show, this year we’ll have a raised runway behind the curbside fencing in front of the salon, so everybody can see from anywhere – complete with special lighting, music and even a smoke machine! You’ll see it all: from what you can wear on the streets of Vallarta to what the runways in Europe are showing us. It will all will be revealed at the Phase 4 Begins Now party and fashion show.

It’s show time, and blu is geared up and ready to show off a little. With local merchants helping with dresses and jewelry and blu taking care of the rest … I guarantee you a good time will be had by all. And you never know, you may have more fun than you expected, and you may see a little more than you thought you would. Is that a big enough tease for you?

The fashion show – complete with raised, underlit, plexiglass runway – begins promptly at 9:00 pm. It’s Phase 4 Begins Now. 4 years of Fabulous. It will be like no other Anniversary Party ever on Olas Altas. Come see what it’s like to be drenched in len’s life!

Blu's Street Party in Puerto Vallarta

MUXES » Juchitán, Queer Paradise

Among the Zapotec Indians of Oaxaca, Mexico, boy babies who are born in a certain position, or little boys who prefer to play with girls, are raised as women, and are known as Muxes (pronounced “Mooshays”). n the town of Juchitán, in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Muxes have an important role to play in the life of the community. Because they are raised as women, the Muxes prefer to enter into relations with “straight” men. Since female virginity is important for marriage in Juchitán, unmarried boys have their first experiences with Muxes, but usually move on to a heterosexual marriage.

From “MUXES” a documentary feature (105 min) available at http://www.docfilm.com – A lively and surprising portrait of a group of homosexuals, who defend their sexual diversity while preserving their identity as Zapotec Indians in the “queer paradise” of Juchitán, Mexico. MUXES (pronounced ‘mooshays’) examines transgressive boundary-pushing within an indigenous culture that has historically embraced this “third gender. – more info at http://www.docfilm.com

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On the sun-baked Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Mexico lies the town of Juchitán, whose population of indigenous Zapotec have for centuries warded off numerous invasions to preserve their identity. Today, Juchitán has an additional, more notorious identity, as a “queer paradise” that is just as fiercely protected by the local “muxes,” effeminate homosexual men whose socially defined role within the Zapotec culture pre dates the advent of gay liberation.

In Muxes, director Alejandra Islas focuses on a dozen “intrepid” muxes who, since the mid-70s, have been more aggressive in ensuring that they are a visible part of the daily life of the town rather than an accepted one. In a country where machismo prevails, this is all the more difficult for those that fall “in-between.” Twenty years after Paris Is Burning explored the self-definition of an urban gay subculture through its drag balls, Muxes takes a similar approach to a subculture that may be unknown to the world at large, but raises few eyebrows at home.

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In this society, muxes have traditionally filled the roles of sewing, cooking, preparation of celebrations and providing lifetime care for their parents. Likewise, the men we meet here are chefs, salon-owners, housekeepers and teachers, in addition to being inveterate fun-lovers and an acknowledged “outlet” for straight men in a culture that still values virginity in brides. However, all is not perfect in paradise, as Islas occasionally suggests in a frequently amusing way just how low the glass ceiling of acceptance might be for those who push too hard.

– Miami Film Festival, 2006

FESTIVAL ARTÍSTICO LÉSBICO » November 6 – 9

Puerto Vallarta will host the 1st Annual Lesbian Artists Festival

I FESTIVAL ARTÍSTICO LÉSBICO

les alebrijes

November 6th – 9th – 4 days and 3 nights of Arts and Tours

When we extend our wings, love gets up in flight and we raise up to the top of the fullness. – We are a group of lesbian women interested in creating a professional arts and tourism-existence in Mexico.

As Puerto Vallarta’s gay and lesbian community grows, so do the events! Each year, more gays and lesbians are moving to Vallarta and more and more come to visit.

les alebrijes
Les Alebrijes is an adventure that aims to grow, go beyond the mythical ideas of groups to raise gay and lesbian foster a society that has a great capacity to embrace and contain many communities.

We are convinced that our strength can generate radical changes to society and put lesbian in an important place in the economy of Mexico.

We invite you to participate in this effort by taking advantage of the spaces that we have to promote your talent, your art and your strength. Here you can exhibit your paintings, drawings, records, music, books and anything else that represents your vocation and your work.

All are welcome to learn the art and buy the product of talent lesbian. This will allow them to be financially supported and that we can strengthen our businesses to drive.

For those who are not artists but do art with their businesses, also invited to participate in the directory business that we are about to open. This effort aims to generate synergy lesbian promote the growth of our businesses.

Interest participants should Send data from your business, arts, products or services to esalebrijes@lesalebrijes.com

A LIMITED number of rooms have been secured at BUENAVENTURA GRAND HOTEL. To check room availability and request a reservation, email: reservaciones (at) lesalebrijes.com.

MORE INFORMATION:

Mr Gay Competition » Puerto Vallarta » Sept 14, 2008

On September 14, 2008, the Gay community of Puerto Vallarta will come together to select Mr. Gay Puerto Vallarta 2008. The event is being organized by, and will benefit local non-profit Vallarta Enfrenta el SIDA, A.C. (VES) (Vallarta Confronts AIDS in English).

Similar local competitions are being held in cities in more than 20 countries, and are preliminary to selecting national Mr. Gay 2008 representatives. National winners will travel to Hollywood, California in February 2009 to compete for the title of Mr. Gay International. This is the second year that Puerto Vallarta has hosted a Mr. Gay event.

The concept for the Mr. Gay competitions originated in 2004, in order to advance the concept of international equal rights by confirming the essential nature and contributions of gay men to a healthy society where “gay” is not a stereotype. The mission is to honor and train national winners to be spokesmen for equality and the international Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender community. Winners at each level compete based on physical attractiveness, as with any competition of this nature, but they must also demonstrate intelligence, responsibility, an awareness of current issues, and community involvement. The ability to thoughtfully articulate opinions on a range of topics is an essential part of the selection process.

Mr Gay Puerto Vallarta

The winner of Mr Gay Mexico 2007, Juan Jose Velasco Michel of Colima, is a 33-year-old architect and partner in two separate businesses. He is also President of a non-profit youth development organization, exercises regularly, and speaks Spanish and English. He was selected from among 17 contestants from across Mexico at the Mr. Gay Mexico Competition held in Guadalajara in December 2007.

Contestants for the Mr. Gay Puerto Vallarta Competition are now being sought. Candidates should be at least 18 years old, and should embody the ideals of the competition. They should be openly Gay, and available to travel if selected as a winner. Prizes include $5,000 pesos for First Place, as well as travel, clothing, jewelry, cruises, bar and restaurant certificates, and more. Second and Third Place winners will receive $2,000 and $1,000 pesos respectively, as well as other prizes. Those interested in competing should subscribe before September 10.

The event will begin at 9PM, on Sunday September 14, at the former Sr. Frog’s Club, Calle Venustiano Carranza #218, Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Mistress of ceremonies will be popular Mexican actress Alejandra Bogue, currently seen on her two Telehit programs, Guau and Que Show con La Bogue. She performed as “La Tesorito” for several years on the popular Televisa program Desde Gayola. The program lineup also includes other surprises.

An After-party will be held from 3 AM at Club Paco’s Ranch, on Calle Ignacio Vallarta.

For more information, tickets, or to inscribe as a contestant, contact either the Vallarta Enfrenta el SIDA office at 322-223-0535, or Hotel Mercurio at 322-222-4793. Online inscriptions for contestants at www.mrgay.com.mx/inscripciones08.php . Tickets are $100 pesos, available in advance or at the door at the same price.

Additional information about Vallarta Enfrenta el SIDA at www.vallartaenfrentasida.org .

Miranda! in Concert » April 30

Miranda! in Concert at the Old Sr. Frogs, Venustiana Carranza 218, Old Town Vallarta, 9 pm. Tickets $220 pesos advance, $250 at the door.

Miranda in Puerto Vallarta