Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - There's always so much going on in Puerto Vallarta and around Banderas Bay, it can be difficult to keep up with it all. Here's a look at some of this week's Vallarta news headlines, some community announcements, and a couple of this weekend's events that you won't want to miss.

Friday Shopping at the Marsol Market by the Pier

Please join us on Friday, December 26th at the Marsol Market by the pier to find all the great products and values that our more than 50 vendors have to offer. We are located inside the large lobby of the Marsol Hotel, on the closed street Francisca Rodriguez 103, behind Cuates & Cuetes Restaurant. You will find all kinds of specialty foods and a place to enjoy eating them in the food court or to take home. You will love the pastries and special breads, there are a number of jewelers with unique creations, lots of handcrafts from all over Mexico, Talavera, original art and prints, clothing, books, decorative items, sandals, baskets. Cigars, handbags, hand woven rugs and much more. See you at the Marsol Market by the pier every Friday from 9:30 to 2 pm.

Don't be Fooled! December 28th is El Día de los Santos Inocentes

Celebrated on December 28th, El Día de los Santos Inocentes (the Day of the Holy Innocents) remembers the biblical story of King Herod’s orders to execute male babies in Bethlehem in order to kill baby Jesus. But in Mexico, it is widely recognized and celebrated as a day when many people play all kinds of jokes and foolishness. Even some media sources make jokes or misrepresent its content so that the information seems real. Jokes ranging from those that are an obvious mockery of any recent event, to those who seem serious and mislead the unwary reader. Don't be fooled!

Punta Mita Business Association Formed

More than 25 members of the Punta Mita business community recently came together with the objective of forming a new Punta de Mita Business Association to strengthen the voice of the community, including in its relationships with public officials. Among the businesses represented included: Serendipity, Si Señor/Blue Shrimp, Mar de Sueños, Tuna Blanca, Hotel Cinco, Health Plus, Riviera Partners Realty, Plaza Ollin, Connell & Associados, Restaurant El Coral, Original Anclote Restaurant, St. Regis Resort Punta Mita, Kim Cawood Designs, Hotel Meson de Mita, Mita’s Pizza, Hotel Emilio, Tranquilo Surf, and – of course – LivePuntaMita.com. The consensus was that the most urgent needs are basic ones: management of trash in public areas, and the entry road into the town. Once the organization is legally formed (to be achieved by year-end) a meeting would be requested between members and public officials to set a schedule of road repairs, and to discuss other priorities. All agreed it is essential to improve the image of the town of Punta de Mita to be at least at the level of Sayulita, La Cruz, and other neighboring communities. We salute this effort, and look forward to reporting on more progress of the new Punta de Mita Business Association.

Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta Introduces New General Manager

Playa Resorts Management, the operational management component of Playa Hotels & Resorts B.V., appointed Alexandre de Brouwer general manager for the newly opened Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta. The new all-inclusive resort is at the site of the former Dreams Puerto Vallarta, and is the culmination of an approximate $20 million expansion, renovation, and repositioning. "Alexandre is a highly respected hotelier with extensive experience throughout Mexico, and we welcome his leadership," says Alex Stadlin, chief executive officer of Playa Resorts Management. "His commitment to service and excellence exemplifies our promise of service from the heart, as our team collectively works to create the perfect all inclusive experience." Brouwer brings more than 30 years of hospitality industry leadership to his new position. He joins Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta from the Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa, where he was general manager. A native of Brussels, Belgium, Brouwer studied Hotel and Tourism Management at the Centre International of Glion sur Montreux (Switzerland). He holds a Bachelor of Sciences in Hospitality Management with a specialty in food and beverage, meeting and conventions, and catering. For more information, visit allinclusive.hyatt.com.

Holiday Greetings from the Banderas News Team
We wish you all a very Happy Holiday season and a Peaceful and Prosperous 2015. Thank you for having supported BanderasNews.com through the years. As 2014 comes to a close, we are celebrating our 14th year as 'Puerto Vallarta's Liveliest Website!' and we couldn't have done it without you. May 2015 bring you all that your heart desires!

Weekend Events in Puerto Vallarta and Around Banderas Bay
Click on titles for more information

• Celebrate the Holiday Season at ACT II

• Southside Shuffle: Oscar & Ale Zamarripa at Galleria Dante

• Saturday Shopping at the Old Town Farmers' Market