Riviera Nayarit, Mexico - Turtle nesting and release season has begun on the beaches of the Riviera Nayarit and with it comes the 6th Sea Turtle Festival, a family-friendly event set to be held in Playa Platanitos, a small coastal town in the municipality of Compostela, from July 21-22.

The event is focused on promoting the care of the environment and the conservation of the sea turtle, as well as driving tourism to a community of less than 100 inhabitants, most of whom are dedicated to commerce, fishing and sustainable tourism.

Since its inception in 2012, the festival has grown in scope year after year, with a variety of sports, cultural and artistic experiences continually being added to the environmental activities.

This year the Playa Platanitos Ecológico association, along with the local population, has worked very hard to put together a festival that's well worth the visit.

In addition to the usual activities - like the turtle release and Environmental Tourism Fair - there will also be various sporting events, including a bicycle race, a touristic run, a swimming competition, and a surf fishing contest. And, following tradition, a cultural forum and a beauty pageant to select the new Beauty Ambassador.

Kids ages 6-12 can enter the 1st Sea Turtle Art Contest by creating a turtle sculpture out of 100 percent recycled materials BEFORE the festival and dropping it off at the festival's Tortugas con Material Reciclado booth between 10 am and 3 pm on July 21 or 22. The winner will be announced during the festival's closing ceremony and will take home $1,000 Pesos, a courtesy for 2 people in a Rincón de Guayabitos Hotel, and a tablet computer.

The turtle release program is one of the festival's main attractions, which helps to create an environmental consciousness in children. The Environmental Tourism Fair offers workshops and locally made products that reinforce the concept. There will also be free entertainment - dancers, singers and DJs - and lots of family fun!

The Convention and Visitors Bureau is extending an open invitation to the general public to visit Playa Platanitos and enjoy the festival. The opening ceremonies take place on Saturday July 21 at 4:00 pm and the festival ends at 7:00 pm on Sunday. All of the events are free of charge.

Nature, dance, music, traditions, cuisine, warmth, beach and sun are just some of the many things that you'll enjoy in this picturesque village on the Riviera Nayarit. Make plans now to spend the weekend of July 21-22 in Playa Platanitos, and come see for yourself.

For more information about the VI Sea Turtle Festival visit their Facebook page, call (311) 230-9134, or email playa_platanitos_ecologico(at)hotmail.com.