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««« Click HERE for Recent Vallarta Living Los Muertos Pier Grand Reopening January 4th
Lorena Sonrisas
 After a wait of nearly three years, the new Los Muertos Pier will be officially reopened by Jalisco Governor Emilio Gonzalez and Puerto Vallarta Mayor Ramon Guerrero on Friday, January 4, 2013. The exact time of the opening ceremony has not yet been announced.
CasaMagna's 'Colors of Vallarta' New Year's Eve Party
Lourdes Bizarro
 On December 31st at 8:00 pm, CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort will present Colors of Vallarta, a spectacular New Year's party honoring our spectacular city by the sea. Enjoy the flavors, colors, music and traditions of our city with a touch of glamour and sophistication.
San Blas Christmas Bird Count, January 2
Mark Stackhouse
 This year's Christmas Bird Count (CBC) for San Blas will be held on January 2. Come lend a hand with Mexico's oldest and most species-rich, CBC. The San Blas count is the best CBC north of Costa Rica. You don't need to be an expert birder, or even have any experience, to participate.
PuRR Project BINGO Starring Chi Chi Rones!
Marilyn Khan
 Join us on January 2, for a wild night of PuRR Project BINGO at Nacho Daddy. You'll enjoy fabulous Bingo prizes, a multiple-pull 50/50 raffle, entertainment by Chi Chi Rones, and great food and drink specials, while helping to support the 200+ cats at Vallarta's no-kill shelter.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Live it More than Once
Erin Cardwell
 Puerto Vallarta really is a destination for nearly any type of traveler. The area is so welcoming, that you cannot help but immediately fall in love. It is a truly hospitable destination where you can tell every resident is glad you have chosen to spend your vacation time with them.
Four Fantastic Artists at Galleria Dante
Gena Guarniere
 On December 28 from 6-10 pm, during the Puerto Vallarta South Side Shuffle, Galleria Dante will host a cocktail reception with live music for new art exhibits by four artists. Stop by the gallery's two showrooms at Basilio Badillo #269 for a fun evening - and some fantastic art!
Mexico Reportedly Lifts Gay/Bisexual Blood Donor Ban
BanderasNews.com
 According to a report by 'Animal Político,' a little noticed Mexican health NOM that essentially does away with a 2-decade ban on blood donations from gay/bi men went into effect on Christmas Day. If the report is correct, Mexico might be the first country on our continent to do so.
Kassiano Headlines 'Caribbean Fiesta Grande' at PCC
BanderasNews.com
 A last-minute change in schedules has resulted in a rare opportunity to celebrate the closing days of 2012 with a unique Mexican-Caribbean twist. EMI Music recording-artist Kassiano will headline the 'Caribbean Fiesta Grande' at Paradise Community Center on Saturday, December 29th!
Artist Cathy Chalvignac Opens at Galeria Contempo
Heather Wilson
 Galeria Contempo warmly invites you to meet Cathy Chalvignac this Friday, December 28th at an opening reception of her most recent works. Cathy has been a resident of Mexico for the last 25 years after spending her formative years in Canada, where she developed a heart connection to Native American Indians.
Christmastime Celebrations in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Jim Scherrer
 Though a wonderful place for the holidays, there are a few things missing in Puerto Vallarta during this season of celebration. Snow covered pine trees and deep snow drifts for Santa's sled are nowhere to be found; but then again, they were probably also lacking 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem!
Puerto Vallarta New Year's Eve Party Guide
BanderasNews Team
 The year may be coming to an end, but here in Puerto Vallarta, we don't plan on winding down anytime soon. Considering New Year's Eve is right around the corner, it's time to start planning your night out on the town. Here's a look at some of the celebrations on the last night of 2012.
Four Local Hotels Make Condé Nast Gold List
Riviera Nayarit CVB
 For the last 19 years Condé Nast Traveler, one of the most prestigious publications in the travel industry, has held its Reader's Choice Survey - ranking properties throughout the world. For 2013, the editorial has chosen four properties in Riviera Nayarit for its Gold List.
2013 'El Famoso' Horseshoe Tournament
Jimmy Howell
 The 15th Annual - 6th Memorial 'El Famoso' Horseshoe Tourney will be held Feb. 9, 2013 at David’s Palapa in Rincón de Guayabitos. Proceeds from this event will go towards the Breast Cancer Walk and Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue. Join us for a great time for a great cause.
Traditional Mexican Christmas Recipes
Banderas News Team
 In Mexico it is customary to have a family dinner late on Christmas Eve, or 'Noche Buena.' Here are some of the foods that are traditionally eaten at Christmastime in Mexico, either at Christmas Eve dinner or during the festivities leading up to Christmas such as 'Las Posadas.'
PV Sculpture Walks Take the Holidays Off
BanderasNews.com
 The weekly Vallarta Malecón Sculpture Walks, created and conducted by Galería Pacifico owner Gary Thompson, will not be held on the upcoming holiday Tuesdays, December 25, 2012 and January 1, 2013. Walks will resume on Tuesday, January 8 and will continue through mid-April.
A Taste of La Cruz Returns January 12th
Landon Hollander
 The Marina Riviera Nayarit is pleased to announce the 2nd Annual Taste of La Cruz to be held on the Malecon of the Marina Riviera Nayarit. The 2013 event will benefit The Junior Sailing Program of the La Cruz Yacht Club and PEACE's Action For Food program in La Cruz.
Banderas Bay Parade of Homes This Weekend
Patrick Harrison
 The Parade of Homes open house series, powered by Tropicasa Realty, continues this weekend, giving everyone the opportunity to tour Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay area homes, villas and condos listed in all price ranges through a variety of local realtors.
Mexico Raises Minimum Wage by 3.9 Percent for 2013
Anthony Harrup
 Mexico's minimum wage commission agreed to grant a 3.9% increase in the minimum wage beginning in 2013, below the 4.2% hike granted a year before and less than the current rate of inflation, although the number of workers who actually earn the minimum wage is diminishing.
Eighth Annual PV Writers’ Conference, Feb 22-24
Bill Jory
 Long-time Puerto Vallarta resident David Lyons and author of the thriller 'Ice Fire' will be the keynote speaker at 2013's eight annual 'Puerto Vallarta Writers’ Conference' at Biblioteca Los Mangos. 'Writers Unleashed' is the theme of this season's conference.
PV Mural Part of Greenpeace 'Detox' Campaign
Richard Dangler
 Last weekend a new mural was brought to life in downtown Vallarta. If you walk down Morelos street, you will find a colorful skull with Greenpeace's global 'Detox' campaign legend below it. Detox is focused on exposing links between clothing brands and toxic water pollution.
Puerto Vallarta: Beachy Chic Meets Colonial Charm
Dawna L. Robertson
 Had it not been for the torrid affair of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton during the filming of 'The Night of the Iguana,' the sleepy fishing village of Puerto Vallarta could have remained low profile – but for just a bit longer, as it merely expedited the inevitable.
Gil Gevins Book Signing Party December 20
BanderasNews.com
 Gil Gevins will be signing 'Slime and Punishment' (a tale of middle-aged lust gone horribly wrong), at a book signing party at Lucy's Cucu Cabaña on Thursday, December 20th from 6 to 9 pm. Lucy's is located at 295 Basilio Badillo, on the South side of Puerto Vallarta.
Riviera Nayarit 2013 Calendar of Events
Riviera Nayarit CVB
 The intense marketing efforts by the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Riviera Nayarit were instrumental in attaining at least 35 confirmed events for 2013 including the Sayulita SUP & Longboard Classic, the Punta Mita Golf & Gourmet Classic, and the Riviera Nayarit Boogie.
Christmas Dinner - Puerto Vallarta Style
Banderas News Team
 If you're looking for a place to enjoy Christmas dinner - Vallarta Style! - a number of Banderas Bay area restaurants are offering holiday menus on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day that include everything from traditional yuletide fare to more enticing and innovative dishes.
Ron Morgan's New Bucerias Real Estate Office
RonMorgan.net
 Many people dream about living on the beach in a tourist town, but when you are born in that tourist town you may want to leave and explore the world. This is the story of Hugo Rivas, who decided to return to Bucerias and open a Ron Morgan Properties real estate office.
Photography, Flowers and Photoshop at VBG
BanderasNews.com
 Mike Laking will be presenting the free 'Photography, Flowers and Photoshop' workshop on how to create beautiful art from your photographs at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. One lucky person will have a photograph of their choice turned into a work of art by Mr. Laking.
Daiquiri Dick's Pet Picnic a Howling Success
Laura Gelezunas
 About 30 dogs and more than twice as many humans attended Daiquiri Dick's 'Pet Picnic' on their beach-side patio last Saturday. A howling good time was had by all who attended the event which included demonstrations, competitions, a raffle, and lunch - all for a worthy cause!
Long Time Resident Dr. Leslie Korn Publishes 2nd Book
Marlene Bremner
 Long time resident Leslie Korn has published her 2nd book, 'Rhythms of Recovery: Trauma, Nature and the Body.' Influenced by her 25 years of work in the Banderas Bay region, the book provides a comprehensive approach to the treatment of traumatic stress using natural medicine.
DA Presents 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' at PCC
David Kamp and Judy Snow
 As part of their Every Tuesday Movie Night film series, the Costa Banderas Chapter of Democrats Abroad will present 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' on Dec. 18th, at 7 pm at the Paradise Community Center in Puerto Vallarta. Come early and enjoy the food vendors at the Center!
One-Stop Shopping for All Your Marketing Needs
BanderasNews.com
 Food defines Puerto Vallarta. With well over 500 restaurants in our city, we enjoy a culinary paradise that keeps foodies in ecstasy. This atmosphere prompted one local company to start specializing in food photography. That company is Video Diva Productions.
Local Artisan Christmas Market at La Luna
Mariam Flores
 Inspired by a Christmas market she visited in Munich, Germany, Chef Mariam Flores is hosting a local Artisan Christmas Market at La Luna Restaurant. The market will feature items that are hand-made and locally produced; things you can't find at big retail stores.
'Always in Season' at Boutique Theatre
Linda Hobden
 Where can you get an eclectic mix of Crosby, Stills, Nash; Nora Jones; pop, folk, and original tunes with a touch of your favorite seasonal carols? At the ONLY spot where all of the best local and internationally renowned artists perform in Puerto Vallarta - the Boutique Theatre!
Vallarta Toys for Tots Program to Spread 7000 Smiles
Jerry Lafferty
 Last weekend, the Puerto Vallarta Navy League Council's Toys for Tots program generated enough money to purchase at least 7,000 toys for the under-privileged kids in the Banderas Bay area - children who might otherwise not receive any gifts during the Christmas season.
No Way José!'s 'Start of a New Era' Party
Patrick Harrison
 Join the gang at No Way José! on Thursday, December 20, 2012 for their 'Start of a New Era' celebration. They will be converting their downstairs salon into the 'New Era Lounge!' where there will be palm and Tarot readers, Rakhi alignments, and other new age services!
VBG Event Calender Includes 'End of the World' Party
Stephen Clay
 Join us at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens on Dec. 21st for our 'End of the World' party as we wait to see which - if any - of the theories behind the end of the Mayan calendar proves correct! If it's the 'End of Days,' wouldn't you like to go out looking at our beautiful scenery?
'Best of Banderas Bay' Awards Announced
Banderas News Team
 Many Puerto Vallarta residents and visitors will be dismayed to hear that VirtualVallarta.com announced the end of their Reader's Choice Awards - but never fear - BanderasNews is here! We've decided to keep the tradition alive by creating the 'Best of Banderas Bay' awards.
Dec 27 Concert Benefiting Biblioteca Los Mangos
Cecile Scriban
 'tis the season for caroling, cheer, and caring for families and friends. As music, culture, and art all go hand in hand with literature and reading, the Sheraton Buganvillias is hosting the upcoming 'Merry Christmas - Hello New Year Gala Concert' benefiting Biblioteca Los Mangos.
Putting Mexico Travel Concerns in Perspective
Richard Kiy
 I am often asked how safe it is to travel to Mexico. Because of my work and family ties to Mexico, I was heartened by the recent publication of Economist Magazine's interactive map that compared the relative murder rates in Mexico compared to countries around the world.
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