2009 Riviera Nayarit Events

CALENDAR OF EVENTS AND

RELIGIOUS CELEBRATIONS

JANUARY	FEBRARY	MARCH
APRIL	MAY	JUNE
JULY	AUGUST	SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER	NOVEMBER	DECEMBER
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

JANUARY

2, 9, 16 and 23
Vallarta Cup Race Series
Local regatta with all the thrill of mailing the Bandera's Bay. A show much more enjoyed at high seas.
Nuevo Vallarta - Vallarta Yacht Club
www.vallartayachtclub.org


16 to 24
Patron Saint Festivities of Our Lady of Peace
In order to celebrate their Patron Saint he dwellers of La  Cruz de Huanacaxtle sail in pilgrimage to Bucerias
by sea in their colorfully donned boats.Bucerías
turismo-badeba@hotmail.com

20 to  22
Urban Art Festival (Chalk Art) and Flavors of Riviera Nayarit
To celebrate Bucerias' art and food on its streets, galleries in this place have organized a festival during which 
colored chalk paintings will be made on the streets and you'll be able to taste magnificent dishes.
Bucerías
www.thebuceriasartwalk.com

24 to 31
International Festival of Migrating Birds
Each year countless birds visit Riviera Nayarit Turing the winter time. Watching them turns out to be a better 
show if laced with cultural activities.
San Blas
www.avessanblas.uan.mx

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FEBRUARY

2
Patron Saint Festivities for Our Lady of Tintoque
Picturesque and unique is the scenario provided by Valle de Banderas; its traditional festivities are always full 
of folklore.
Valle de Banderas
turismo-badeba@hotmail.com

3
San Blas Patron Saint FestivitiesAccompany the patron saint of this heroic port on a trip on boat through 
the estuary, with dancing and fireworks.
San Blas
www.sanblasmexico.com

16
Tuesday of Carnival
Though not one much known in this country, San Blas Carnival is special because it is performed on beautifully 
donned cars amid the spectacular estuary. It includes cultural and sports activities, the traditional Burning of 
Bad Mood starting the previous Saturday.
San Blas
www.sanblasmexico.com

18 to 27
Vallarta Race 2010
This race starts in San Diego and ends at the Marina of Paradise Village, in Nuevo Vallarta. This is organized 
by the San Diego Yacht Club.
Nuevo Vallarta - Vallarta Yatch Club
www.sdyc.org/pv

February 25 to March 21
Festival of Mexicanhood
Cultural and Sports events, shows and all of Mexico's traditions within a festival that gathers the largest 
number of exponents in this country.
Tepic
nfernández@turismonayarit.gob.mx

February 27 to March 2
CHALLENGE 2012 with Tania Elias
The first phase of the Mexican sailors' challenge, Tania Elias Calles and Pablo Rabago, who seek to get to 
London, cross the Sea of Cortes and get back to Riviera Nayarit.
La  Cruz de Huanacaxtle - Marina Riviera Nayarit
Bucerias and Nuevo Vallarta beaches
www.NauticalExtravaganza.com


February 27 - March 6
Mexorc Oceanic Race - Regatta Copa Mexico
Seven days of intense nautical contesting, developed in the Riviera Nayarit Marina. Five or six categories are 
expected as per the ratings or the number of vessels with identical characteristics that sign up.
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle - Marina Riviera Nayarit
www.NauticalExtravaganza.com

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MARCH

1 to 6
Kitesurfing Contests - Regatta Copa Mexico
Close to 130 competitors will contend to obtain the maximum award of this innovative sport in Mexico. 
Participants worldwide are expected.
Bucerias and Nuevo Vallarta beaches
www.NauticalExtravaganza.com


3 to 7 
Optimist - Regatta Copa Mexico
Sail Tournament for Youths 9 to 15 years old.
The main minor children category in which the confrontation with the sea is one to one. Riviera Nayarit will host
the most outstanding competitors of Latin America, United States and Canada.
Nuevo Vallarta - Vallarta Yacht ClubBucerias and Nuevo Vallarta beaches
www.NauticalExtravaganza.com


4 to 7
Beach Volleyball Tournament
Nuevo Vallarta beaches will host these international events, framed by the activities of the Regatta Copa Mexico.
Bucerias and Nuevo Vallarta beacheswww.NauticalExtravaganza.com

5 to 7
Beach Soccer Tournament
Nuevo Vallarta Beaches will host these international events, framed by the activities of the Regatta Copa Mexico.
Bucerias and Nuevo Vallarta beaches
www.NauticalExtravaganza.com


7 to 13
Windsurf Competition - Regatta Copa Mexico
To stand up on a board, keep balanced and, further, search for the best winds to sail faster. This category 
promises a very tough competition this 2010.
Bucerias and Nuevo Vallarta beaches
www.NauticalExtravaganza.com

10 to 13
Regatta J24 Sailing - Regatta Copa Mexico 
The most important contest of the fastest category in the world of sailboats. A true show in the waters of 
Bandera's Bay.
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle - Marina Riviera Nayarit
www.NauticalExtravaganza.com


11 to 15
Latin America Boat Show 
Be part of the most important nautical event of Mexico and meet the latest in boats and yachts worldwide at 
the Riviera Nayarit Marina.La  Cruz de Huanacaxtle - Marina Riviera Nayarit
www.NauticalExtravaganza.com

16 to 20 
Bandera's Bay International Regatta 
The Vallarta Yacht Club is host, as each year, of a regatta of which prizes are expected for the several 
categories that achieve a competitive participation. 
Nuevo Vallarta - Vallarta Yacht Club 
www.NauticalExtravaganza.com

22 to 28
Futures Golf Tour
The best young golfers of the World will gather at the Duramed Futures Golf Tour, which will have 17 events 
during 2010. The program is hosted for the first time in Mexico.
Nuevo Vallarta - El Tigre Golf Course
www.DuramedFUTURESTour.com


March 28 to April 4 
Holly Week 
The main vacation period for domestic tourism usually sponsors special activities at restaurants and hotels. 
Do not miss them!. 
Riviera Nayarit
turismo-badeba@hotmail.com

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APRIL

1 
Judea Live 
The representation of the passion and death of Jesus Christ, with a high level of drama, lures hundreds of 
tourist to Jala, a small town close to Riviera Nayarit. 
Jala
nfernández@turismonayarit.gob.mx

5 
San Vicente Ferrer Patron Saint Festivities 
Fair at the main plaza, shows during the previous week, and also one of the most important Charro 
tournaments in the area are part of this great fiesta. 
San Vicente 
turismo-badeba@hotmail.com

  
17 - 18 
1st Annual Punta Sayulita Longboard & Stand-Up Paddle Classic 
A surf contest for longboard & stand-up paddle surfers. This event is open to all levels of amateur surfers,
(men and women) along with select professional surfers from Mexico and the United States.  
Sayulita 
http://puntasayulitasurfclassic.com/

25 
San Marcos Patron Saint Activities 
The community of Lo de Marcos celebrates the gospeler with a fair at the main plaza, horse-shows, and 
lots of music. All there, beside the ocean. 
Lo de Marcos
turismo-badeba@hotmail.com

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MAY

1 to 4 
Regatta Built for Speed 
Speed is the most important in this sail vessels' competition, which promises a adrenaline-charged show. 
Nuevo Vallarta - Vallarta Yacht Club 
www.vallartayachtclub.org

3 
Holly Cross Patron Saint Festivities 
Dances take place at the main plaza of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle starting one week prior to the celebration, 
which is also known as the Day of the Bricklayers. Their pilgrimage through the sea, on donned boats, is 
unique in Mexico. 
La  Cruz de Huanacaxtle 
turismo-badeba@hotmail.com

13 
Festivities of Our Lady of Fatima 
Pilgrimages, an intense religious devotion and fireworks embellish the already spectacular landscape 
surrounding the Fort of San Blas. 
San Blas 
www.sanblasmexico.com

15 
Patron Saint Festivities for San Isidro Labrador 
Mexican horse-shows and dances, a small fair and lots of traditional food can be found in this customary party. 
Higuera Blanca 
turismo-badeba@hotmail.com

12 to 20 
Patron Saint Festivities for Our Lady of Rosario 
During nine days the inhabitants of La Peñita de Jaltemba get organized per neighborhood and show their 
fervor to the Virgin with several activities such as: at dawn, mass and songs starting at 4:00 in the morning, 
pilgrimages and fireworks. 
Rincón de Guayabitos / La Peñita de Jaltemba 
nfernández@turismonayarit.gob.mx

16 to 24 
May Festivities 
A festival full of popular shows, with artists known Nationwide; displaying the largest fair of the region, it start 
one month before Saint John The Baptist's Day, to avoid rain. 
San Juan de Abajo 
turismo-badeba@hotmail.com

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JUNE

1
Day of the Marine 
A spectacular military show takes place Nationwide since 1942 to celebrate the day on which the Mexico 
Marines are nationalized on the same day of 1917. In Riviera Nayarit, the Fort of San Blas houses the most 
spectacular show, however parades can be seen by sea and land throughout all of the coastline.  
San Blas 
www.sanblasmexico.com

17 to 19 
50^th San Blas Fishing Tournament 
Every year framing the celebrations around the Day of the Marine, San Blas hosts one of the most important 
fishing competitions in this country. This 2010 a special celebration is expected due to the fact that this is half 
a century since its first celebration. 
San Blas 
www.clubdepescadeportivatepic.com

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JULY

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AUGUST

6 to 15  
Maize Fair 
Mexican horse-shows, fireworks, a fair consecrated to maize products, and of course the award to the biggest 
ear of corn, which in some occasions is over 40 centimeters long. 
Jala 
nfernández@turismonayarit.gob.mx

12 to 14 
Riviera Nayarit Marlin and Tuna Fishing Tournament 
This specialized fishing tournament of the most representative species in the Mexican Pacific will host its 4th 
Edition Turing 2010. 
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle - Marina Riviera Nayarit
www.rivieranayaritfishingtournament.com

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SEPTEMBER

15 and 16 
Homeland Festivities 
Mexico's Independence is celebrated with popular night festivals; the traditional "Grito" (the Independence 
Statement) and many fireworks throughout Riviera Nayarit. This is one of the most popular festivities in all 
of our country. 
Riviera Nayarit


September 26 to October 4  
San Francisco's Patron Saint Festivities 
Though mostly the fair at the plaza, the dances and the night festivals are the focus of the celebration, this 
community gives a special touch to the festivities of their town. 
San Francisco 
turismo-badeba@hotmail.com
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OCTOBER

15 to 18 
Amado Nervo Festival - Riviera Nayarit Phase 
The Riviera Nayarit phase is one of the most important art and culture festivals to the west of the country, 
which gathers great international exponents of music and dramatic arts. 
San Francisco and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle 
www.festivalamadonervo.com

21 to 24 
Social Media Marketing Conference 
Qualified instructors will teach how to integrate your Twitter & Facebook accounts to maximize the attention 
you receive and the effectiveness of your campaign.
info@vallartaescapes.com


31  
Day of Christ the King 
Each year, on the last Sunday of October, pilgrims and dancers gather at the Cristo Rey (Christ the King) 
Hill, at Ixtlán del Rio. The dances of the Feather and the one of the Matachines, and also the processions with 
carriages, don the traditions of the place. 
Ixtlán del Río 
nfernández@turismonayarit.gob.mx

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NOVEMBER

1 to 26 
Rincon de Guayabitos Festival 
Fishing Tournaments, chess and dominoes; photography shows, painting, sculpture and region's handcrafts 
performed in several hotels; poetry contests, declamation, narration and ecological photography, sports events, 
theater presentations, and music shows. 
Rincón de Guayabitos 
nfernández@turismonayarit.gob.mx

2 
Day of the Dead 
Though it is not one of the region's most arraigned celebrations, cemeteries at all communities are filled with 
color with the flowers with which the dead ones are remembered. 
Riviera Nayarit


11 to 21
XVI Festival Gourmet 
Chefs invited to over fifteen restaurants in Riviera Nayarit display their exclusive menus, chef's tables and a full 
celebration to the palate throughout ten days. 
Riviera Nayarit 
www.festivalgourmet.com


24 
Riviera Nayarit Half Marathon 
Regarded as the most beautiful marathon route in all our country, the second Edition of this athletic race 
promises lots of emotions. 
Nuevo Vallarta 
www.mediomaratonnuevovallarta.com


20 
IV Golf Tournament The Governors' Cup 
Take part of this traditional golf competition, which offers attractive prizes; though the best of all is to contribute 
to charity organizations. 
Nuevo Vallarta - El Tigre Golf Course 
nfernández@turismonayarit.gob.mx

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DECEMBER

1 to 12 
Patron Saint Festivities for Our Lady of Guadalupe 
The church in Sayulita is consecrated to the Dark Lady. Such as in other places throughout the country, 
pilgrimages and a great devotion are part of the festivities. 
Sayulita 
turismo-badeba@hotmail.com

11 
Bandera's Bay Anniversary 
Each year the municipality cradle of Riviera Nayarit celebrates with a huge fiesta its foundation. Shows, civic and 
sports activities fill with color all of the area. 
Valle de Banderas
turismo-badeba@hotmail.com

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ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS TO ENJOY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Whales Sighting 
(from December to March) 
This huge marine mammals allow themselves to be seen Turing the winter throughout all of Riviera Nayarit, 
offering a show both impressive and moving. Make sure to retain the services of a professional provider to 
watch them. 
Riviera Nayarit

Release of turtles 
(from August to December) 
Though the turtles start arriving to our beaches towards the end of June to excavate their nests and spawn, it 
is from September on that hatching commences and the best season to visit the camps in Nuevo Vallarta 
and Litubú, or to participate at the programs of several hotels. 
Riviera Nayarit


Jewelry Classes 
Turn the souvenirs of your vacations into highly sentimental valuable pieces. You will learn to use small 
pebbles, shells and even bits of glass you pick up from the beach to elaborate different pendants, trinkets and 
other jewelry pieces. 
Bucerias
www.thebuceriasartwalk.com

Learn to make mummery 
(every Wednesday) 
The traditional and huge figures made out of paper used in carnivals and popular parties become alive through 
your own hands at the classes offered every Wednesday at the Cultural Center of Sayulita. 
Sayulita 
www.sayulitalife.com

Polo Games (each Saturday)  
(from November to May) 
Every Saturday at the La Patrona field in San Pancho you may enjoy this spectacular sport while savoring a 
delicious gourmet dinner. 
San Francisco 
www.polovallarta.com

Art Walks 
(every second Thursday) 
Bucerias turns into a celebration of color. Explore the art galleries and visit the Workshops of artisans while 
they work. 
Bucerias 
www.thebuceriasartwalk.com

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