Living Barra de Navidad

Mexican Christmas Traditions: Candelaria - Candlemas Celebration and "Levantada del Niño Dios"

2012-02-02T07:32:00.000-08:00

Mexican Christmas Traditions - Levantada del Niño Dios

On February 2nd. we celebrate in Mexico "Día de la Candelaria" / Candlemas celebration and also another Christmas Tradition known as "Levantada del Niño Dios".
Levantada del Niño Dios: In this celebration the image of Baby Jesus is dressed up with clothing (dress, shoes, socks, hat, etc ) brought by friends invited as godparents. lullabies are song and the image of Baby Jesus is placed on a tray with chocolates and candies. Each person kiss the image and take some candies from the tray.

The dresses sold for this ceremony are similar to the ones babies wear for the baptism ceremony, but, we can also find dresses that represent different saints.

Dia de La Candelaria: This is the celebration of the presentation of Baby Jesus to the temple. Candles are blessed in this day and also people who find a baby Jesus doll in their piece of "rosca" on the 3 Wise Men Celebration organize a party where the main meal are tamales and atole.

Why tamales and atole in the Candlemas celebration? This very interesting article from Mexico Desconocido (shared by @copasycorchos) explains that the tradition of tamales and atole is a prehispanic tradition. tamales are made of corn and were offered to the gods by indigenous people in this day that was the first day of the year in the Aztec calendar. Tamales were also offered in different celebrations and it was the believe that man were made of corn by gods.

Candlemas Celebration - Tamales are served during this celebration

Baby Jesus dresses for the "Levantada" celebration

Fiesta in el Barrio in Barra de Navidad - Patron Saint Philip of Jesus Festivities 2012

2012-01-31T21:17:00.000-08:00

Fiesta in el Barrio in Barra de Navidad - Patron Saint Philip of Jesus Festivities 2012

St. Philip of Jesus was the first Mexican Saint and also first native saint of the American Continent. He worked as a trader in the Philippines where he joined the Franciscans. He died crucified in Japan in 1597.

St. Philip was canonized in 1862. He is the patron saint of Mexico City and some small towns and barrios like the Barrio in Barra de Navidad.
The celebrations in the barrio to honor Saint Philip of Jesus are from Thursday February 2nd. till Sunday February 5th. in the small chapel located at the corner of O. Indico and Ejidatarios streets, one block from Nueva España.

Program:

Every Day:

5:30 am Fireworks
6:00 am Mass, Rosary and pilgrimage with the image of Saint Philip of Jesus
5:00 pm Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
6:30 pm Pilgrimage and floats along Nueva España street starting at the high school (3 blocks from Andres de Urdaneta) toward the Saint Philip of Jesus Chapel. <= February 3rd,4th and 5th.
7:00 pm Mass
8:00 pm Special Events: Folklorical Dances, Kermess with Antojitos, Lotería (bingo) and music. Fireworks: Toritos and Castillo. Where: In front of the Saint Philip of Jesus chapel and the stage behind the chapel.

Come to el barrio in Barra de Navidad and join the celebrations. Everybody is welcome!

Notes:

On Thursday Feb. 2nd. there will be also a potluck (Convivio de traje) after the 7:00 pm mass.
Where to find the streets of el Barrio in Barra de Navidad => Barra de Navidad mapquest

Costalegre Rotary Club - Chili Cookoff 2012 - Wow! What a Successful Event

2012-01-29T21:36:00.000-08:00

One more time the Chili Cook Off celebrated today probed to be a successful event. Hundreds of people gathered at the jardin (main square) of Barra de Navidad, Jalisco to test the different kind of chili's and salsas of the professional and amateur participants.
People had the opportunity to enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs, different drinks and entertainment by David Weber presenting his Elvis Presley show, and folkloric dances by the ballet of the Cultural Center of Cihuatlan.
The Chili Cook Off is a fundraiser event organized by the Costalegre Rotary Club once a year on the last Sunday of January or first weekend of February.

Winners of the 5th Costalegre Chili Cookoff 2012 are as follow:

1st Place Chili Professional : Florecitas
2nd Place Chili Professional: La Magnífica Restaurant
3rd Place Chili Professional: La Fogata Restaurant
1st Place Chili Amateur: Firehouse
2nd Place Chili Amateur: Nubee's
3rd Place Chili Amateur: Boracha Chili
1st Place Professional Salsa: La Fogata Restaurant
2nd Place Professional Salsa: Florecitas
3rd Place Professional Salsa: La Magnífica Restaurant
1st Place Amateur Salsa: Madge y Fifi

Do not miss the opportunity to attend the next fundraiser event Valentines Day Dinner, Dance and Auction on February 14th also organized by the Costalegre Rotary Club.

Costalegre Rotary Club - Chili Cookoff 2012 - Barra de Navidad Jalisco

La Fogata Restaurant - Costalegre Rotary Club - Chili Cookoff 2012

Salsa de Cacahuate -Costalegre Rotary Club - Chili Cookoff 2012

Costalegre Rotary Club - Chili Cookoff 2012

La Magnífica Restaurant - Costalegre Rotary Club - Chili Cookoff 2012

Costalegre Rotary Club - Chili Cookoff 2012

Nubee's - Costalegre Rotary Club - Chili Cookoff 2012

Costalegre Rotary Club - Chili Cookoff 2012

Folklorical Ballet of Cihuatlan Cultural Centre - Costalegre Rotary Club - Chili Cookoff 2012

Costalegre Rotary Club - Chili Cookoff 2012

ECOBANA participated collecting cans and plastic for recycling - Costalegre Rotary Club - Chili Cookoff 2012

Awards - Costalegre Rotary Club - Chili Cookoff 2012

Cihuatlan Centre Folklorical Ballet - Costalegre Rotary Club - Chili Cookoff 2012

Costalegre Rotary Club - Chili Cookoff 2012

Firehouse Chili - Costalegre Rotary Club - Chili Cookoff 2012

3 Amigas Chili - Costalegre Rotary Club - Chili Cookoff 2012

Elvis Presley (David Weber) - Costalegre Rotary Club - Chili Cookoff 2012

Costalegre Rotary Club - Chili Cookoff 2012

Costalegre Rotary Club - Valentines Day Dinner, Dance and Auction 2012

2012-01-18T14:41:00.000-08:00

Costalegre Rotary Club - Valentines Day Dinner, Dance and Auction 2012 - Isla Navidad Gof Club

Costalegre Rotary Club

Valentines Day

Dinner Dance and Auction

Isla Navidad Golf Club

No Host Bar 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Silent and Live Auction Following Dinner!

(Preview Tables at 5:30 pm)

Dancing 9:00 pm to Midnight

$500.00 pesos per person

Date February 14

Tickets Contact:

Website: www.costalegre-rotary.org
Email: costalegrerotary@live.com

Attend Meeting every Wednesday at Cabo Blanco Hotel in Barra de Navidad 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Happy Three Kings Day! Mexican Christmas Traditions - Día de Reyes and "Levantada del Niño Dios"

2012-01-06T07:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Three Kings Day! Mexican Christmas Traditions - 3 Wise Men Celebration

Happy Three Kings Day! There is a celebration for children at Barra de Navidad Jardin this evening.

There are "Rosca de Reyes" available in Barra de Navidad at different bakeries like Karely or in Pelayo grocery store.

doll that represents Baby Jesus hidden in a "Rosca de Reyes"

Levantada del Niño Dios

Baby Jesus dresses for the "Levantada" celebration

Today and until February 2nd. people celebrate another Christmas Tradition known as "Levantada del Niño Dios". In this celebration the image of Baby Jesus is dressed up with clothing (dress, shoes, socks, hat, etc ) brought by friends invited as godparents. lullabies are song and the image of Baby Jesus is placed on a tray with chocolates and candies. Each person kiss the image and take some candies from the tray.
The dresses sold for this ceremony are similar to the ones babies wear for the baptism ceremony, but, we can also find dresses that represent different saints.

Baby Jesus dresses for the "Levantada" celebration

Baby Jesus dressed up for "Levantada del Niño Dios"

miniature dresses for "Levantada del Niño Dios"

Costalegre Rotary Club - Chili Cookoff 2012

2012-01-04T13:29:00.000-08:00

Costalegre Rotary Club - Chili Cookoff 2012

Rotary Club Costalegre - Chili Cookoff 2012

Come Join Us for an Afternoon of Entertainment, Prizes, Food and Fun!!

January 29, 2012 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm.

Town Square - Barra de Navidad, Jalisco - Jardin

Website: www.costalegre-rotary.org
Email: costalegrerotary@live.com

Club Rotario Costalegre - Competencia de Chile con Carne 2012

¡Vengan a pasar una tarde de Entretenimiento, Premios, Deliciosa Comida y Diversión!

29 de Enero 2012 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm.

Plaza Principal - Barra de Navidad, Jalisco - Jardín

Olive Ridley (Golfina) Baby Sea Turtles Released into the Barra de Navidad beach - First of 2012

2012-01-02T21:33:00.000-08:00

More than 80 Olive Ridley (Golfina) baby turtles were released tonight into the Barra de Navidad beach. The event was organized by ECOBANA (Ecological Bahia de Navidad) group. Learn more about the work of ECOBANA for the Sea turtle preservation and release in Navidad bay.

Olive ridley (Golfina) Baby Turtles - Barra de Navidad, Jalisco

Turtle Release and Preservation in Navidad Bay (video)

A olive ridley (golfina) turtle hatchling - Barra de Navidad

Olive ridley (Golfina) Baby Turtles - Barra de Navidad Hatchery

Sidronio Madero ECOBANA dir. teaching children and parents the baby turtles release process - Barra de Navidad hatchery

Barra de Navidad turtle hatchery. Each stick mark a nest labeled with number of eggs, expected release, etc.

Baby turtles release - Barra de Navidad beach

First Baby Sea Turtles Release of 2012 in Barra de Navidad

2012-01-02T15:19:00.000-08:00

Tonight! Baby Sea Turtles release in Barra de Navidad Bay. Where: Turtle Hatchery in Malecon of Barra de Navidad 19:00 hrs. organized by Grupo ECOBANA. . More. Info. Contact: Sidronio Madero of ECOBANA Ecological Group Bahía Navidad at sidroniomadero@hotmail.com or in the Delegation of Barra de Navidad office.

First Baby Sea Turtles Release 2011 in Navidad Bay - Barra de Navidad Jalisco, Mexico

Happy New Year 2012! ¡Feliz Año Nuevo 2012!

2011-12-31T16:41:00.000-08:00

We wish you all a 2012 full of Happiness, Health and Prosperity! / ¡Les deseamos un 2012 lleno de Felicidad, Salud y Prosperidad! - Casa Las Margaritas Barra de Navidad Jalisco Mexico

Winter in Mexico - Barra de Navidad, Melaque and Cihuatlan

2011-12-27T13:56:00.000-08:00

Winter in Mexico - Barra de Navidad - Sunset at Sunset bar

Winter in Mexico - Barra de Navidad Lagoon

Winter in Mexico - Barra de Navidad beach

Winter in Mexico - Baby Sea turtles hatchery - Barra de Navidad malecon

Winter in Mexico - Lalo performing at La Oficina Bar and Restaurant in Barra de Navidad

Winter in Mexico - Sunrise from Casa Las Margaritas in Barra de Navidad

Winter in Mexico - Mexican Christmas Tradition - Las Posadas - Barra de Navidad barrio church

Winter in Mexico - Cloudy Sunset - Barra de Navidad

Winter in Mexico - Barra de Navidad - Canal

Winter in Mexico - Barra de Navidad Lagoon

Winter in Mexico - Altar to the Virgin of Guadalupe - SeaMaster Restaurant in Barra de Navidad

Winter in Mexico - Serenade to the Lady of Guadalupe in Barra de Navidad church

Winter in Mexico - Barra de Navidad Lagoon

Winter in Mexico - One more beautiful sunset in Barra de Navidad

Winter in Mexico - Gorgeous night with a bright moon - Barra de Navidad Lagoon

Winter in Mexico - Melaque beach

Winter in Mexico - Gtand Bay Isla Navidad (Christmas Island) Golf Course

Winter in Mexico - Paco Renteria performing at Festival del Mar - Melaque

Winter in Mexico - Singing lullabies to Baby Jesus, posada in the barrio - Barra de Navidad

Winter in Mexico - Cute tree frog at Casa Las Margaritas- Barra de Navidad

Winter in Mexico - Salud with Corona beer - Sunset at Sunset bar in Barra de Navidad

Winter in Mexico - Floats and Parade in honor of Lady of Guadalupe - Cihuatlan Jalisco

Winter in Mexico - Sunset - Barra de Navidad

Winter in Mexico - Barra de Navidad beach

Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas and Pastorelas in Barra de Navidad - Barrio 2011

2011-12-18T08:57:00.000-08:00

Cute litle angel - Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas and Patorelas in Barra de Navidad barrio

Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas and Pastorelas - children dressed up as shepherds carrying decorated crooks (báculos) singing lullabies to baby Jesus

Traditional Mexican Christmas Celebrations "Las Posadas" and "Pastorelas" in "San Felipe de Jesus" barrio in Barra de Navidad, Jalisco organized by Doña Petra and neighbors. Dec. 16 - Dec. 24 2011 Barrio church starts around 6:00 pm. Check => Schedule and Details.

Posadas oficially begin on Dec 16th when the Nativity Scene is set up in most of the houses in Mexico, and the last posada is on Dec. 24th. In a traditional Posada the Rosary is prayed and images of Joseph and Mary are taken on a pilgrimage by the "peregrinos" (pilgrims) carrying candles and "bengala" lights and singing the traditional songs looking for a place to stay where Jesus will be born.During the pilgrimage Joseph and Mary are rejected until they are finally allowed in a place where Jesus will be born.

A piñata with seven cones (that represent the seven capital sins) full of candies, oranges, mandarins and sugar cane pieces is broken and bags with colaciones (special type of candy for posadas), cookies, oranges, mandarins, sugar cane pieces and peanuts (bolos) are given to all the attendants.

Posadas can be organized by families, friends, neighbors, churches, companies, etc.

"San Felipe de Jesús" barrio in Barra de Navidad celebrates these beautiful traditions in the most authentic way thanks to a group of neighbors led by Doña Petra.

In this case they organize a combination of Posada and Pastorela. Enthusiastic children dressed up as Joseph, Mary, shepherds, the Wise Men (Reyes Magos), angels and devils including "luzbel" (lucifer) gather in the church of the Barra de Navidad barrio where the Rosary along with Christmas songs is prayed around 7:00 pm. After the Rosary children and adults walk in a parade singing Mexican Christmas carols toward the street where "la posada" takes place.

All the attendants to the "posada" participate singing the verses of the reenactment of Joseph and Mary looking for lodging (see below songs to ask for Posada). They also sing lullabies for Baby Jesus in the part known in Mexico as "acostada del Niño Dios" (bedding of Baby Jesus). A piñata is broken by the children and to finish an appetizer is served (pozole, tostadas, tacos, etc) and children are given "bolos" bags with traditional Mexican Christmas candies and cookies and also fruits.

Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas and Pastorelas - San Felipe de Jesus barrio in Barra de Navidad Jalisco

Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas - Joseph, Mary and the Angel - Barra de Navidad barrio

Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas - Ready to break "la Piñata"!!

Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas and Patorelas in Barra de Navidad barrio

Traditional Piñata of seven cones - Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas and Pastorelas in Barra de Navidad barrio

Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas and Pastorelas in Barra de Navidad barrio

Doña Petra praiying the rosary with children - Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas and Pastorelas in Barra de Navidad barrio

Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas and Pastorelas in Barra de Navidad barrio

A little devil "Luz-Bel", a cute Angel and a shepherd - Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas and Pastorelas in Barra de Navidad barrio

Doña Petra with children dressed up as Joseph an Angels - Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas and Pastorelas in Barra de Navidad barrio

Children singing "Las Posadas" songs - Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas and Pastorelas in Barra de Navidad barrio

Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas and Pastorelas in Barra de Navidad barrio

Songs to ask for Posada . From wikipedia

Afuera: En nombre del cielo os pido posada -pues no puede andar mi esposa amada(2)	Adentro: Aquí no es mesón, sigan adelante. -Yo no puedo abrir no sea algún tunante(2)
Afuera: No seas inhumano, tenos caridad -que el Rey de los cielos te lo premiará(2)	Adentro: Ya se pueden ir y no molestar -porque si me enfado os voy a apalear(2)
Afuera: Venimos rendidos desde Nazaret; -yo soy carpintero de nombre José(2)	Adentro: No me importa el nombre déjenme dormir -porque ya les digo que no hemos de abrir(2)
Afuera: Posada te pide amado casero -por sólo una noche la Reina del cielo(2)	Adentro: Pues si es una reina quien lo solicita -¿Cómo es que de noche anda tan solita?(2)
Afuera: Mi esposa es María es reina del cielo -y madre va a ser del divino Verbo(2)	Adentro: ¿Eres tú José? ¿Tu esposa es María? -Entren peregrinos no los conocía(2)
Afuera: Dios pague, señores vuestra caridad -y os colme el cielo de felicidad(2)	Adentro: Dichosa la casa que alberga este día -a la Virgen pura la hermosa María(2)

Todos (Se abre la puerta de la casa e ingresan todos los cantantes que estaban afuera):

Entren Santos peregrinos, peregrinos

reciban este rincón

Y aunque es pobre la morada, la morada

os la doy de corazón

¡Cantemos con alegría,

todos al considerar

que Jesús, José y María,

nos vinieron hoy a honrar.

Mexican Christmas Traditions - Posadas in Barra de Navidad 2011

2011-12-15T03:08:00.000-08:00

Traditional Mexican Nativity Scene

Posadas traditionally begin on Dec 16th when the Nativity Scene is set up in most of the houses in Mexico, and the last posada is on Dec. 24th. In a traditional Posada the Rosary is prayed and images of Joseph and Mary are taken on a pilgrimage by the "peregrinos" (pilgrims) carrying candles and "bengala" lights and singing the traditional songs looking for a place to stay where Jesus will be born.During the pilgrimage Joseph and Mary are rejected until they are finally allowed in a place where Jesus will be born.

Traditional songs are song by the participants, a piñata with seven cones (that represent the seven capital sins) full of candies, oranges, mandarins and sugar cane pieces is broken and bags with colaciones (special type of candy for posadas), cookies, oranges, mandarins, sugar cane pieces and peanuts (bolos) are given to all the attendants.
Posadas can be organized by families, friends, neighbors, churches, companies, etc. The following is the program of the Posadas organized by the Church in Barra de Navidad where everybody is welcome to participate.

Posadas in Barra de Navidad 2011

On the first day the Belén also called Nacimiento (Nativity Scene) and Chritmas tree are set up in the houses.

Posadas in Barra de Navidad downtown
Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. Mass and Posada at 8:00 p.m. in the sector detailed in the schedule below.

The following is the schedule of the posadas in Barra de Navidad downtown.

Thursday Dec. 15 - Sector 5
Friday Dec. 16 - Sector 4
Saturday Dec. 17 - Col. Infonavit-Brisas
Sunday Dec. 18 - Sector 2 . Barra de Navidad church. Rosary and posada outside the church after 7:00 pm mass.
Monday Dec. 19 - Sector 3
Tuesday Dec. 20 - El Aguacate
Wednesday Dec. 21 - Colimilla
Thursday Dec. 22 - Colonia San Felipe - Barra de Navidad barrio church located at O. índico and Ejidatarios.
Friday Dec. 23 - Sector 1
Saturday Dec. 24 - Colonia Ejidal, Las Perlitas and Gallo Colorado . Rosary and Posada at 8:30 pm

Posadas in Barra de Navidad barrio "San Felipe de Jesús"

Join the enthusiastic Doña Petra and neighbors of the Barra de Navidad barrio "San Felipe de Jesús" in their traditional "Posadas in the barrio" accompanied with their children dressed up as Joseph, Mary, shepherds and devils.

Traditional Mexican Christmas Posada in Barra de Navidad barrio "San Felipe de Jesús"

Dec. 16th till Dec. 24th. 2011 : The Rosary is prayed at 6:00 pm every day at the barrio church. After the rosary children and adults walk in a parade singing Mexican Christmas carols toward the street where "la posada" takes place.

All the attendants to the "posada" participate singing the verses of the reenactment of Joseph and Mary looking for lodging. A pinata that represent the evil or 7 sins (if it has seven cones) is broken by the children with a stick that represents the triumph of good over evil. The pinata is filled with fruits like pieces of sugar cane, mandarins, oranges, peanuts and candies.

An appetizer is served and children are given "bolos" bags with traditional Mexican Christmas candies and cookies and also fruits..

Barra de Navidad Mapquest

Lady of Guadalupe Festivity - Cihuatlan Jalisco - Floats and Danzas Parade - Dec 12 2011

2011-12-12T22:02:00.000-08:00

Lady of Guadalupe Festivity - Cihuatlan Jalisco

One of the most important religious holidays in Mexico is dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe (Virgen de Guadalupe) on Dec. 12th. In fact the celebrations start 46 days before with the praying of the Rosary and Veladas each day.

Floats and Danzas Parade on Dec 12th. This parade is part of the Lady of Guadalupe Festivity in Cihuatlan, Jalisco, México.

Floats show life scenes of the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Danzas are different groups of dancers dancing in pre-Columbian style and dressing either like Apaches or a mix of pre-Columbian and Hispanic dresses. They held flags with the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe or have this image printed in the outfit.

Some of the groups that participate with Danzas (Dances) are:

Danza de Los Plataneros / Banana Field Workers Danza

Danza del Amarillo

Danza de la Tecolotera (Colonia Miguel Hidalgo)

Danza de los Niños del Divino Nino / Children of Child Jesus Danza

Danza de los Apaches

Danza del Chavarín

Danza El Barrito

Corredores de las antorchas / Runners carrying torches

The guys dressing in customes made of newspaper, balloons, etc are known as "locos de la danza" or "viejo de la danza". Danzas in Mexico usually have at least one participant call "Viejo de la Danza" or "Loco de la Danza" / "The crazy guy" in other parts of Mexico. In some danzas they represent the evil fighting against the dancers. In the danzas in Cihuatlan they are dressed up in costumes made with balloons, newspaper or banana leafs.

The parade starts around 5:00 p.m. After the parade a mass is celebrated dedicated to the Virgin Mary, there are blessing of Roses and Images. After the mass finishes there are traditional Mexican Fireworks known as Toritos and Castillos (castles).

Lady of Guadalupe Festivity - Floats and Danzas - Cihuatlan Jalisco

Lady of Guadalupe Festivity - Floats and Danzas Part 1 - Cihuatlan Jalisco

Lady of Guadalupe Festivity - Floats and Danzas Part 2 - Cihuatlan Jalisco

Lady of Guadalupe Festivity - Floats and Danzas - Cihuatlan Jalisco

"Viejo de la danza" - Lady of Guadalupe Festivity - Floats and Danzas - Cihuatlan Jalisco

"Viejos de la Danza" - Lady of Guadalupe Festivity - Floats and Danzas - Cihuatlan Jalisco

Lady of Guadalupe Festivity - Floats and Danzas - Cihuatlan Jalisco

Lady of Guadalupe Festivities 2011 in Barra de Navidad, Cihuatlan, Villa Obregon and Melaque

2011-12-11T13:17:00.000-08:00

Lady of Guadalupe -Virgen de Guadalupe

Our Lady of Guadalupe (Virgen of Guadalupe) celebrations is one of the most important religious festivities in Mexico. The celebrations start in October 26th and end on Dec. 12th.

Celebrations in Cihuatlan, Barra de Navidad, Villa Obregón and Melaque include novenas, rosaries, veladas, and on Dec. 12th. Danzas and Floats. A description of the meaning of each of these can be found in this post: Lady of Guadalupe - Rosaries, Altars, Novenas, Floats and Parade, Pilgrimages inBarra de Navidad, Villa Obregon, Melaque and Cihuatlan.

Calendar for 2011 Festivities

December 11 Lady of Guadalupe Eve celebrations

Colonia Ejidal : 5:00 pm. Mass and Mariachi serenade in honor of the Lady of Guadalupe.
El Aguacate: 6:00 pm. Pilgrimage with Lady of Guadalupe images. 6:30 pm Mass and Mariachi serenade in honor of the Lady of Guadalupe.
San Felipe: (barrio Barra de Navidad). 7:45 pm Mass, blessing of images and music in honor of the Lady Of Guadalupe.
Jaluco : 8:45 pm Mass and "Mañanitas" serenade in honor of the Lady of Guadalupe.
Barra de Navidad Church: 7:00 Ordinary Mass celebration. 10:00 pm Mass and Mariachi serenade in honor of the Lady of Guadalupe.

December 12 Lady of Guadalupe Celebrations

Jaluco : 6:00 am. Mass. 5:30 pm. Pilgrimae with images, blessing of roses, mass, kermesse, castillo and toritos.
Barra de Navidad church: 12:00 pm Blessing of images and roses. 6:30 pm Pilgrimage of the Barra de Navidad community with Danzas, Virgen of Guadalupe images and starts. The pilgrimage start by the football field in Nueva España ave. All the different sectors, barrios of Barra de Navidad join this pilgrimage. The community is invited to dress as inditos (Juan Diego outfit) and inditas for women.
Cihuatlan:

Dec 1st. - Dec 11th. Veladas, Pilgrimages and Rosaries.

Dec 12th

4:30 am Church Ringing Bells, pilgrimage and rosary in the Parroquia de la Santa Cruz

5:30 am Mañanitas and Mass.

8:30 am First Communion Mass

11:00 am Pilgrimage of the whole town

12:00 pm Solemn Mass by Bishop Gonzalo Galván Castillo

5:00 pm Floats and Danzas

8:00 pm Solemn Mass to the Virgin Mary, blessing of roses and images.

At the end of the mass celebration in the main square with live music (Tamborazo Banda "El Cihualteco") and traditional Mexican fireworks: castillos and toritos.

Villa Obregón and Melaque

The Virgen of Guadalupe is also the patron of Villa Obregon, so, these are also Fiestas Patronales and Melaque community join them.
Dec 1st. - Dec 12th.
5:30 am Rosary and Pilgrimage with the Virgen of Guadalupe image and Floats to the Villa Obregon church.

6:00 am Mañanitas and Mass

5:00 pm Pilgrimage

6:00 pm Mass. After the mass traditional Mexican fireworks: toritos and castillos.

all night Veladas in Barrios.

International Golf Tournament Rotary Club Costalegre - Grand Bay Hotel

2011-12-02T08:31:00.000-08:00

International Golf Tournament Rotary Club Costalegre - Grand Bay Hotel

International Golf Tournament Grand Bay - Rotary Club Costalegre
December 17, 2011 Manzanillo, Colima Mexico

The organizing Committee and sponsors of the International Golf Tournament, Grand Bay - Isla Navidad Resort and Rotary Club Costalegre sincerely invite you to participate in this prestigious event, which will be held on December 17 at Isla Navidad, Golf Course.

Putting Contest 9:00 am

Tee Off Time
December 17th at Isla Navidad Golf Course at 10:00 am by shotgun.

Ties: In case of a tie, a playoff will be held.

Tournament Format: Mexican Scramble (Best Ball).

Awards
Trophies for the top three first places best known as closest to the pin / Hole in one.

Registration: $1,800.00 pesos includes 18 hole green fee, shared golf cart & Buffet at ISLA NAVIDAD.

Don't have Golf Clubs? You can still play. Contact progolf@islaresort.com.mx or terrymac@liver.ca and let them know you want to play but did not bring your golf clubs.

Meal: If you are not playing golf, you can still attend the meal. The cost is $250.00 pesos.

Note: Registration and Fees no later than Dec. 10th. 2011 at progolf@islaresort.com.mx or terrymac@liver.ca

Special Rate $135.00 USD ++ per room per night . Reservations Hotel: reservations@islaresort.com.mx

Parade commemorating 101st Anniversary of start of Mexican Revolution in Barra de Navidad

2011-11-20T12:22:00.000-08:00

101 Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution Parade in Barra de Navidad

Today we are celebrating the 101st Anniversary of start of the Mexican Revolution. As part of the celebration everybody enjoy the enthusiastic participation in a parade this morning of kindergarten, primary school and high school children. There were also other groups in the parade like the "Tercera edad" seniors group, and "contingente de caballería" a troop of horses who also danced.

After the parade an official ceremony was organized in the main square. The celebration is not over, there is a "verbena" this evening starting at 7:00 pm. There will be music, food and Xalixco folk dance troupe will be participating. Everybody is welcome!

Primary school children participating in the Mexican Revolution parade

101 Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution Parade in Barra de Navidad

Seniors group of Barra de Navidad - 101 Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution Parade in Barra de Navidad

a troop of horses participated in 101 Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution Parade in Barra de Navidad

Official Ceremony to commemorate the 101 Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution in Barra de Navidad

a little tired kindergarten kid participating in the 101 Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution Parade in Barra de Navidad

a troop of horses participated in 101 Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution Parade in Barra de Navidad

101 Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution Parade in Barra de Navidad

Cute children dressed up representing some of the main characters of the Mexican Revolution - Parade in Barra de Navidad

101 Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution Parade in Barra de Navidad

I was told that the dog in this picture is one of the ladies pet, and he walked along with them in the parade.

101 Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution Parade in Barra de Navidad

Torito, Castillo and Xalixco Ballet - 101 Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution Verbena in Barra de Navidad

Visiting Barra de Navidad? Stay at Casa Las Margaritas

Mexican Revolution Celebration in Barra de Navidad

2011-11-16T15:42:00.000-08:00

Mexican Revolution Celebration in Barra de Navidad

Barra de Navidad will celebrate one more anniversary of the Mexican Revolution with a parade and a verbena this Sunday November 20th.
The parade will start at 8:00 am in Nueva España Ave. corner with Andres de Urdaneta st. in the Barrio and will continue along Nueva España Ave. turning left in Ave. Veracruz towards downtown, then it turns left in Michoacan street to continue in Mazatlan and Sinaloa streets to comeback to Veracruz Ave. to finish in the main square (jardin) of Barra.

The verbena event is in the evening in the main square of Barra. There will be music, "antojitos", fireworks: "castillo" and "toritos" and Ballet Xalixco will also be performing.

Join the celebration! Everybody is welcome!

Barra de Navidad MapQuest shows all the streets of Barra de Navidad including the Barrio San Felipe de Jesús.

Ballet Xalixco performing at the Mai Square "Jardin" of Barra de Navidad

Autumn in Mexico - Barra de Navidad on the Pacific Coast

2011-11-13T14:56:00.000-08:00

Autumn in Mexico - Barra de Navidad on the Pacific Coast

Agua de Coco - Autumn in Mexico - Barra de Navidad on the Pacific Coast

by the lagoon - Autumn in Mexico - Barra de Navidad on the Pacific Coast

farm - Autumn in Mexico - Barra de Navidad on the Pacific Coast

Full Moon - Autumn in Mexico - Barra de Navidad on the Pacific Coast

Autumn in Mexico - Barra de Navidad on the Pacific Coast

Evening in Downtown - Autumn in Mexico - Barra de Navidad on the Pacific Coast

Lagoon - Autumn in Mexico - Barra de Navidad on the Pacific Coast

Beef burritos at Pipi's Restaurant - Autumn in Mexico - Barra de Navidad on the Pacific Coast

Full Moon -Autumn in Mexico - Barra de Navidad on the Pacific Coast

Cinnamon Hummingbird - Autumn in Mexico - Barra de Navidad on the Pacific Coast

Mexico Lindo Restaurant ..a favorite in Barra -Autumn in Mexico - Barra de Navidad on the Pacific Coast

"Amiguitas" Little friends.. at Casa Las Margaritas - Autumn in Mexico - Barra de Navidad on the Pacific Coast

lagoon -Autumn in Mexico - Barra de Navidad on the Pacific Coast

Melaque -Autumn in Mexico - Barra de Navidad on the Pacific Coast

Tacos Dorados at Cenaduría Esperanza -Autumn in Mexico - Barra de Navidad on the Pacific Coast

lagoon --Autumn in Mexico - Barra de Navidad on the Pacific Coast

Malecón -Autumn in Mexico - Barra de Navidad on the Pacific Coast

Pozole and Jamaica juice at Cenaduría Esperanza-Autumn in Mexico - Barra de Navidad on the Pacific Coast

View of downtown and fraccionamiento Pueblo Nuevo -Autumn in Mexico - Barra de Navidad on the Pacific Coast

Visiting Barra de Navidad?: Stay at Casa Las Margaritas in Barra de Navidad

View of downtown and fraccionamiento Pueblo Nuevo -Autumn in Mexico - Barra de Navidad on the Pacific Coast

"chicharrón con chile"-Autumn in Mexico - Barra de Navidad on the Pacific Coast

Tamales at the main square in Barra - -Autumn in Mexico - Barra de Navidad on the Pacific Coast

Barra de Navidad and Melaque Events, Fiestas and Celebrations Calendar 2011-2012

2011-11-01T13:59:00.000-07:00

Fiesta in "el Barrio" in Barra de Navidad - Patron Saint Philip of Jesus Festivities Feb 2 - Feb 5 2012

September 2011

Barra de Navidad and Melaque Events, Fiestas and Celebrations Calendar 2011-2012

Sep. 1: Christ of the Hurricane Anniversary Celebration / Celebración del Aniversario del Cristo del Ciclón. More info.:Contact Barra de Navidad Church. Note: Video of Celebration by Costalegre blog
Sep. 15-16: Mexican Independence Celebration. Where: Barra de Navidad Main Square.

Baby Sea Turtles Preservation Program organized by ECOBANA group

October 2011

Oct: Baby Sea Turtles Preservation and Release Program. Rescue of sea turtles egg nests begins at the end of October. Release of Baby turtles in Dec and Jan in the Barra de Navidad Bay. The first release of baby turtles is expected to be between 23 and 26 of December. Where: Turtle Hatchery in Malecon of Barra de Navidad. Info: Contact Sidronio Madero of ECOBANA Ecological Group at sidroniomadero@hotmail.com or in the Delegation of Barra de Navidad office . Note: October release of Baby Turtles article and Sea turtles release post.
Oct.1 2nd Swimming Contest/Travesía Acuática Barra de Navidad-Melaque "Ing. Carlos Orozco Santillan". Where: From Barra de Navidad malecon to El Dorado in Melaque at 8:00 am.
Oct. 28: 46 days of Rosaries dedicated to Lady of Guadalupe begin and end on December 12 with the Lady of Guadalupe Feast Celebrations.

Mexican Revolution Anniversary in Barra de Navidad

November 2011

Nov. 1-2: Day of the Dead Celebrations. Where: Visits of families to the cemetery in Cihuatlan and mass celebrations at the local churches. Note: Day of the Dead in Mexico post.
Nov 46 days of Rosaries dedicated to Lady of Guadalupe continue during November and end on December 12 with the Lady of Guadalupe Feast Celebrations.
Nov 19: Music and Dance Marathon in Melaque. Where: Main Square 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm.
Nov. 20: Mexican Revolution Anniversary Celebration in Barra de Navidad parade and verbena. Where: Parade: Main streets of Barra de Navidad. Note: Schedule of the Mexican Revolution Celebration in Barra de Navidad parade schedule. Verbena, toritos and castillo in the Jardin (Main Square) at 7:00 pm.

Mexican Revolution Celebration - Verbena in Barra de Navidad

Nov. 21: Anniversary of the Expedition that sailed from Barra de Navidad in 1564 to The Philippines. Where: Malecon Barra de Navidad at 6:00 pm.
Nov:: Baby Sea Turtles Preservation and Release Program. Rescue of sea turtles egg nests begins at the end of October. Release of Baby turtles in Dec and Jan in the Barra de Navidad Bay. The first release of baby turtles is expected to be between 23 and 26 of December. Where: Turtle Hatchery in Malecon of Barra de Navidad. Info: Contact Sidronio Madero of ECOBANA Ecological Group at sidroniomadero@hotmail.com or in the Delegation of Barra de Navidad office . Note: October release of Baby Turtles article and Sea turtles release post.

Virgin of Guadalupe parade and floats in Cihuatlan

December 2011

Dec 1st: First Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony ever in Barra de Navidad. Lighting and decoration of the Monumental Christmas tree of Barra de Navidad for the first time will be celebrated in Barra de Navidad. Lighting and blessing of the Christmas tree, Christmas music, verbena and entertainment for all the families. Where: Barra de Navidad Jardin (Main Square) around 6:00 pm.
Dec. 3rd. Sky lanterns or Mini Hot Air Balloon workshop Where: Barra de Navidad Public Library this evening. Bring scissors, tissue paper (papel de china), white glue More info. Contact Sidronio Madero of ECOBANA Ecological Group at sidroniomadero@hotmail.com or in the Delegation of Barra de Navidad office
Dec. 3rd. Pilgrimage in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe to the Holy Cross Church (Parroquia de la Santa Cruz) in Cihuatlan of people from Barra de Navidad, Melaque, Jaluco, Infonavit and El Aguacate. People of Barra de Navidad participating in this pilgrimage will gather at midnight. The entire group will arrive to Cihuatlan for the celebration of the mass at 5:00 am on Dec. 4th.
Dec. 11: Lady of Guadalupe eve celebrations. "mañanitas" serenade to our Lady of Guadalupe with Mariachi music after the 10:00 pm mass. Where: Barra de Navidad church.

Serenade to our Lady of Guadalupe in Barra de Navidad

Dec. 12: Lady of Guadalupe Feast. Rosaries, Altars, Novenas, Floats and Parade. Pilgrimages in Barra de Navidad, Villa Obregon, Melaque and Cihuatlan. Where: Cihuatlan, Barra de Navidad, Melaque, Jaluco, Barrio San Felipe de Jesús. More Info: Contact the local church of Barra de Navidad, Melaque, Villa Obregon and Cihuatlan. Note: Details and Schedule of the Celebration in Cihuatlan, Barra de Navidad, Barrio San Felipe de Jesus, etc..

Floats and Parade 5:00 pm.Virgin Of Guadalupe festivity on Dec. 12 in Cihuatlan, Jalisco

Dec. 15: Traditional Mexican Posada Fundraiser for Lazaro Cardenas town school. Where: Lázaro Cárdenas jardin (main square). There will be food, pinata, etc. This is a fundraiser towards the school children and donations are accepted. Lázaro Cárdenas town is 10 min. driving from Melaque. If you are interested in attending gathering together Dec. 15 at 5:30 pm at the Melaque jardin (main square).
Dec. 15-24: Traditional Mexican Posadas downtown Barra de Navidad. Where: In all the different sectors of Barra de Navidad. More info.: Posadas in Barra de Navidad 2011. Note: Las Posadas and Nativity Scene - Christmas Mexican Traditions in Barra de Navidad post.
Dec. 16-24: Traditional Mexican Posadas in the barrio "San Felipe de Jesus" at 6:00 pm. Where: Barrio church (O. Indico and Ejidatarios streets). More info.: More info.: Posadas in Barra de Navidad 2011.

Traditional Mexican Posadas in Barra de Navidad barrio "San Felipe de Jesus"

Dec. 1- Jan 6: Donation of Children's toys for The Wise Men (Día de Reyes) celebration on January 6 2012. Please drop off toys at the Barra de Navidad delegation. Address Av. Veracruz #179 besides the Main Square. Toys will be given to children during the Wise Men (Día de Reyes) celebration at the Main Square in Barra de Navidad.
Dec. 16-22: Festival Del Mar Where: Melaque. More Info.: Festival del Mar Melaque Website.
Dec. 16: Festival del Mar parade. Where: Melaque 4:30 pm. More Info.: Festival del Mar Melaque Website.
Dec. 16: Miss Costalegre 2011 competition "Nuestra Belleza Costalegre 2011". (Festival del Mar) Where: Melaque jardin at 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm.
Dec. 17: Swimming Contest/Travesía Acuática Barra de Navidad-Melaque. Where: From Barra de Navidad malecon to Melaque More Info.: Festival del Mar Melaque Website.
Dec. 17: International Golf Tournament Grand Bay - Rotary Club Costalegre Where: Grand Bay Isla Navidad Hotel Golf Course .Registration and Fees no later than Dec. 10th. at progolf@islaresort.com.mx or terrymac@liver.ca. More info.: Contact Costalegre Rotary Website or attend the weekly meeting every Wednesday at Cabo Blanco Hotel at 9:00 am.

International Golf Tournament Grand Bay - Dec. 17 2011 - Rotary Club Costalegre

Dec 18: Renowned Mexican guitarist Paco Rentería concert at Festival del Mar 8:00 pm. where: Melaque jardin.
Dec. 18: Art Show Where: Rooster Restaurant in Barra de Navidad from 9:30 am - 12:00 pm.
Dec. 18: Traditional Mexican Posada at Barra de Navidad church after 7:00 pm mass. Rosary and posada outside the church.

Posada in the Barra de Navidad Barrio San Felipe de Jesus

Dec. 19-20 Skimboarding Tournament "Festival del Mar" Where: Melaque beach 10:00 am.
Dec. 21: Renowned Mexican Musician and Artist Paco Padilla concert in 'Festival del Mar' Where: Melaque jardin 9:00 pm.
Dec. 22: Traditional Mexican Posada in Barra de Navidad barrio church located in Oceano Indico and Ejidatarios streets
Dec.: Baby Sea Turtles Preservation and Release Program. Rescue of sea turtles egg nests begins at the end of October. Release of Baby turtles in Dec and Jan in the Barra de Navidad Bay. The first release of baby turtles is expected to be between 23 and 26 of December. Where: Turtle Hatchery in Malecon of Barra de Navidad. Info: Contact Sidronio Madero of ECOBANA Ecological Group at sidroniomadero@hotmail.com or in the Delegation of Barra de Navidad office . Note: October release of Baby Turtles article and Sea turtles release post.

Mexican Nativity Scene - Traditional Mexican Christmas Celebrations

Dec. 24: Noche Buena. Christmas Celebration. In Mexico families celebrate Christmas on Dec 24th. Families and friends organize a traditional dinner and attend mass at night. Christmas presents are exchanged also. Christmas Traditions.

Traditional Mexican Nativity Scene

Dec 25: Navidad - Christmas Day . Christmas Dinner is served at several restaurants around Barra de Navidad and Melaque.
Dec 25: Christmas Parade in Barra de Navidad. 8:00 pm Where: Barra de Navidad and Barrio streets. When: Evening.
Dec. 30-Jan 1 ECOBANA Turtle Preservation Program Exhibition. Where: Turtle Hatchery in Malecon of Barra de Navidad. Info: Contact Sidronio Madero of ECOBANA Ecological Group at sidroniomadero@hotmail.com or in the Delegation of Barra de Navidad office
Dec 31: New Year's dinner is served at different restaurants. New Year's Parties with live music or DJs are organized in different locations like: Cabo Blanco Hotel, Ava Restaurant, Restaurant at the Grand Bay Hotel Isla Navidad, Club de Leones in Cihuatlan (Lions Club) etc.

3 Wise Men Festivity in Barra de Navidad

January 2012

January 6: Wise Men / "Día de los Reyes Magos" Celebration for children in Barra de Navidad Main Square. Posada, Music, Antojitos. Toys donated will be given to children. This is an event for all ages. Time: evening.

Jan. 6 - "Rosca de Reyes" Wise Men Celebration Bread

January 6: Dia de los Reyes Magos / Wise Men Celebration. Traditional "Rosca de Reyes" bread will be for sale in different bakeries and grocery stores. It is a tradition that those who find a baby Jesus doll in their piece of bread must organize a party on February 2nd. "Dia de la Candelaria" celebration.

CISCO'S AMIGOS Barra de Navidad Bingo & Silent Auction Thur. Jan 12. 2012

January 12: CISCO'S Amigos Barra Bingo & Silent Auction. Where: Roosters Restaurant in Barra de Navidad. When: Starts at 2:00 pm. Auction closes at 3:30 pm. $100 pesos gets you 9 cards. Come for prizes and fun. Beer and wine will be sold. Light snacks will be served. All proceeds go to CISCO' S AMIGOS free SPAY AND NEUTER CLINICS Melaque.
Jan 13-16: "Fiestas Taurinas"/Bull Fighting Fiesta El Aguacate. Bull Fighting, Rodeo and Music Where: El Aguacate Bull Fighting ring and Main Square.

Barra de Navidad XXXVII International Fishing Tournament - Source: Nautica de Guadalajara

January 18-21: Barra de Navidad XXXVII International Fishing Tournament Sail Fish, Marlin and Dorado organized by “Club de Pesca Barra de Navidad A.C.". Where: Barra de Navidad Bay and Grand Bay Hotel Isla Navidad Marina. More info.: Visit Nautica Guadalajara for registration and details information.
January 20 : 3rd Annual Benefit event for CAM Cihuatlan. Where: Esmeralda Restaurant in Melaque 5:00 pm. More info. CAM Cihuatlan site.

Rotary Club Costalegre's Annual Chilli Cook-Off in Barra de Navidad

Costalegre Rotary Club Chili Cookoff 2012 - Barra de Navidad jardin Jan 29th

Jan 29: Rotary Club Costalegre Annual Chili Cook-Off. Where: Main Square/Jardín Barra de Navidad. Info.: Contact Costalegre Rotary Website for more information.

Olive Ridley Baby Sea Turtles release in Navidad Bay

Jan: Baby Sea Turtles Preservation and Release Program. Rescue of sea turtles egg nests begins at the end of October. Release of Baby turtles in Dec and Jan in the Barra de Navidad Bay. Where: Turtle Hatchery in Malecon of Barra de Navidad. Info: Contact Sidronio Madero of ECOBANA Ecological Group at sidroniomadero@hotmail.com or in the Delegation of Barra de Navidad office . Note: October release of Baby Turtles article and Sea turtles release post.

February 2012

Feb. 2nd Candlemas Celebration

February 2: Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas Celebration). It is a tradition that those who find a baby Jesus doll in their piece of bread of the "Rosca de Reyes" on Jan. 6th must organize a party on February 2nd. "Dia de la Candelaria" celebration and serve tamales.

Barra de Navidad barrio Saint Philip Saint Philip of Jesus Festivity 2012

Feb 2-5: Barra de Navidad Barrio Saint Philip of Jesus Patron Saint Festivity. Fiestas Patronales de San Felipe de Jesús en Barrio San Felipe de Jesús en Barra de Navidad. Pilgrimages, Fireworks, Floats, Kermess and Mass. Where: Barra de Navidad Barrio. O. índico and Nueva España streets. More info.:Barrio Chapel. Note: Barrio San Felipe de Jesus Patron Saint Festivity post. Patron Saint Philip of Jesus Festivities 2012 in the barrio in Barra de Navidad.

Feb 10-13: "Fiestas Taurinas"/Bull Fighting Fiesta Villa Obregon. Bull Fighting, Rodeo and Music Where: Villa Obregon Bull Fighting ring and Main Square.

Feistas Taurinas Villa Obregon 2012

Feb 14: Costalegre Rotary Club Valentines Day - Dinner Dance Auction. Where: Isla Navidad - Golf Club Grand Bay Hotel. Tickets at Costalegre Rotary Club. Info.: Contact Costalegre Rotary Website or email: rotary@costalegre-rotary.org for more information.

Costalegre Rotary Club Valentines Day Dinner Dance Auction

Lent season Food in Mexico

Feb 22: Ash Wednesday. Look for Lent Season food (comida de cuaresma) on Ash Wednesday, every Friday and during Holy week at different restaurants and "cocinas economicas". Note: Lent Meals in Barra de Navidad post.

Mardi grass parade in Barra de Navidad Jalisco 2012

23 Feb - Mar 4 : Carnaval Costalegre/Mardi Grass Carnival . "Quema del Mal Humor"/Burning of the Bad Mood party ,Parade, Batucada, Carnaval Costalegre Queen Coronation dine and dance party. Surfing and Fishing Tournament, Beach Volleyball Tournament, Fish Fair , Art crafts exhibition, Cultural and Artistic Events, Football 7 Where: Barra de Navidad Malecon, Terraza (Guanajuato street) and Main Square in Barra de Navidad. More Info: Carnaval Costalegre Schedule
Feb 23 "Quema del Mal Humor"/Burning of the Bad Mood party
Feb 24 Carnaval Costalegre Queen Coronation dine and dance party.
Feb 25 Fishing Tournament "Torneo de los Amigos"
Feb 26 Fish Fair in Barra de Navidad / 3era. Feria del Pescado. Fish and Gastronomic Exhibition. Sport and Music Events. Where: Barra de Navidad Malecon. This is event is part of Carnaval Costalegre.
Feb 28 Carnaval Costalegre Parade Floats/Mardi Grass Parade along streets of Barra de Navidad, Melaque, Villa Obregon, Jaluco to finish coming back to Barra de Navidad.
Feb 23-28 Cultural and Artistic Events Where: Barra de Navidad jardin.
Mar 2-4 Jaripeos Feria Taurina in Barra de Navidad. Where: Portable Bullfighting ring next to Barra de Navidad jardin.

St. Patrick Fiesta in Melaque

March 2012

X3M (Victoria Skimboards distributor in Mexico) Skim Contest 2012 Melaque

March 9-11 : X3M (Victoria Skimboards distributor in Mexico) Skim Contest 2012 Where: Melaque beach More info: X3M Website
March 8-17 : St. Patrick Festivities in Melaque (Fiestas Patronales de San Patricio en Melaque).Live Music events. Jaripeo Baile March 15th 6:00 PM. Where: San Patricio Melaque Church, Main Square.
March 16-25: Feria Taurina San Patricio 2012. Bullfighting, Jaripeo, Live Music events.Where: San Patricio Melaque bull fighting ring.

Palm Sunday in Barra de Navidad

April 2012

April 1st-April 8: Holy Week/Semana Santa Celebrations. Where: Barra de Navidad church and pilgrimage to the Malecon in Palm Sunday. Note: Post with pictures and schedule of celebrations in Barra de Navidad.

Holy Friday in Barra de Navidad

May 2012

May 3: Day of the Holy Cross/Día de La Santa Cruz. More important religious festivity for construction workers.

April 24 - May 3: Traditional Bull fighting, Jaripeos, Fireworks, Music and Religious Festivities of La Santa Cruz in Cihuatlan. Where: Monumental Bull fighting ring and several locations in Cihuatlan. More info.: Contact Cihuatlan Municipality.

June 2012

June 1st: Dia de La Marina Nacional/ National Navy Day. Official Ceremony at the Barra de Navidad Malecon.

June 13: San Antonio de Padua Patron Saint of Barra de Navidad Festivities.

Note: This Barra de Navidad and Melaque calendar is based on last year calendar. Some dates and events marked as TBD are not defined yet, so, I will update it as soon as the date is defined or the event is confirmed.

Jova Hurricane Relief - Cihuatlan - Como Ayudar, Refugios y Telefonos de Emergencia - How to Help, Temporary Shelter and Emergency Numbers

2011-10-10T12:39:00.000-07:00

Hurricane Jova Tracking Map - Stormpulse -

Jova Hurricane - Cihuatlan - Refugios, Telefonos de Emergencia y Como ayudar - Temporary Shelter, Emergency Numbers and How to help.

How to help / Como ayudar

HURACAN JOVA / El Municipio de Cihuatlán te informa que la CUENTA OFICIAL para recibir donativos para los damnificados del Huracan Jova, es BANAMEX sucursal 415 cuenta 4441722 o clabe interbancaria 002341041544417228

Jova Hurricane Relief/ The Official Account opened by the municipality of Cihuatlan to deposit donations for the people affected by Jova Hurricane is BANAMEX Branch 415 account 4441722 or clabe interbancaria 002341041544417228
Costalegre Rotary Hurricane Jova Relief. If you wish to donate to Costalegre Rotary Hurricane Jova Relief you may send your donation to:

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (115)

P.O. Box 6995

Portland, OR 97228 6995

COSTALEGRE ROTARY CLUB

Account Number: 5814744834

Routing Number 123006800

Or to:

COSTALEGRE ROTARY CLUB

C/O CABO BLANCO HOTEL

APDO #31 BARRA DE NAVIDAD

JALISCO 48987 MEXICO

COSTALEGRE ROTARY CLUB is designated as a non-profit charitable organization by the
Mexican Government. Please email rotary@costalegre-rotary.org cocerning your donation; we will respond via email thanking you for your donation and later identify where your donation was used.
Account on Facebook Costa Jalisco Afectados Jova
Centro de acopio "Costa Jalisco Afectados Jova" en Guadalajara: Se requiere Agua embotellada, alimentos enlatados, cobijas, catres. Rinconada del Fuego 2876 Colonia Rinconada del Bosque an un costado del Hotel Hilton, 2 cuadras de Expo Guadalajara.
Jova Hurricane Relief Collection Center "Costa Jalisco Afectados Jova" in Guadalajara: Please bring bottled water, canned food, blankets, portable beds, Address: Rinconada del Fuego 2876, Colonia Rinconada del Bosque, Guadalajara, Jalisco; next to Hilton Hotel. 2 blocks from Expo Guadalajara.
Centro de Acopio en DIF Jalisco en Guadalajara; Se requiere agua embotellada, alimentos enlatados, articulos de higiene personal, leche en polvo, pañales y toallas femeninas.Av. Alcalde Glorieta de la Normal 8:00 am - 8:00 pm.
Jova Hurricane Relief Collection Center in DIF Jalisco in Guadalajara: Please bring bottled water, canned food, comfort kits, powder milk, baby diapers, sanitary napkins. Address: Av. Alcalde, Glorieta de La Normal. Guadalajara, Jalisco. Hours: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm.
Centro de Acopio en La Delegación Municipal de Barra de Navidad: Se requiere alimentos no perecederos, agua embotellada, ropa, medicina. Av. Veracruz #179, segundo piso, a un lado del Jardín, Lunes - Domingo todo el día y parte de la noche.
Jova Hurricane Relief Collection Center in Barra de Navidad Municipal Delegation Office: Please bring non-perishable food, bottled water, clothing, medicines. Address: Av. Veracruz #179, second floor, besides the main square. Mon-Sun All day and evenings.
Centro de Acopio de Melaque: Se requiere alimentos no perecederos, agua embotellada, ropa, medicina. Av. Primaveras enfrente de la DiscoTanga
Jova Hurricane Relief Collection Center in Melaque: Please bring non-perishable food, bottled water, clothing, medicines. Address: Av. Primaveras in front of Disco Tanga.
Centro de Acopio en Guadalajara para apoyar a Cihuatlán, Melaque y Barra de Navidad: Cuatitlán #434 Col. Jardines de los Arcos, atrás del Instituto Vera-Cruz, Teléfonos: 31222141 y 16095075. Informes Nacho Mestas o Alejandro Gallardo.

Cihuatlan Municipality Jova Hurricane Help Banamex Account / Huracan Jova Cuenta Banamex para ayuda

Refugios Temporales en Cihuatlan / Temporary Shelter in Cihuatlan

Jova Hurricane Temporary Shelter - Huracan Jova Refugios Acondicionados - Sistema DIF Cihuatlan Jalisco - Fuente Grupo ECOBANA

Cihuatlan Guia de Albergues fuente -http://www.cihuatlan.gob.mx/pdf/TEMPORAL%20DE%20LLUVIAS.pdf

Plan Municipal de Contingencias - Ayuntamiento Constitucional de Cihuatlan Jalisco

Cihuatlan Telefonos de Emergencia / Emergency Numbers

Numeros de emergencia proporcionados por la dirección de Comunicación Social del Municipio de Cihuatlán Fuente Pedro Silva CANAL235

Telefonos de Emergencia / Emergency Numbers

Unidad de Protección Civil Municipal Teléfono/Phone: (315) 35 54308
DIF Cihuatlan Teléfono/Phone: (315)35 5 25 47
Dirección de Seguridad Pública Teléfono/Phone: (315) 35 52023 or Celular : 117 Gratis/Free
Cruz Roja Delegación Cihualán / Cihuatlan Red Cross Teléfono/Phone: (315) 35 52300
Unidad Protección Civil del Estado Teléfono/Phone: (315) 35 56375 / 76
Civil y Bomberos Jalisco Teléfono/Phone: EMER.116
Hospital de Primer Contacto de Cihuatlan Teléfono/Phone: (315) 35-5-21-71
Capitanía de Puerto Marítima Portuaria Teléfono/Phone: (315)35-5-57-59
Delegación Sub-Regional Cihuatlan Vialidad Teléfono/Phone: (315)35-5-31-00
Policia Federal de Caminos Teléfono/Phone: (315) 35-5-62-25
Delegación de Turismo Costalegre Teléfono/Phone: (315)35-5-51-00
Directora Departamento Médico Municipal Teléfono/Phone: (315)35-5-11-10
Comandancia de Barra de Navidad Teléfono/Phone: (315)35-5-53-99
Delegación de Melaque Teléfono/Phone: 35-5-50-80
Delegación de Barra de Navidad Teléfono/Phone: (315)35-5-85-49
Agencia Villa Obregón Teléfono/Phone: (315)35-5-60-90
22/a C.I.N.E. de Melaque Teléfono/Phone: (315)35-5-90-96
Guarnición Militar de Melaque Teléfono/Phone: (315)35-5-562-88
Comisión Federal de Electricidad (C.F.E.) Teléfono/Phone: (315)35-5-20-35
Grupo Ecológico Bahía de Navidad ECOBANA From Telcel 116 or Teléfono/Phone: (315) 35 5 53 99

Que hacer antes del Huracán . What to do before the Hurricane

What to do before the Hurricane:

If you consider that your house will resist then secure windows, doors and loose objects.
Disconnect electricity and gas, turn off propane tanks.
Ensure a supply of food, water.
First aid kit
Lantern with new batteries
Battery powered radio
Keep your important documents inside plastic bags
Keep your domestic animals and pets in a safe place
First aid kit
Stay in the room of the house that you consider the safest

Que hacer durante el huracán - What to do during a Hurricane

What to do during the Hurricane:

Stay inside your house or shelter and follow official information by authorities.
Stay calm, don't go out your shelter or house.
Do not leave alone children, elderly, disable or sick people.
Do not light on candles, use a lantern instead.
Even if everybody seems to be calm outside do not go out because it can be the eye of the hurricane passing by, after that the strong winds will comeback.
Wait for official information before going outside.

Que hacer después - What to do after

What to after the hurricane:

If someone got hurt look for help.
Check your house, check there is no gas leaks before reconnecting electricity or gas.
Clean your house and put the garbage outside to help with the recollection.
If there is no damage in your house and you can help other family members or neighbors do so based on your circumstances.

Sitios útiles / Useful Websites:

Plan Municipal de Contingencias 2011- Cihuatlán Jalisco
Protección Civil Jalisco
Protección Civil Colima
CENEPRED
Radio Levy RL98.9 en línea desde Manzanillo Colima / Radio online
Hurricane Jova Tracking Map by Stompulse
Pedro Silva Canal 235
Comunicacion Social H. Ayuntamiento de Cihuatlan Facebook Page

¡Viva México!

2011-09-15T08:20:00.000-07:00

¡Viva México!

St. Patrick's Day in Melaque

2011-03-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

St. Patrick festivity in Melaque

Prehispanic dances, Mexican banda music and crazy "castillos" and ''toritos" fireworks, religious services is what the people of the town of San Patricio Melaque do to honor St. Patrick an Irish Saint.

baby dressed as St. Patrick during a pilgrimage in Melaque

9 days last the fiestas that villages of San Patricio, Villa Obregon and Melaque dedicate to their patron saint St. Patrick where the biggest party is on March 17th.

Prehispanic "Danzas" to honor St. Patrick in the church of Melaque

During these 9 days people celebrate with lots of fun their patron Saint with religious services and "cuetes" fireworks as early as 5 a.m. In the evening there are pilgrimages and a parade with floats and at night traditional banda music in the quiosco of the main square, Mexican "antojitos", "Loteria Mexicana" Mexican bingo and the traditional Mexican style fireworks: "castillos" and "toritos".

Setting up the "castillo" fireworks - St. Patrick's Day in Melaque

To close the celebration every night the most expected event are the fireworks. A tower with fireworks call a castle "castillo" displaying colorful figures and shooting rockets into the audience is lighted up. Children and young people get closer to the tower expecting to chase the rockets fired from the "castillo". After that, a person dressed up as a little bull "torito" which shoots out rockets into the crowd chases everybody around the square making people running everywhere with fear and delight.

Priest blessing participants of the floats - St. Patrick's Day in Melaque

Priest blessing the Prehispanic dancers -- St. Patrick's Day in Melaque

A couple of Angels -- St. Patrick's Day in Melaque

pilgrimage - St. Patrick's Day in Melaque

"Loco de la Danza" - Pilgrimage parade, St. Patrick's Day in Melaque

Dancers at the Pilgrimage in honor of St. Patrick - St. Patrick's Day in Melaque

"Castillo" fireworks - St. Patrick's Day in Melaque

Pilgrims carrying the image of St. Patrick - St. Patrick's Day in Melaque

Mexican Lent Food

2011-03-15T21:55:00.000-07:00

Mexican Lent Food - "Capirotada" - Loncheria y Taqueria Fer in Barrio of Barra de Navidad

Lent is the period starting on Ash Wednesday to Easter. In Mexico special meals known as lent food in English or "comida de cuaresma" or "comida de vigilia" in Spanish are prepared during this period of time but only on Ash Wednesday, Every Friday and Holy Saturday. A characteristic of these dishes is that there is no meat on them and are mainly eaten at lunch time which is the main meal in Mexico.

-Mexican Lent Food - "Salpicon de Marlin" - Cocina Economica in Nueva Espana 89 in Barrio of Barra de Navidad-

"cuaresma" meals vary depending of the region of Mexico some are: "Tortitas de Camaron" / Dried Shrimp Cakes, "sopa de lentejas" / lentil soup, "sopa de habas" / lima beans soup, "capirotada" / a kind of bread pudding, "nopales con papitas de monte en chile de teñir" / cooked cactus with baby potatoes in a chile sauce, "chiles capeados rellenos de queso o atún" / batter deep fried stuffed poblano peppers filled with cheese or tuna fish, pipian sauce, "guidado de pescado" / cooked fish in tomatoes and spices sauce, "sopa de pescado" / fish soup , "romeritos con nopales" / romeritos with cactus, "ensalada de nopales" / cactus salad, "torrejas lampreadas con miel de piloncillo" / deep fried bread in caramel sauce.

Other kind of pan fried cakes also common during lent season are: "tortitas de espinacas y queso" / spinach deep fried cakes , "tortitas de acelgas y queso" / acelgas and cheese deep fried cakes, "tortitas de papa"/ potato cakes, "tortitas de atun" / tuna cakes, "tortitas de huazontle" / huazontle cakes.

Mexican Lent food - Batter deep fried stuffed poblano peppers filled with cheese - Cocina Economia Michoacan and Mazatlan streets

Some of the "cuaresma dishes" that can be found in Barra de Navidad are: "Tortitas de Camaron" / Dried Shrimp Cakes, "capirotada" / a kind of bread pudding, "nopales en chile de teñir" / cooked cactus in chile sauce, "chiles capeados rellenos de queso o atún" / batter deep fried stuffed poblano peppers filled with cheese or tuna fish, "salpicon de pescado" / cooked fish in tomatoes and spices sauce.

Mexican Lent Food - "Tortitas de Camaron" - "Cocina Economica" Nueva Espana Ave. 89 in Barrio of Barra de Navidad

"Tortitas de Camaron" / Dry Shrimp Cakes. These are cakes made with dried shrimp made powder, mixed with eggs and deep fried. These cakes are very similar of those found in the Chinese and Vietnamese food.
The "tortitas de camaron" are normally served with "nopales" / cactus in a not hot spicy red chile sauce or pipian sauce (a delicious sauce made with toasted pumpkin seeds, chile sauce)

Mexican Lent Food - "Capirotada" - "Chicha" Bakery in Barra de Navidad

"Capirotada" / Bread Pudding : Capirotada is a bread pudding prepared with raw sugar, almonds, dry bread, raisins, cheese, Mexican cinnamon.

Mexican Lent Food - Cactus Salad - Casa Las Margaritas

"Ensalada de Nopales" / Cactus Salad : Delicious and nutritious the cactus has many properties. You can find shredded cactus in different grocery stores. A common recipe to prepare cactus is to slice the cactus and boil it or grilled it, mix it cold with onion, cilantro and tomato as a salad. A very good book with recipes to prepare nopal is "Tradicion y Sabor 120 Recetas de Nopal".

Some Restaurants and Cocinas Economicas where you can find Lent Food in Barra de Navidad:

"Cocina Economica" restaurant located in Nueva Espana Av. in Barrio San Felipe
"Loncheria y Taqueria Fer" restaurant located at the corner of Nueva Espana and Mar Mediterraneo street in the barrio San Felipe.
"Cocina Economica" restaurant located at the corner of Mazatlan and Michoacan streets.

Saint Patrick Festivities in Melaque

2011-03-08T22:00:00.000-08:00

image of Saint Patrick in Melaque church

The patron saint of Melaque is Saint Patrick. The festivities last for 9 days

Program of the Festivities in the Main Square and Church
Every Day from March 8th till March 17th.

5:00 AM Traditional "Mañanitas" music and "cuetes" (fireworks)
6:00 AM Eucharist
12:00 PM Mass
5:00 PM Pilgrimage with floats and "danzas"
6:00 PM Eucharist and blessing with the Blessed Sacrament
8:00 PM Eucharist
10:30 PM Fireworks "castillo" and "torito" and music in the main square

Fiestas Taurinas ("Jaripeo" and Dance parties with popular "banda" music bands) are also celebrated in the bull fighting ring of San Patricio, Melaque.

Festivities to honor Sain Patrick in San Patricio Melaque

Preparing the fireworks "castillo" for Saint Patrick Festivities in Melaque

.San Patricio Melaque Festivities Program

Mardi Gras Parade in Barra de Navidad

2011-03-06T14:55:00.000-08:00

Mardi Gras Parade in Barra de Navidad - Costalegre Carnaval 2011

As well as Brazil, New Orleans, Mazatlan, Veracruz or Merida the little town of Barra de Navidad also celebrated Mardi Gras with a parade full of color and joy where children, young people and adults participated with enthusiasm that lasted for hours until late at night. The parade was part of the Costalegre Carnaval 2011.

Several troupes and floats of different businesses and schools of Barra de Navidad, Melaque, el Barrio San Felipe walk the streets of Barra, Melaque, Jaluco, Villa Obregon and Melaque on Tuesday March 1st. to end the parade at night with floats with lights and music.

Harlequin Troupe at Mardi Gras parade in Barra de Navidad

Mardi Gras Costalegre Carnaval Parade

Jarro Beach Sports Bar at Mardi Gras Costalegre Carnaval Parade

"La Vaquita Feliz" Happy Cow butcher - Mardi Gras Costalegre Carnaval Parade

Clowns Troupe - Mardi Gras Costalegre Carnaval Parade

Famous Piper Lover bar and Canada in the Ice Cream Car -Mardi Gras Costalegre Carnaval Parade

Rey Momo Backstage Bar -Mardi Gras Costalegre Carnaval Parade

Abarrotes Pelayo Grocery Store Float -Mardi Gras Costalegre Carnaval Parade

Fish Gastronomic Exhibition and Contest - Fish Fair in Barra de Navidad

2011-02-27T18:54:00.000-08:00

Sambuca Restaurant

For the second year a Fish Gastronomic and Exhibition "Feria del Pescado" (Fish Fair) where restaurants and chefs of the Mexican Pacific area known as Costalegre participated.

At the Barra de Navidad malecon where the Fish Fair took part, people had the opportunity to try free samples of delicious meals all prepared with fish.

Some of the participants were Popeye's Restaurant, Sambuca Restaurant, IAPEJ, Veleros Restaurant, Terraza Bar Capri, Nacho Restaurant.

Nacho Restaurant of Barra de Navidad

Terraza Bar Capri of Barra de Navidad

Seafood Ballon - Veleros Restaurant of Barra de Navidad

Salpicon - Veleros Restaurant in Barra de Navidad

Grilled Fish

Grilled Fish Fillets

IAPEJ at the Fish Fair in Barra de Navidad

Carnaval Costalegre Queen and Princess

Fish Fair in Barra de Navidad

Carnaval Costalegre 2011 in Barra de Navidad - Highlights

2011-02-26T22:22:00.000-08:00

Carnaval Costalegre 2011 in Barra de Navidad

Very good quality events with great performers and musicians is what we have experienced at the Carnaval Costalegre 2011.

"Grupo Ensamble" from Colima presenting a Mambo dance

The performing of the "Grupo Ensamble" from Colima city left the audience ecstatic presenting a show that included Mexican traditional and contemporary dances like mambo and danzon as well as international dancing styles like tango, jive and broadway dance.

CAM Cihuatlan

Kids from the CAM Cihuatlan school had an activity flying kites on the Barra de Navidad beach.

"Memories of Old Barra de Navidad" by Prof. Gina Barriente

A very interesting photography exhibition "Memories of Old Barra de Navidad" is also part of this Carnaval. The exhibition was organized by Prof. Gina Barriente who has spent a lot of time organizing, scanning and documenting information of photographs and postcards of Barra de Navidad from the 1940's, 50's, 60's and maybe older. The exhibition is open from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm till Tuesday March 3rd. at Casa Ejidal located in Guanajuato street #102.

"Sonora Santanera" Tropical Orchestra performing at the Carnaval Costalegre 2011 Queen Coronation dance party

The legendary and extraordinary tropical orchestra "Sonora Santanera" and the great "Cadetes de Linares" performed at the Carnaval Costalegre Queen Coronation dance party at the "Terraza". These two bands are very popular and known for a couple of generations in Mexico and Latin population in the U.S. The "Terraza" is located in Guanajuato street across from the Main Square (jardin).

The "Sea Master" Restaurant is presenting an Art and Painting Exhibition "The Mermaids in Carnival Alley" till Sunday February 27.

Fishing Tournament Carnaval Costalegre 2011

The 10th Fishing Tournament was celebrated on Saturday February 26th. as part of the Costalegre Carnaval events. It was organized by the Friends and Fishermen Club of Barra de Navidad "Club de Amigos y Pescadores de Barra de Navidad

A.C.". An enthusiastic crowd gathered at the malecon for the weigh-in session and party. The fish caught in the tournament is cooked the next day during the Fish Fair which is also celebrated at the malecon of Barra de Navidad.

Other events included the traditional football soccer game between teams from La Placita Michoacan and Barra de Navidad. This game has been celebrated every year for more than 50 years as I was told for some of the participants.

The Carnaval Costalegre ends on Tuesday March 1st. so there are still opportunity to attend events like the Foreign Queen of Expats Contest, the Fish Fair, the Gay Queen contest, presentation of different dance groups and folk ballets like Xalixco ballet and more.

X3M SKIM Contest 2011 in Melaque Mexico

2011-02-26T13:53:00.000-08:00

X3M Skim Contest 2011 in Melaque, Jalisco Mexico

X3M is hosting a Skimboarding Contest in Melaque, Jalisco Mexico. As mentioned by Skimonline is the biggest skimboarding event of the year in Mexico and has competitors from all over Mexico, the U.S., France and Brazil.

More pictures in X3M Skim Contest Photo Album

Carnaval Costalegre 2011 in Barra de Navidad

2011-02-23T10:29:00.000-08:00

Costalegre Carnival 2011 - Barra de Navidad

Thursday, February 24

Jardin 19:30 Burning of Bad Moods Ceremony. Carnival Inauguration ceremony
Terrace 22:00 Inaugural Dance

Carnaval Costalegre 2011 - Program in English

Friday, February 25

Jardin 19:30 Candidates for Queen: Runway Presentation, Singer: Adriana Vargas, Comedian: Pindonga, Colima Ensamble Group.
Terrace 22:00 Carnival Queen Selection and Coronation Dance of the Costalegre Carnival Queen. Music: "Sonora Santanera" and "Cadetes de Linares" bands.

Saturday, February 26

Sea Master Rest. 13:00 Art and Painting Exhibition: "The Mermaids in Carnival Alley"
Navidad Bay Fishing Tournament. Fishing contestants will start and end from the malecon. Weigh-in session at the malecon also around 4:00 pm. Registration at the jardin on Friday February 25th. at 7:00 pm.
Barra de Navidad beach Beach Volleyball Tournament, Beach Soccer Tournament, Traditional Game between La Placita and Barra.
Jardin 16:00 Brain Gym exercises tournament, domino, ripstik-scooter and pickin stix tournaments.
Jardin 19:30 Dance Group presentations: Break Dance, Modern Dance by "Zebra" group of Ameca. Brazilian Batucada.

Jardin 22:00 Reception of Visitors from La Placita, Music by Perla Blanca Band.

Carnival Costalegre 2011 - Foreign Queen Contest

Sunday, February 27

Malecon and Beach 10:00 Fish Fair: Fish Gastronomic Exhibition and Contest participating different restaurants and the best chefs of the Costalegre area. Cultural and Sporting Events, Kayak race, Kids Fishing Contest, Sand Sculptures exhibition, Music stage presenting different music groups and bands. All events held at the Malecon and Barra de Navidad beach.
Jardin 10:00 Inaugural "Le Tour de Barra de Navidad" bike race, potato sac race.
Jardin 19:30 Xalixco Ballet, Arabian Belly Dance, "Reina de Cipres" band from Zacatecas, Hawaiian Ballet from Manzanillo.

Terrace 22:00 Foreign Queen of Expats contest and coronation. Music by "Sangre Latina" band.

Barra de Navidad 2nd Fish Fair - Gastronomic Exhibition and Contest

Monday, February 28

Malecon 08:00 Sporting Event "Treasure Hunting"
Jardin 19:30 Animaniac Show, Brazilian Batucada, "Energia Extrema" dance group, "Privados de Gloria" rock band, Presentation of different DJ's.
Terrace 20:00 Gay Queen Contest participating La Huerta. Cihuatlan, Melaque and Autlan.

Costalegre Carnaval 2011 Parade route

Tuesday, March 1

Mazatlan street 16:00 Carnival Parade Float. The parade begins in Barra de Navidad at Mazatlan and Michoacan streets and will continue to Veracruz, Puerto de la Navidad and San Juan streets toward Nueva Espana Ave. in the Barra de Navidad barrio, then continues to Jaluco, Melaque and Villa Obregon to return to the starting point.
Jardin 19:00 Transvestite Show, "New House" ballet presentation.
Terrace 22:00 Closing Dance Party with "Sonora Dinamita" and "Los Ilustres de Durango" bands.

Every Day

Puerto de La Navidad street Evenings Palenque de Gallos Feb 17-25.
Casa Ejidal. 18:00 "Memories of Old Barra de Navidad " Photography Exhibition at Casa Ejidal located at Guanajuato street #102 starting Thursday Feb. 24th.

Locations

Jardin: Main Square in Barra de Navidad
Terrace: Terraza is located in Guanajuato street between Veracruz Ave. and Mazatlan Ave.
Barra de Navidad malecon
Barra de Navidad mapquest map shows all streets in detail.

Carnaval Costalegre 2011 - Program in Spanish

Patron Mexican Saint Philip of Jesus - Fiesta in the barrio of Barra de Navidad

2011-02-05T10:24:00.002-08:00

Pilgrimage in honor of Patron Saint St. Philip of Jesus in Barra de Navidad

The barrio in Barra de Navidad is celebrating the patron saint "San Felipe de Jesus" (Saint Philip of Jesus). The "fiestas" last for 3 days and end on February 5th which is the main festivity. There will be a pilgrimage around 6:30 pm in Nueva Espana street, where the image of St. Philip of Jesus will be carried to the chapel in the barrio followed by a mass service, folklorical dances on the backstage located behind the chapel and a kermess in front of the chapel with "antojitos" (mexican food), loteria mexicana (bingo) and "toritos".

CECYTEJ Ballet presentation in backstage of barrio chapel in Barra de Navidad

Barrio Danza along Nueva Espana in Barra de Navidad

San Felipe de Jesus chapel in O. Indico and Ejidatarios streets

band music playing during the pilgrimage

St. Philip of Jesus Chapel in barrio of Barra de Navidad

Mary-go-round - Patron Saint St. Philip of Jesus Festivities barrio Barra de Navidad

Playing Loteria Mexicana (bingo) - Patron Saint St. Philip of Jesus Festivities barrio Barra de Navidad

Patron Saint St. Philip of Jesus Festivities barrio Barra de Navidad

fireworks -Patron Saint St. Philip of Jesus Festivities barrio Barra de Navidad

pilgrimage in Nueva Espana street-Patron Saint St. Philip of Jesus Festivities barrio Barra de Navidad

Ballet Cihuatl - Patron Saint St. Philip of Jesus Festivities barrio Barra de Navidad

Patron Mexican Saint Philip of Jesus - Fiesta in barrio of Barra de Navidad

2011-02-05T10:24:00.000-08:00

Pilgrimage in honor of Patron Saint St. Philip of Jesus in Barra de Navidad

CECYTEJ Ballet presentation in backstage of barrio chapel in Barra de Navidad

Barrio Danza along Nueva Espana in Barra de Navidad

San Felipe de Jesus chapel in O. Indico and Ejidatarios streets

band music playing during the pilgrimage

St. Philip of Jesus Chapel in barrio of Barra de Navidad

Mary-go-round - Patron Saint St. Philip of Jesus Festivities barrio Barra de Navidad

Playing Loteria Mexicana (bingo) - Patron Saint St. Philip of Jesus Festivities barrio Barra de Navidad

Patron Saint St. Philip of Jesus Festivities barrio Barra de Navidad

fireworks -Patron Saint St. Philip of Jesus Festivities barrio Barra de Navidad

pilgrimage in Nueva Espana street-Patron Saint St. Philip of Jesus Festivities barrio Barra de Navidad

Ballet Cihuatl - Patron Saint St. Philip of Jesus Festivities barrio Barra de Navidad

Fiesta in el Barrio in Barra de Navidad - Patron Saint Philip of Jesus Festivities

2011-01-31T23:04:00.000-08:00

Barrio Saint Philip of Jesus in Barra de Navidad

There is fiesta in el Barrio in Barra de Navidad this week as they celebrate the festivities of their patron saint St. Philip of Jesus a Mexican saint.
The celebrations are from Wednesday February 2nd. till Saturday February 5th. in the small chapel located at the corner of O. Indico and Ejidatarios streets, one block from Nueva España.
The fiesta starts every day very early at 5:30 am with fireworks. There is also a pilgrimage and floats in the streets of el barrio at 6:00 pm. and after the celebration of the mass at 7:00 pm there will be bingo "Loteria", "kermess" and music.
Come to el barrio in Barra de Navidad and join the celebrations. Everybody is welcome!

Rotary Club Costalegre Chili Cook-Off in Barra de Navidad

2011-01-31T21:26:00.000-08:00

Lots of fun, great food, an amazing audience, excellent musicians and a great environment were the ingredients of the successfull Annual Chili Cook-Off celebrated yesterday Sunday January 30th. This fundraising event is organized by the Rotary Club Costalegre in the Barra de Navidad Main Square.

Rotary Club Costalegre Chili Cook-Off

"Los Picositos" team - Cabo Blanco Hotel

Firehouse Chili Team

Florecitas Team

"La Oficina" Team

Karen and Jeff - Isadora Restaurant Team

Ballet Xalisco

Gordon & Trish and Friends excelent musicians performing at the Chili Cook-Off Dance Under the Starts party in Barra de Navidad

XXXVI International Fishing Tournament Sail Fish, Marlin, Dorado and Tuna in Barra de Navidad, Jalisco Mexico

2011-01-20T20:26:00.000-08:00

On the beautiful grounds surrounding the "Puerto de La Navidad" marina of the Grand Bay Hotel and Isla Navidad Resort, an enthusiastic crowd gathered today after the first day of competition of the XXXVI International Fishing Tournament of Sail Fish, Marlin, Dorado and Tuna in Barra de Navidad, Jalisco.

Barra de Navidad XXXVI International Fishing Tournament

Dorado Fish

"Puerto de La Navidad" Marina at the Grand Bay Hotel

"Puerto de la Navidad" Marina. Grand Bay Hotel

Barra de Navidad XXXVI International Fishing Tournament

2011-01-16T21:45:00.000-08:00

Grand Bay Hotel Puerto de la Navidad

On January 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd, the traditional and popular International Fishing Tournament will be celebrated in Barra de Navidad, Jalisco, Mexico in its XXXVI edition. This Sail Fish, Marlin, Dorado and Tuna tournament is held every year and is organized by “Club de Pesca Barra de Navidad A.C.".

36 Barra de Navidad International Fishing Tournament

Tourists and public in general can gather at the malecon in Barra de Navidad on Jan. 20th, 21st and 22nd to watch the entrance of the boats to the "Puerto de la Navidad" Marina of the Grand Bay Hotel at around 5:00 pm. on the days of the tournament.

Weigh-in sessions are also fun to attend at the dock of the "Puerto de la Navidad" Marina of the Grand Bay Hotel after the boats come in.

More info.: Contact Club de Pesca Barra de Navidad.

Weigh-in session at "Puerto de La Navidad" marina

Dorado fish - Barra de Navidad International Fishing Tournament

Baby Sea Turtles Released into the Barra de Navidad beach

2011-01-08T21:40:00.000-08:00

"Golfina "Baby Sea turtles born in the Barra de Navidad hatchery

More than 50 Olive Ridley baby sea turtles known as Golfina Turtle in Mexico were released tonight off the Barra de Navidad beach. The baby turtles were born this morning at the Barra de Navidad hatchery maintained by the ECOBANA Group. ECOBANA Group is an Ecological group that works with sea turtle conservation in the Barra de Navidad, Melaque, Playa del Coco beaches.

"Golfina" Olive Ridley Baby Sea turtles at the Barra de Navidad Hatchery

Barra de Navidad beach

For further information about Sea Turtle Preservation contact ECOBANA Group Director Sidronio Madero sidroniomadero@hotmail.com or Luis Dávila grupoecobana@hotmail.com or in the Barra de Navidad Turtle Hatchery in the Malecon.

Mexican Christmas Traditions - 3 Wise Men Celebration

2011-01-06T11:22:00.000-08:00

3 Wise Men in Barra de Navidad Main Square

We three kings of Orient are

Bearing gifts we traverse afar

Field and Fountain, moor and mountain

Following yonder star

.........

(We Three Kings by Reverend by Reverend John Henry Hopkins Jr.)

"Rosca de Reyes"

In Mexico, Christmas celebrations are not over yet. Today ,January 6th, we celebrate the 3 Wise Men Day (Día de Reyes). The tradition is that 3 wise men visited Baby Jesus and brought him gifts. For children in Mexico it is a big day and in many parts of Mexico they receive Christmas gifts today instead of on Christmas Day.

Nativity Scene with 3 Wise Men in San Antonio de Padua Church in Barra de Navidad

The celebration includes also a reunion where family and friends share a "Rosca de Reyes" .

The "Rosca de Reyes" is a special type of bread with dried fruits on top that is filled with baby dolls who represent baby Jesus, rings and thimbles. Each person has to cut their own piece of bread and search for any of these gifts. The person who finds the Baby Jesus figures should organizes a party on February 2nd. (Candlemas celebration) and serve tamales. The traditions says also that if a person finds a ring in his piece of bread ,they will get married and if they find a thimble they will never get married.

Wise Men

In Barra de Navidad you can find "Rosca de Reyes" in different bakeries like Karely or grocery stores like Abarrotes Pelayo.

Traditional Mexican Wise Men Bread. Karely Bakery Barra de Navidad

Karely Bakery in Barra de Navidad

First Melaque Festival Highlights

2010-12-18T09:42:00.000-08:00

Folk Ballet from Cihuatlan

Colima State Music Band

Singer-songwriter Paco Padilla accompanied by talented musicians

Beach Volleyball tournament in Melaque beach

exhibition of artworks and sculptures by the international artists community

Visit the Official website of the festival: Festival Melaque

Mexican Christmas Traditions - Las Posadas in the barrio of Barra de Navidad

2010-12-17T07:47:00.000-08:00

Barra de Navidad barrio church

One of the Mexican Christmas celebrations are "Las Posadas" and "Patorelas". The barrio in Barra de Navidad celebrates these beautiful traditions in the most authentic way thanks to a group of neighbors lead by Doña Petra.

children gather in the barrio church to walk in a parade to celebrate "la posada"

Enthusiastic children dressed up as Joseph, Mary, shepherds, angels and devils including "luzbel" (lucifer) gather in the church of the Barra de Navidad barrio where a mass is celebrated around 7:00 pm. for the first posada and a Rosary is prayed around 6:00 pm for the next ones. After the mass children and adults walk in a parade singing Mexican Christmas carols toward the street where "la posada" takes place.

All the attendants to the "posada" participate singing the verses of the reenactment of Joseph and Mary looking for lodging. A pinata that represent the evil or 7 sins (if it has seven cones) is broken by the children with a stick that represents the triumph of good over evil. The pinata is filled with fruits like pieces of sugar cane, mandarins, oranges, peanuts and candies.

An appetizer is served and children are given "bolos" bags with traditional Mexican Christmas candies and cookies and also fruits.

bolo given to children in a posada that contains mandarin, peanuts, sugar cane, mexican candies (colaciones) , tejocote

Posadas last for 9 days from Dec. 16th to Dec. 24th. and everybody is welcome to attend. So, if you are visiting Barra de Navidad or Melaque don't miss the opportunity to attend this nice tradition.

Traditional Mexican Posadas in the barrio "San Felipe de Jesus"

The barrio "San Felipe de Jesús" of Barra de Navidad is located along the "Nueva Espana" street. The church is located in O. Indico and Ejidatarios streets.

Barra de Navidad Mapquest shows all the streets of Barra de Navidad including the barrio.

We invite you to read Las Posadas and Nativity Scene post to learn what "posadas" are and other Mexican Christmas Traditions.

Schedule of "posadas" in Barra de Navidad 2010.

mass for a "posada" at St. Philip of Jesus church in the barrio in Barra de Navidad.

First Festival del Mar Melaque 2010 inaugurated

2010-12-16T01:10:00.000-08:00

The first Festival del Mar Melaque started today at the Main Square of San Patricio Melaque. The festival will be held from Dec. 15 to Dec. 19 and will have artistic and sport events.

For more information about the festival visit the website : Festival del Mar Melaque

Ballet Folklorico from Cihuatlan

Inauguration of the Festival del Mar Melaque 2010

Festival del Mar stage at Main Square of San Patricio Melaque

Mexican Christmas Celebrations - Posadas in Barra de Navidad

2010-12-15T12:37:00.000-08:00

scene showing children breaking a piñata during a posada celebration.

Posadas is a 9 days celebration (Novenario de Las Posadas) that symbolizes the journey of Joseph and Mary to Belen and the problems they had to endure to find a place to stay (posada).

Read this post to know more about it: Las Posadas and Nativity Scene.

The schedule for the posadas 2010 in Barra de Navidad is as follow:

Posadas schedule 2010 in Barra de Navidad

Barra de Navidad is divided by sectors, colonias and barrios.
Each posada starts at 7:30 pm with the Rosary followed by a Mass at 8:00 pm. Some posadas will included pastorelas. Ask the neighbors when the posada will be held in their sector as everybody is welcome to attend.

Wed. 15 Colonia San Ignacio and Colimilla
Thur. 16 Barrio San Felipe de Jesús. This will held in the San Felipe de Jesús Church.
Fri. 17 El Aguacate
Sat. 18 Colonia Infonavit-Brisas
Sun. 19 Sector 5 and Fraccionamiento Pueblo Nuevo
Mon 20 Sector 1 Barra de Navidad
Tue 21 Sector 2 Barra de Navidad
Wed 22 Sector 3 Barra de Navidad
Thu 23 Sector 4 Barra de Navidad
Fri. 24 Colonias: La Ejidal, Perlitas y Gallo Colorado

piñata with 7 cones that represent the 7 deadly sins

shepherd outfit for a Mexican pastorela