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Last updateFri, 13 Mar 2015 5pm

Expat Living

Puerto Vallarta Bulletin - January 23, 2015

There is never a dull moment in Puerto Vallarta. Here’s a look at what’s going on.

Artsy fundraiser

It is time to check out some of the best art and support a good cause. Biblioteca Los Mangos is organizing its annual art auction to raise money for the many community services and cultural activities they host. It takes place on Thursday, January 29, starting at 6 p.m., at the corner o

f Francisco Villa and Pez Vela.

Paintings, sculptures, photographs and other creative works donated by domestic and foreign artists for the auction will be on display. 

For the first time, this year’s auction will include a young talent section, comprised of art by children and aspiring young adults.

Los Mangos Library has been open to the general public since 1996. It is visited and used by more than 60,000 people per year and hosts reading activities, art workshops and other educational programs for children. The library is an accessible and secure place for community interaction and entertainment.

The annual, average cost of running Los Mangos is a million pesos. The local government covers only 12 percent of that cost. The rest is covered by the library’s donor base, a limited number of fundraising activities and individual donations.

In 2014 the board of directors was recognized for improving and updating the building and improving and extending services to a larger user base, with emphasis on the economically disadvantaged.

Grab a bucket of popcorn

All the best from the Oscars can be viewed at The International Friendship Club (IFC) clubhouse when the Monday Night Movies event continues this season. There are many Hollywood classics and the film series goes all the way back to the 1940s. These movies won the Best Picture award.

Sit back and watch the movies for only 40 pesos and that includes free popcorn. A cash bar opens at 6:30 p.m. and the movies begin at 7 at the IFC Clubhouse, located at the northeast corner of the Rio Cuale Bridge above the HSBC Bank, Colonia El Centro in Puerto Vallarta. All proceeds go to charities the IFC sponsors.

For all the Marlon Brando fans, “On the Waterfront” will be shown on Monday, January 26th. Remember when Marlon was such a hunk as ex-fighter Terry Malloy of “I cudda been a contender” fame? This unforgettable drama about Terry’s redemption from the mob and the gang-ridden New York docks is among the most acclaimed of all time.

On February 2nd, you won’t want to miss the 1956 Oscar winner, Around the World in 80 Days. Mexico’s beloved Cantinflas stars opposite David Niven in a role for which Cantinflas won the Golden Globe Award for best actor in a comedy. Robert Newton and Shirley MacLaine round out the great cast in this lovable adventure about trying to traverse the globe in record time in a balloon and getting into deep trouble wherever it lands.

There are no advance ticket sales, doors open at 6:30 p.m. 

For a full listing of the films to be shown, see page 24.

Saddle Up

Here’s a chance to watch Mexican cowboys try their best to win the prize money at The 4th National Charro Championship, Grand Premio 2015, January 29 to February 1, which takes place at Arena Vallarta, located at Carretera Las Palmas, just 20 minutes southeast of the airport.

The charros will compete in many events including: jumping through the air onto wild mares, riding bucking broncos and bringing down bulls with lassos. There are also other rodeo events and demonstrations to enjoy. There will be competitors from 24 of Mexico’s best charro associations. 

Competitions run daily and the entrance fee is 80 pesos per day. On Saturday and Sunday the ticket price includes performances by Vaquero Musical. For a complete schedule visit their Facebook page: centrodeeventosvallarta.

Shopping and Socializing

Stroll along the boardwalk, check out local vendors and meet new friends. The Marina Market is back in full swing this season and organizers are expecting more people than ever.

This market takes place at Marina Vallarta´s malecon (boardwalk) every Thursday from 5:30 to 9 p.m. There is no charge to attend.

You will find gourmet food items, home decor, art, handcrafted soaps, artisan breads, t-shirts and much more. The Marina Market runs through the end of March.

Top Travel Dog

Puerto Vallarta Mayor Ramón Guerrero Martínez named Óscar Ernesto Pérez Flores as the new director of Municipal Tourism on January 16.

A native of Puerto Vallarta, Pérez has always shown an interest in the city. At a young age he participated in community services for public and private institutions as well as social and school organizations. In the current municipal administration, he served as the Mayor’s private secretary from October 2012 to June 2014, and subsequently ran the Strategic Projects Department.

Pérez will continue to demonstrate his commitment to the city by working with the private sector and the various levels of government to uphold the public policies and promotional efforts that have been implemented to strengthen tourism in Puerto Vallarta.

Paintings, Sculptures & More

There are so many artsy things to see during the Art Walk. Every Wednesday participating galleries are open especially late for this event. It is the 17th year organizers have showcased some of Mexico’s finest artists as well as artists from other countries who have decided to make Vallarta their home. The Art Walk continues through May 27 and runs from 6 to.10 p.m. every Wednesday. 

The self-guided walking tour includes nine galleries, each with cocktails and exhibitions throughout the city’s historic downtown area. Artists display their work in various mediums including paintings, sculptures, pottery and folk art. Many artists will be there to answer any questions. For more info and the map visit VallartaArtWalk.com