La Manzanilla’s first Green Technology and Sustainability Fair was Friday, December 5. The event took place throughout the village and highlighted the mission and programs of local non-profit Tierraglegre.
The day started off at the newly dubbed, sustainability corridor, just off the main jardin, a wide sidewalk area surrounded by gardens and fronting some of La Manzanilla’s unique businesses such as the artisan gift store Artisanik, Helping Hands Bookstore and Spacifico. Children from the eight Costalegre schools who have participated in Tierralegre’s program created a lively expo where they highlighted the results of their work. Over the past year Tierralegre has worked with four elementary and four secondary schools along the Costalegre to build organic gardens on the schools’ campuses. Once the ground was prepared the students learned how to plant seeds, transplant seedlings, care for the maturing plants, learn which part of the plant is edible, and finally how to prepare healthy meals using the produce.
Each group enthusiastically talked with everyone coming through the expo area. The school group from nearby Rebolsito penned and performed an original song extolling the virtues of recycling. The highlight for the school children was a cooking competition in which they prepared a meal using their freshly grown produce, locally sourced meats and fruits. The contest was judged by several local restaurant owners, adding panache to the competition. The primary school from San Mateo won the event with their fresh fish filet and vegetable soup.
Throughout the day there were guided tours of Tierralegre’s Agro Ecological center. The Center started as an organic garden supported by local secondary school students as part of Tierralegre’s educational program.
The day also included several participatory workshops including cooking with mojote, sea turtle conservation, and an evening guided mediation at the beach.
La Manzanilla Happenings
- The 6th annual flea market is scheduled Sunday, December 14, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Stop by the main jardin to find unique trinkets, set-up a table and sell some treasures, or donate items to the book store and they will sell them for you, with proceeds going toward upcoming projects needed at the Kindergarten. Tables to sell at the flea market are $100 pesos and all proceeds from the fee also go to the Kindergarten. To reserve your space stop by the Helping Hands bookstore. Donation of items to sell can also be dropped off at the bookstore.
- Chantli Mare hosts several special dinners for the holidays. The Christmas Eve dinner menu includes fig and roasted garlic glazed quail filled with duck foie gras, ginger and hoisin glacee, turkey roasted and served with a Oaxacan mole, buttered French beans, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce. Cost is $450 pesos or US$35. Christmas Day Chef Greg Couillard gets his French on with French onion soup with Gruyere and croutons, filet mignon in the Chateaubriand style with béarnaise sauce, buttered asparagus and confit scalloped potatoes, tarte tatin with vanilla ice cream. Cost $600 pesos or US$45. New Year’s Eve offers a selection of hors d’ouevres, lamb and chicken brochettes, poached salmon with dill creme fraiche, poblano mac and cheese with pork belly, dessert table, and of course sparkling Prosecco toast at midnight. Featuring Exito Band for your dining and dancing pleasure. Cost $975 pesos or US$75. Tax and gratuity included. Book early at 333-105-8863 or 315-107-9957.
- Painting Classes with La Manzanilla artist Linda Kauffmann. Weekly painting classes for small groups or individuals, Wednesdays 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Each class is 200 pesos per person. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 315-351-7458 to register or for additional details.
- Salsa Level 2 classes are Tuesdays at 5 p.m. through December 30. Lessons are on the roof-top of Sendero Ecológico #9. The classes will focus both on refining the fundamental moves of LA-style salsa and on learning new steps. For more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 315-104-0932.
- Casa Luz offers a full schedule of events throughout the season. They kick off their winter film series on Sunday, December 14, at 7:30 p.m. with the film “A Simple Act,” discussion to follow. Each following Sunday there will be a film and discussion and on occasion there will be a guest speaker who was part of the particular film. Tango classes are Mondays 6:30-7:15 p.m. with practice afterwards followed by Swing classes 7:45-8:30 p.m. The group gets together just to Swing dance on Thursdays 5-6 p.m. Casa Luz is located at Boca Del Rio #75. For more information call 351-351-7029.
- La Manzanilla gym, Activos, has a full schedule of classes including Yoga, Zumba, Chigong, and Cardio 100. Day passes are available for $50 pesos and include the use of the weight equipment and as many classes you can fit into one day. To see the schedule online visit www.activoslamanzanilla.com.
- Yoga Gives, Bending Tree Yoga and Healing Center hosts a special series of classes consisting of a one-hour yoga class once per month (December–March) dedicated to a service organization or project in our community. Each class is 100 pesos or US$10 and 50 percent of the proceeds go to that service organization or project. The next class is Friday, December 19, from 9-10 a.m. and proceeds benefit La Catalina Educational Foundation Children’s Art Program. For additional information and to see the full class schedule visit www.bendingtreeyogahealing.com.
- Duplicate Bridge, Restaurant Martin’s, every Monday and Wednesday from 12:30-1:30 p.m. but arrive by 12:15 p.m. The games are not sanctioned but they are run by a Sanctioned American Contract Bridge League director. For more information call 315-351-7256.
- Sketching with Jack Rutherford. Discover the joy of creating your own personal sketchbook while strolling La Manzanilla’s environs for inspiration. Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meeting point is El Jardin opposite Café Risa. Basic materials provided or bring your own. For more information call 315-100-5913 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .