La Penita de Jaltemba and Guayabitos Showcase Cultural Tourism CVB of Riviera Nayarit
January 20, 2014

The magic of the Riviera Nayarit’s coastal towns is one of region’s many highlights. Part of that magic is generated by the cultural tourism that takes place in La Peñita de Jaltemba and Guayabitos, namely the Art Walk and the 9th Cultural Arts Festival, which draw locals as well as national and international tourists.

The first ever Art Walk is taking place just in time to inaugurate the new Peñita de Jaltemba boardwalk. This series of artists’ presentations will occur every Wednesday starting on January 22nd at 5:00 pm.

The activity will continue through Holy Week according to Rossanna Araujo Silver, president of the Compostela Hotel and Motel Association, who also commented that the Malecón, or boardwalk, is completely finished.

“We’ll have the participation of painters, photographers, artisans and jewelers. This event is very welcomed as the boardwalk is fully open and the people were anxious to enjoy something as lovely as this,” she added.

Araujo also announced that the preparations were well underway for the 9th Cultural Arts Festival in Guayabitos. This event will be celebrated every Saturday in February, beginning on the 1st.

Every Saturday evening at 8:00 pm the central plaza in Guayabitos will play host to folklore, music, dance and other artistic expressions.

“This festival was started 9 years ago in order to attract more foreign visitors. Now it’s become a tradition and our hotels are filled to capacity,” said Araujo.

The first Saturday will kick off with a Mexican theme, including mariachi, floreadas (cowboy rope tricks) and an equestrian event. Xavi Rodríguez from the Dragon Circus will perform on February 8th; on the 15th the Violines Internacionales Hermanos Aguascalientes will fill the night with the sound of their violins; and on the last night, the 22nd, guests will enjoy the Mexcalititlán Ballet and the Cantabo Mordi Children’s Choir.

Araujo also stated there is a greater influx of international tourists over nationals to these events that highlight the traditions and culture of the coastal towns. They expect both the Festival—already a yearly tradition—and the newly inaugurated Art Walk to bring in an increase in tourism to the area as well as an increase in income for the exhibitors and the area’s businesses.