Puerto Vallarta has exclusive boutique hotels that offer more personalized services and facilities.

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5 Boutique Hotels to Fall in Love

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New Route Puerto Vallarta – Mexico City

Silk Moon Martini from Archie’s Wok

Specials

Tukipa: Exclusive Wine of Imanta Resorts, Vallarta Lifestyles

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Pavlova from Hacienda San Ángel Gourmet

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Tukipa: Exclusive Wine of Imanta Resorts

Erica Maree offers one-of-a-kind handmade Mexican oilcloth and embroidery handbags and accessories, as well as trending jewelry, fashion, and home décor.

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Erica Maree

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Erica Black, founder and designer of Erica Maree, creates gorgeous boho-chic clothing and accessories inspired by the colors and traditions of Mexico. 

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Erica Maree brings a beachy modern feel to the traditional handcrafting.

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Erica Maree is located on Basilio Badillo 314, Emiliano Zapata.

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Mark’s Bar &#038; Grill: Macadamia-Crusted Rack of Lamb

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<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Manyana</h3>
This clothing line is made in Mexico. Flandung, originally from New York City, explains: “Our approach is to offer products of very high quality in low quantities. The fabrics we use are imported, some come from places like Portugal or Japan. We want to develop a line completely made in Mexico, for Mexico but also to export.”
According to the creative mind behind Manyana, the following words define the brand: quality, superb touch and feel, and comfort. Among the products available are t-shirts, shorts, shirts, pants, caps and leather accessories.

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<h3 style="text-align: justify;">Other brands</h3>
For several years, Ed Fladung and Marcia Vara have built a network of collaborators and designers that likewise work with Mexican artisans and who showcase their creations at Manyana store. 
“When we started the store project about two years ago, we wanted to have other products from people I know and do very interesting things. More than collaborators, they have become our friends.”
For instance, the brand Zii Ropa that features very contemporary linen garments; Dulce Armenta, a minimalist line of swimwear for women inspired by dance and nature; Seea, an Italian designer focused on surf swimwear made of textiles with fun and feminine patterns; Diario Fabrics, textiles and home goods made in Oaxaca; Entre Nudos, a line of hammocks made in Mexico and Dolce Utopia, porcelain home products. In addition, the eyewear brands Sun Buddies and Mascot are also available.
Manyana and the brands that can be found at the store represent an eclectic and high-quality selection but also promote fair trade. Working with artisans, these collections use old production models to create more modern and unique pieces. Within the establishment, everything has its own place, everything flows.
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<li>Sucursales</li>
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Sayulita 
Marlin 18-8 / Sayulita, Riviera Nayarit.
Zona Romántica
Carranza 263 / Puerto Vallarta.

Puerto Vallarta Airport Breaks Visitors Record

New Year’s Eve: At Condo or Out?

Manyana: A Modern Approach Made in Mexico

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The Party… Living Room or Terrace?
When it is time to organize this great family reunion, the proper ambiance is essential: space, lighting, decoration, choice of music—and volume—are some of the key elements that can transform an ordinary evening into an extraordinary one. Make sure to take these into consideration, along with the spot in your condo where your guests will feel most comfortable during the gathering.
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Preparing Dinner… Unforeseen Surprises
Many folks enjoy the pleasure of cooking for others, but putting together a large production for many guests involves way more ingredients and preparation than usual. Take all the time you need to plan your menu and stock all the ingredients you will need. Keep in mind that the more you plan your menu and beverages ahead of time, the less likely you will be to resort to last-minute panic purchases.

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Rituals, Entertainment, Decorations and Restrictions
As a gesture of appreciation to your guests, sometime prior to the celebration you may consider asking them about their own New Year’s rituals and traditions, along with any special dietary restrictions that must be considered. In doing so, you will be able to organize your party without any unexpected snags. Do not forget to shop for the usual New Year’s Eve novelties, such as cardboard hats, plastic shades, whistles, streamers, blowouts and confetti to create a festive atmosphere. One of the best shops in town to purchase party goods is Party Land, on Fluvial Vallarta 235, Fluvial Vallarta. You can contact them by calling (322) 223-3278 or on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/partylandvallarta/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a>.

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What About the Toast?
Although champagne is the beverage of choice to toast during New Year’s Eve, sparkling wines are also quite popular, and there are several venues in town where you will be able to purchase premium brands, including the following:
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Vinoteca
Fluvial Vallarta 276, Fluvial Vallarta 
Tel: (322) 225-8980 
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/vinoteca.mexico/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook.com/vinoteca.mexico</a>
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La Europea
Paseo de la Marina 121, Marina Vallarta 
Tel. (322) 221-3097 
<a href="https://www.laeuropea.com.mx/main/index.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">laeuropea.com.mx</a>
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Vinos América
Américas 433, Lázaro Cárdenas 
Tel. (322) 223-3334 
<a href="https://vinosamerica.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vinosamerica.com</a>
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The First Day of the Year
According to tradition, all the goals you set for yourself on New Year’s Eve should begin starting on New Year’s Day. If your goals for this year include improving your mind, body or soul, we invite you to peruse the <a href="https://issuu.com/vallarta-lifestyles/docs/vallartalifestyles_enero_2017" target="_blank" rel="noopener">January &#8211; March 2019 edition</a>.
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Whether you choose to celebrate New Year’s Eve at your condo, a luxury hotel or an exclusive restaurant, all of us at Vallarta Lifestyles Media Group wish for you to enjoy an unforgettable evening, starting 2019 feeling completely revitalized.
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Happy New Year!

Pul…que?

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Cesta Navideña, Puerto Vallarta, VallartaLifestyles

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6th Taste of Nuevo and 18th Chili Cook-Off

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Origin 
 
Posadas in Mexico can be traced back to the arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the late 1400s. Previous to their arrival, the Aztecs held the belief that Quetzalcóatl, one of their deities, came to visit them during the winter solstice. As such, the season was full of joyful sacred celebrations. With time, as both cultures began merging, native cultures began assimilating Christmas as a celebration of their own. 
 
Tradition 
 
Each one of the nine days preceding Christmas Day has a unique significance: happiness, charity, confidence, detachment, strength, generosity, humility, justice and purity. At first, posadas were organized at church atriums and, through time, were extended to the streets, where people gathered joyfully to be part of the processions. People sang and dance, increasingly cheering as the event began. In this fashion, the religious aspect of the celebration fused with the mundane, resulting in a unique mixture of fun and devotion that, in time, transformed the Mexican posadas into one of the most beautiful and unique celebrations in the world.

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Elements
Not all modern families observe the traditions mentioned previously, a trend that seems to be on the rise in recent years. Some posadas have become elegant parties in which the original meaning behind the celebration is long forgotten. Nevertheless, maintaining this tradition alive is quite important to many, particularly in remote neighborhoods and villages, where the entire community pitches in to organize a big celebration, delegating all the necessary elements among them to make sure it is a complete success. Here are some of the elements you should take into account, should you wish to organize a traditional posada for your family and friends:
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<li> Pilgrims (guests that perform this role, that is)</li>
<li>Posada lyrics (which can be found online)</li>
<li> Paper lamps and/or paper cutouts (found at office supply shops)</li>
<li> Candles</li>
<li> Seasonal candies</li>
<li> Whistles</li>
<li> Wicker baskets</li>
<li>Piñata (plus a stick to break it and a bandana to cover one’s eyes while doing so)</li>
<li> String to tie the piñata</li>
<li> Shelled peanuts and fruit (tangerines, limes, tejocotes and sugar cane)</li>
<li> Sparklers</li>
<li> Christmas music</li>
<li> One gift bag per person</li>
<li> Food and beverages (keep reading to a closer look at traditional, seasonal options)</li>
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Keep in mind: If you wish to purchase all of the above on your own, a visit to El Pitillal is a must. This Puerto Vallarta neighborhood is well known as the best source of everything you will need to organize your traditional Mexican festivity. 
 
Procedure 
 
Although the celebration can variate from region to region within Mexico, the following steps are basic to celebrate an authentic Mexican posada:
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<li> Your home must be adorned with paper pampa and/or paper cutouts. Holiday music should be playing as you welcome your guests.</li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">To begin the procession, the guests performing the role of pilgrims must stand outside the residence door, chanting the traditional verses (asking for lodging). The hosts remain inside to answer the request, eventually welcoming the travelers.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">When the procession is over and once inside, candy and whistles are distributed among all present.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">The breaking of the piñata is the most anticipated moment. The order, time and number of attempts to break it is usually determined by the hosts.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"> Once the piñata is broken, sparklers are distributed and lit.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"> The gift bags and a fruit portion are distributed among all present.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;"> To wrap up the celebration, traditional food (such as tamales, buñuelos and a glass of atole) is distributed for all to enjoy.</li>
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The Piñata and its Significance 
Traditional piñatas used in posadas are made with a clay cooking pot at their core, along with old newspapers and tissue papers in different colors. The entire pot is covered and decorated using homemade glue (made by combining water and flour). Its inside contains fruits, candy and other treats.
Although piñatas are known to have originated in China, Mexico had a similar tradition among the Aztec, who used them to celebrate Huitzilopochtli, another deity. The tradition called for priests to hang clay pots with corn on the cob and precious stones, decorated with colorful feathers. Upon breaking them, the treasures within them became offerings for their god.
On the other hand, religion tradition calls for a piñata to be made in the shape of a seven-point star, each point representing a cardinal sin: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath and sloth. Lively colors seduce innocent souls encouraging them to sin. When it is time to break the piñata, the eyes are blinded to be solely guided by faith. The person hitting the piñata represents a believer who triumphs over sin and obtains salvation or assorted blessings (the fruits and candy falling from the piñata).

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Traditional “Antojitos” for Posadas and Christmas
Buñuelos 
There is no better pairing for warming up the winter than hot chocolate and a delicious buñuelo. It is a circle-shaped, fried dough dessert coated in piloncillo honey (an artisanal sugar) and cinnamon, resulting in a sweet, crispy treat that is a favorite among children.

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Christmas Salad 
This very traditional holiday salad is a good choice to serve. Its recipe is quick and easy: cut several apples in small slices and add them to a bowl with cream and condensed milk. Then add raisins, chopped pineapple canned in syrup, celery and chopped nuts. You will notice the colors of these ingredients are representative of Christmas, which is probably the reason why this particular salad is so popular this time of year. If you add a touch of sugar, the salad can be enjoyed as dessert, paired with a good wine.

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Tamales 
One of the most renowned Mexican dishes is also important during Christmas celebrations throughout the country. Its special flavor and time-honored tradition have made this dish a staple at almost every national holiday or commemoration. They are made from corn masa and feature tasty fillings, such as mole, rajas (Poblano pepper with cheese), cheese and shredded chicken prepared in green or red salsa. There are also sweet tamales featuring flavors such as strawberry, corn, pineapple, raisins and chocolate, so you can choose to serve and enjoy them as main course or dessert.

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Atole 
This is the perfect beverage to pair with tamales, so if you are considering the aforementioned dish, we recommend to add atole to your menu list. This hot drink is made from corn dough, water, milk, sugar and vanilla. Among the most common atole flavors are coconut, chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and guava. An interesting atole variant, called champurrado, consist of a chocolate beverage sweetened with piloncillo and cinnamon. 
 
Ponche 
This sweet fruit infusion is for many the most delicious beverage of the season. Unlike atole, a thick beverage, it is as light as tea. Its primary ingredient is tejocote—a small, bittersweet fruit that is very difficult to find outside of Mexico—and it also features orange, raisins, guava and cinnamon. It is served hot and its sweet flavor makes it one of the most popular beverages to pair with any Christmas dish.

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Christmas Posadas and Mexican “Antojitos”

Pilgrimages in Puerto Vallarta are a cultural event that brings together hundreds of people around the Virgin of Guadalupe. 

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Pilgrimages in Puerto Vallarta

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With the inauguration of the Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1921, devotion began among the Vallartans, but until the beginning of the 40s, with the arrival of the priest Rafael Parra, the pilgrimages in Puerto Vallarta became official as popular celebration of regional relevance.

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But, what are the pilgrimages in Puerto Vallarta? They are walks made by believers of the Virgin of Guadalupe who come to thank her for all the favors received. Despite the years, the mechanics remain practically the same: people congregate at the intersection of Juárez and 31 de Octubre streets and from there, they go to the parish in a procession accompanied by chants, praises, band music and/or mariachi. On many occasions, participants carry floats to represent the mystery of the Virgin of Guadalupe which, according to the religious belief, appeared four times to Juan Diego, an indigenous Chichimeca. In one of those encounters, which occurred in 1531, the Virgin asked him to climb the Cerro del Tepeyac, collect several flowers with the help of his tilma and take them to the bishop as proof of her existence. When facing the religious, Juan Diego extended the garment and in a miraculous way, the image of a brunette virgin with mestizo features was captured. Since then, this image has become one of the most important elements of Catholicism, not only in Mexico, but worldwide.

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In addition, the pilgrimages have become a celebration of friendship between Vallartans and visitors, being a cultural attraction of Puerto Vallarta. As food is an essential part of any celebration, along Juárez street, as well as in the Plaza de Armas, you can find a variety of stalls offering typical food such as tamales, atole, elotes, enchiladas, pozole, tostadas, churros, sopes, gorditas and much more.

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The peak of these celebrations is the night of December 11th, with the “Magna Peregrinación de los Hijos Ausentes y Desfavorecidos” (Great Pilgrimage of the Absent and Disadvantage Children), where attendees come with typical manta costumes. At midnight, already gathered in the parish, they sing a related song with her anniversary and a mass of thanksgiving is held.

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Tips and Considerations:
· If you have photographic equipment, this would be an excellent time to use it, always keeping the properly respect for the devotees.
· Wear comfortable shoes and/or tennis shoes for walking, bottled water and a light sweater.
· Keep your children close to you all times.
· Avoid driving through the El Centro during those 12 days, as the pilgrimages are held all day long.
· Go with a festive attitude and keep in mind that there may be fireworks and chimes at all times.

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The Bus of Death
Some locals tell about a spectacular accident that occurred at the end of the 1980s, near the Pepsi facilities on the Las Palmas &#8211; Puerto Vallarta highway, when a city bus collided with a dump truck and most of the passengers died.
According to witnesses, minutes before this happened, an elderly woman, dressed in black and behaving strangely, boarded the bus. She caused uneasiness among the other passengers, which is why she is believed to have caused the accident.
Today, drivers in the area say they have seen the figure of this woman at night. And some taxi drivers have even said that she has appeared out of nowhere to occupy the passenger seat along that stretch.

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El Gentil
The ocean is a habitat that has been feared throughout history. Much is unknown about the species that exist in its great depths, and Banderas Bay has a story related to a strange six-foot-long creature they call “El Gentil,” a cross between a human and a fish (although others claim that it bears more resemblance to a reptile).
The legend is common in the community of Boca de Tomates and the northern area of the bay. According to the story, fisherman Pancho Jiménez was convinced that “El Gentil” existed, thanks to the stories his ancestors had passed down. However, few believed him. And the day he finally saw it, in front of the La Cruz de Huanacaxtle beach, he became morose. After three days, he decided to go in search of it, but he never returned. His canoe was found 15 days after his disappearance.

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Puerto Vallarta’s Old Regional Hospital 
From 1981 to 2004, this complex was the region’s main public health center. Currently, the facilities house various municipal government offices. Due to the large number of people who were treated and died there, various stories have been attributed to it. One of them is that of a little girl who roams the corridors and restroom area. According to workers there, several colleagues claim to have seen her pass by but cannot find her once she is lost among the shadows.

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The Woman of the Cuale River
Legend has it that, at night, an old woman wearing a long black dress walks slowly along the shore and dark surroundings of the Cuale River. While some claim that she yells out in the manner of “La Llorona,” others have simply been shocked by her mysterious appearance and frightening look.

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Municipal Cemetery
Located in the 5 de Diciembre neighborhood, the municipal cemetery dates from 1956. Throughout the years, it has been the subject of stories ranging from the appearance of a woman who levitates and then disappears into the walls, to the presence of strange lights among the tombs.
Before occupying its current space, the cemetery was located in what is now Parque Hidalgo. As part of the oral tradition of the city, it is said that when it changed location, a woman dressed in black was seen late at night making a pilgrimage from the park to the new facility on San Salvador street.