by Bugambilia plant has different names around the world for example in Honduras is named Napoleon, Santa Rita in Argentina and Bolivia. I noticed one of my favorites festivities in Puerto Vallarta this year will be from May 9th to May 11th. Bugambilia festival; I had the chance to talk with Kimberly Bennet, Festival coordintor this year. According to her “ Everything started when Bob Price from the Vallarta Botanical Gardens has done research into Floral Festivals around the world that are known economic and tourism generators. As an example, the 100 year old Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC generates $400 million dollars to the local economy. Medellin, Colombia has an annual floral festival which began in 1957 as a small local festival, much like the Bugambilia Festival. Today it attracts an array of international visitors. And, my favorite example of the benefits of floral festivals is the story of the Darwin Festival in Darwin, Australia. It began as the Bougainvillea Festival in 1978 after a devastating cyclone had hit the city. The festival began as a floral festival to promote the beautification of the city. Today it is an 18 day festival bringing over 200,000 people to the city. Last year, the Vallarta Garden Club whose mission is to “Beautify and protect the environment through civic planting projects, and educational and horticultural programs, for the enjoyment of the residents and visitors in Puerto Vallarta.” took up the challenge to start the festival in addition to all of the planting of trees and bougainvillea we have accomplished over the last 4 years. “ What a nice you don’t think ?
As me probably you had the same question Why in May and not in February for example ? she mentioned “ May is an absolutely beautiful month in Vallarta. The weather is still good, getting warmer, but still quite pleasant, the flowers are in gorgeous bloom yet, this is the second worst tourism month for the City. Rather than resigning to the slump with the drop off in snowbird visitors, we, like the Folkloric Festival and Restaurant Week organizers believe that we can turn May into a month filled with cultural activities that will draw a new flock of visitors to our city. We are a city based on tourism. If we all pull together and focus on what is magical and beautiful in this city, work to create a beautiful, healthy and culture filled environment, we will wake up one day and realize that there is no longer a high and low season. “
Part of the activities and events are in Parque Lazaro Cardenas on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. These events are free to the public, time to bring a friend or two. They will have a dance performances, singing, a Pet Parade and Contest, face painting for kids and a chance to celebrate Mother’s Day together. On Saturday night will be a parade from the north end of the Malecon ending at the park. The Grand Marshall of the parade will be Babe, the Garden Club’s new watering truck followed by numerous organizations from the city. Buganvilea festival will have the singing school, Alas, Zumba groups, BICI en Vallarta will have a large group of bike riders with their bikes decorated with bougainvillea and our special guests will be members of the Jalisco Charro Association.
In addition, they have two special events. The Opening Night Cocktail Party at Oscar’s Restaurant from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. There will be beautiful floral displays created by Vallarta’s top floral designers; they will have the signature “Margavillea” cocktail which was previewed at the Casa Chickie event. whiskey tastings from Dorwart Whiskey and tastings by the newly recognized Council of Raicilla from Jalisco. Piel Canela will be performing and there will be thousands of pesos in prizes given away. This event is $350.00 pesos and tickets can be purchased at Carol’s Boutique, Mailboxes, Etc., Vallarta Tickets or website www.BugambiliasFestival.com
The second event is Sunday Brunch and Fashion Show at Le Bistro Restaurant on the Rio Cuale from 11:00 to 2:00 pm. There will be a choice of one of four entrees, complimentary mimosa. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by Los Polvitos, a children’s mariachi band, During the brunch you will be serenaded by Aldo. Kimberly said “ We are very fortunate to have Edoardo Rocha and Yozozky presenting their fashions at the brunch. Again, there will be wonderful prizes given away. This event is $350 pesos
Guys and girls for more information visit the offical website www.BugambiliasFestival.com or follow them on Facebook at Bugambilia Festival
If you know someone or maybe you has an interest in helping now or next year please contact Kimberly at ziggy523@comcast.net I’m ready to enjoy and you ? Guys and girls, see you around Olas Altas.