Plan Your Trip Around a Mexico-Related Event

A Few Upcoming and Special Mexico-related Events

The MEXICO Report
By Susie Albin-Najera

Deciding when to plan any trip usually depends on many factors: time, budget and availability to name a few. But have you ever planned your vacation around an event? I’ve highlighted some events below that are certainly worth a visit. You can plan your weekend around some of these events below or take advantage of the event and stay a while and explore the surroundings.

Endless cultural celebrations, events, festivals, exhibits, galas, fundraisers, performances and gatherings are happening all over the U.S. and Mexico everyday.  Go and explore a bit!

If you have an upcoming event, please feel free to list it at: http://www.themexicoreport.com/calendar/

August 19-25, 2010 – LOS ANGELES, CA

Hollywood is rolling out the red carpet for the best Latino Cinema from around the world at the 14th Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF), to be held from Aug. 19-25 at the Mann Chinese 6 Cinemas. Co-founded by Oscar® nominated & Golden Globe and Emmy winning actor, director, and activist Edward James Olmos, LALIFF celebrates emerging and established Latino talent and the festival will present feature films, documentaries, shorts and special screenings. Additionally, filmmakers and audiences will be able to participate in industry workshops as well as musical and arts events at the Hollywood & Highland Center. Since its inception in 1997, LALIFF has grown to become a premier international festival that attracts film enthusiasts from a culturally diverse Los Angeles community, as well as industry executives and Hollywood celebrities. Visit www.latinofilm.org

September 15-26, 2010– SAN JOSE, CA

Artistic director of the popular San Jose Mariachi & Mexican Heritage Festival, Grammy-winning singer Linda Ronstadt, has selected director-writer Martin Barajas-Llorent’s film, Cartas A Elena, to make its Northern California film debut. The US-Mexican co-production, Cartas A Elena, features a cast of well-known Mexican talent like Carmen Salinas (Bajo la Misma Luna), Irma Dorantes (widow of Pedro Infante), Elsa Cardenas (Fun in Acapulco, Giant) and Xavier Lopez (Chabelo) and includes the big screen debut of young actors Jose Eduardo (as Emilio) and Gatilla (as Elena).  Shot in the picturesque Chihuahua areas of Creel and Barrancas del Cobre (Copper Canyon), this movie of young love and redemption, is set in a simple rural town where the only connection the elder townspeople have to their children in the states comes via letters received from the elderly mailman, Teo and how this small villlage is turned upside down by the well-intentioned stories delivered by young Emilio, who has taken up the duties of Teo while the ailing mailman recuperates. The movie is scheduled to be shown, Wednesday September 22^nd, 7pm at the Camera Cinemas 12 in San Jose. Visit http://sanjosemariachifestival.com/cartas-a-elena.php

October 1 – 3, 2010 – ROSARITO BEACH, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO

From October 1st-3rd, Playas de Rosarito will be hosting “The 1st Annual Rosarito Beach International Mariachi & Folklorico Festival.“ The event, a benefit for the construction and operation of the local Boys and Girls Club, will be held at the iconic Rosarito Beach Hotel. It will include a ‘friendly’ two-day adjudicated competition between the best mariachi and folklorico groups from the United States and Mexico. The centerpiece of the weekend will be a Saturday evening performance headlined by the twice-nominated, Grammy award-winning ‘Mariachi Divas,’ who will be making their first concert appearance south-of-the border. Please contact Julio Flores (julio.flores@rosaritobeachhotel.com ) at The Rosarito Beach Hotel for information regarding specially priced ocean front room and all events ticket packages. Call 1-800-343-8582 or visit http://www.rosaritobeachhotel.com.

November 21, 2010 – PLAYA DEL CARMEN, QUINTANA ROO, MEXICO

The 2^nd Annual Taste of Playa Festival will be held on the shores of the Mexican Caribbean and will offer residents and visitors alike an extraordinary opportunity to sample a variety of cuisines created by many of the Riviera Maya’s international chefs.  Basted on the overwhelming success of last year’s event, Taste of Playa 2010 is expected to attract twice as many attendees.  Taste of Playa is an event that celebrates the international community that has evolved in this area and has put it on the map as a major vacation destination.  With more than 700 restaurants in Playa del Carmen and 100 in the region, it was a natural transition to highlight food as the common denominator to celebrate the area.  For more information, visit http://tasteofplaya.com/

December 3-4 , 2010 – MEXICO CITY (D.F.)

Teletón will have its annual fundraiser this December 2nd and 3rd held in Mexico City. Teletón is an institution of assistance constituted in Mexico by the Non Profit “Mexico Unido” under the leadership of Fernando Landeros whose main objective is to support the rehabilitation of the children with disabilities in Mexico. Marco Antonio Regil and Lucero will host this spectacular event. For more information on this organization, visit http://o.teleton.org.mx/

January 15, 2011 – PUNTA MITA, NAYARIT, MEXICO

Join PEACE in an evening of art, music, cuisine and philanthropy! ArteVida will celebrate the original artwork of both local and national artists in this one-of-a-kind fundraising event Friday January 15th, 2011. Guests can better the lives of those in the local communities by purchasing original artwork in one of the most stunning homes in Riviera Nayarit. Casa Las Gaviotas, inside El Farallon, will host the event catered by NAEF Cuisine. ArteVida is sure to be a beautiful event that will help PEACE further their mission in creating sustainable change. http://www.peacemexico.org

Remember, if you have an upcoming event, please feel free to list it at: http://www.themexicoreport.com/calendar/

Enjoy!!

Susie Albin-Najera

Susie Albin-Najera is the creator and editor of The Mexico Report, an award winning travel blog showcasing news, deals and resources for the modern traveler. Najera is a writer, author, travel blogger, marketing and public relations specialist and producer. Najera serves on the host committee for Maestro Cares, founded by singer Marc Anthony and producer Henry Cardenas; and on the advisory board for Corazon de Vida, providing aid to children in Mexico. She is also the creator of 'The Real Heroes of Mexico' showcasing community heroes in Mexico and producer of Latino Thought Makers. Najera has been recognized by the Mexican Consulate and Mexico Tourism Board for fostering positive relations between countries and her dedication to showcasing Mexico as a premiere destination. She can be reached at info@themexicoreport.com