Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – The 16th edition of the highly anticipated Madonnari 2024 Puerto Vallarta Festival culminated in a resounding success this Sunday, as talented artists from various corners of the country, both local and visiting, adorned the streets and plazas of the city with their vibrant and captivating creations over three days.
Mayor Luis Alberto Michel Rodríguez, alongside his wife María de Jesús López Delgado, president of the Municipal DIF System, presided over the closing and award ceremony. Also present were organizers, and representatives of the Sister Cities committees of Puerto Vallarta and Santa Barbara, California, who collectively applauded the remarkable talent and creativity displayed by the participating artists in crafting their chalk masterpieces.
Expressing his gratitude, Mayor Rodríguez extended appreciation to the members of the Sister Cities committees for orchestrating the festival’s 16th edition in Puerto Vallarta. He commended the skillful execution of the artists, transforming the main square into a kaleidoscope of multicolored artworks. “To the children, young adults, and adults alike, I commend you to continue nurturing this spirit of improvement and becoming great artists of the world,” Mayor Rodríguez remarked.
Raúl Coultas Gómez, the festival director, conveyed his thanks to the municipal government for their unwavering support and facilitation of the 16th edition. He also expressed gratitude to the artists and all involved in making the event possible, acknowledging the regrettable reality that not all could emerge as winners but emphasizing the value of participation and recognition.
Amidst accolades, special recognitions were conferred upon the invited artists from Santa Barbara, California, as well as the representatives of the Sister Cities committees of Puerto Vallarta and Santa Barbara, alongside the organizing committee of the festival. Furthermore, all participants across different categories – Children, Junior, Youth, and Adults – were acknowledged for their contributions.
The highlight of the ceremony was the announcement of winners across categories. Alejandra Macedo Rico clinched the first place in the Children’s category, while Ibeliz Rojas Pedroza secured the top spot in the Junior category, and Alisson Alejandra Ramírez Carrillo emerged victorious in the Youth category.
In the Adult Category, Rafael Reyes Rivera from Acámbaro, Guanajuato, claimed the third place, followed by Andrea Ángeles from Puerto Vallarta in second place, and Abel Arturo Valenzuela from Durango seizing the coveted first place. Winners in this category were awarded cash prizes of 20 thousand, 10 thousand, and 5 thousand pesos for first, second, and third place respectively.
Professional artists hailing from Querétaro, Guanajuato, Michoacán, State of Mexico, Mexico City, Durango, Guadalajara, and Puerto Vallarta, alongside participants from other locales such as Ciudad Guzmán, Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos, Jalisco, and Bahía de Banderas, Higuera Blanca, and Tepic, Nayarit, showcased their talents in this edition.
The award ceremony also saw the esteemed presence of Irma Lorena Pérez Copado, president of the Puerto Vallarta – Santa Barbara Sister Cities Committee; Gil García, representative of the Committee of Santa Barbara, California; Katie Couric, director of Madonnari, Santa Barbara; Luis Jesús Escoto Martínez, director of the Vallartense Institute of Culture; and Christian Salvador Preciado Cázares, director of Tourism and Economic Development.
With its colorful displays and vibrant atmosphere, the 16th Madonnari 2024 Puerto Vallarta Festival not only celebrated artistic excellence but also fostered cultural exchange and community engagement, leaving an indelible mark on both locals and visitors alike.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The 16th edition of the highly anticipated Madonnari 2024 Puerto Vallarta Festival culminated in a resounding success this Sunday, as talented artists from various corners of the country, both local and visiting, adorned the streets and plazas of the city with their vibrant and captivating creations over three days.
