Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – The vibrant hues of tradition and the rhythmic beats of folklore filled the air as the 18th edition of the Vallarta Azteca International Folklore Festival (FESTVA) commenced last Sunday afternoon. With over a thousand dancers and musicians hailing from 11 states across Mexico and six invited countries, the festival promises a week-long celebration of cultural heritage through music and dance.
The opening ceremony, graced by councilor Tania Selenne Maya Toscano on behalf of interim mayor Francisco José Martínez Gil, underscored the significance of FESTVA as a platform dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of cultural wealth. “A new edition of the festival begins; Long live Vallarta, its people, and its traditions; May Mexico thrive with its culture and diversity,” expressed Toscano, encapsulating the essence of the event.
In attendance was Christian Hidalgo-Mazzei, the world president of the International Council of Organizers of Folklore and Traditional Arts Festivals (CIOFF), a partner organization of UNESCO. Hidalgo-Mazzei lauded the festival’s realization as a testament to the spirit of CIOFF, where diverse cultures converge to safeguard universal heritage.
Luis Villaseñor, director of the Tourism Trust, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for more cultural events like FESTVA to enrich Puerto Vallarta’s entertainment offerings and promote its artistry on a global scale.
Juan Antonio Salcedo Padilla, president of the FESTVA civil association, expressed gratitude to municipal authorities, the Tourism Trust, and the state for their unwavering support in bringing the event to fruition. He highlighted FESTVA as a testament to unity and cultural exchange, made possible by collaborative efforts.
Preceding the official inauguration, a magnificent parade wove its way from Lázaro Cárdenas Park to the lighthouse on the boardwalk, captivating the audience with its kaleidoscope of colors and rhythms. Residents and visitors alike lined the streets, eagerly anticipating a week of artistic and musical splendor.
This year’s edition boasts participation from 11 Mexican states and six countries, including Germany, Romania, Honduras, Canada, the United States, and Serbia. Each group will offer a glimpse into their cultural heritage through captivating performances, showcasing the diversity of folklore from around the world.
The festivities will unfold across various venues, including Los Arcos del Malecón, Domo de Ixtapa, Plaza de la Floresta, and several municipalities such as Mascota, San Sebastián del Oeste, Tomatlán, La Huerta, and Atenguillo. Admission to all events is free, ensuring accessibility for all.
Brenda Janeth Díaz Flores, director of the Vallartense Institute of Culture, and Ismael García Ávila, representative of CIOFF México, were also present at the event, reaffirming their commitment to fostering cultural exchange and mutual understanding through the arts.
As the curtains rise on the 18th Vallarta Azteca International Folklore Festival, attendees brace themselves for a week filled with enchanting performances, cultural revelations, and moments of collective celebration, reaffirming Puerto Vallarta’s status as a cultural hub in the heart of Mexico.
