Mexico Bicentennial

Mexico Gears up for 2010 Celebrations

This September residents of Puerto Vallarta and Mexicans across the globe will be celebrating 2 historical achievements: 200 years of Independence and the centennial of its revolution.

The celebrations at Vallarta's Malecon, the promenade that graces the historic center in Mexico's second largest tourist resort is usually marked by much pomp and ceremony. The town mayor will give a speech and a midnight the war cry is shouted out to celebrate an uprising that turned into a revolution.

The years since have been marked by both turmoil and triumph and have been marked by seen the introduction of the color television, the hosting go the Olympics in Mexico city, the FIFA world Cup, the glory days of the oil boom, the corruption of its political system and most recently the intense international media glare over the troubles along the US border.

The Mexican government is doing much to downplay the recent turmoil and focus on the positive changes in both the reformation of the state owned oil giant, PEMEX, the restructuring of the tax system, above average growth in the economy, fairer elections, advancements in social reform as well as, if though not as aggressively, the legalization of gay marriages in Mexico City amongst other achievements.

This year, the federal government is spending close to 300 million pesos to promote the modern Mexico that celebrates both its past and future. Among the various undertakings planned are exhibits of pre-Hispanic, Spanish, modern and contemporary Mexican across the globe´s major cities to showcase publications, seminars, the opening of 10 new archeological sites, enhanced maintenance at Mexico’s prestigious pre-Hispanic sites and a long overdue refurbishment of 30 museums that will play host to many of Independence and Revolution’s Centennial festivities this year.

The government has created a RUTA 2010, a route that links many of the sites of the historic celebrations to facilitate access to tourists, both national and international.

Some of the museums featured along the Ruta 2010 include Mexico City's own Casa del Marques in the recently restored city center, the San Diego Fort Museum in Acapulco, Museum of the Viceroyalty, the National Anthropology Museum, the National History Museum, the Allende Museum, The Casa Morelos Museum, Alhóndiga de Granaditas and the Museum at the Home of Father Hidalgo.

There are many other routes that have been designated to showcase important moments in Mexico's history and promote both tourism and nationalism by linking sites of importance together to create a tourist flow.

The Bicentennial and Centennial celebrations will serve as an affirmation of how far Mexico and it´s citizenry have come in such a short time, and how far we must still travel. While the global media focuses disproportionately on isolated gang violence along the border towns, Mexican´s themselves have been mainly focused on rebuilding the economy after the devastating effects of the drop in tourism due to a swine flu pandemic that never materialized and the collapse of the US economy, the world´s number one importer of Mexican tourism.

While we were not able to revel in the glow of victory at the FIFA World Cup, we may never the less just get the celebration to lift our spirits and remind the world that Mexico is a wonderful and varied place to live in and visit. A place that often defies description or stereotype, of contrast and contradictions and of an optimism of spirit that invites all to discover and savor the richness of its history and culture for themselves.

Puerto Vallarta politicians will be using the opportunity to lure back tourists in a month that is generally tranquil and quiet. The resort is undergoing a massive reconstruction program in its historical city center, launching a new website to promote the destination and investing millions in overseas advertising campaigns.

The campaign is focused on promoting Puerto Vallarta as not only a beach resort, but a leading international resort with a rich cultural heritage.

For more information on the bicentennial celebrations or any other cultural event, from the Gourmet Festival to the Vallarta Fever 4 please contact your Luxury Beach Concierge. We can also provide recommendation on luxury accommodations– whether villas or condominium rentals - in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, including Punta de Mita.