The Guadalajara Reporter

La Manzanillo Memo - January 24, 2014

As part of a whirlwind holiday tour The Tall Boys made a one-night stop in La Manzanilla.

Jolanda’s, the usually tranquilo, beachside restaurant, was packed to the proverbial gills with diners who quickly turned into dancers as soon at the band took to the stage.  Belting out their signature ‘60s and ‘70s rock classics, such as “Gimme’ some Lovin,” “Brown eyed girl” and “Back in the USSR,” the Tall Boys soon had the house rocking. At one point more than a hundred people packed the dance floor. This was only the band’s third show in La Manzanilla — the first this season. The fun loving, talented, five-piece band is comprised of expats living in Ajijic. Their cover music plays perfectly to the La Manzanilla demographic of free-spirited baby boomers enjoying the kicked back Mexican lifestyle. The Tall Boys will be making an appearance at Chantli Mare in Boca de Iguanas on January 31. The Tex Mex themed evening will feature Chef Greg Couillard’s award winning chili and pulled pork with slaw and potato salad. 300 pesos for the food and concert or 100 pesos for the concert only. Reservations at (315)107-9957 or (333)105-8863.

Fashion fund raiser

… And Speaking of Chantli Mare they were the host of the recent, Fashion at the Bay, a luncheon and fashion show to support La Catalina Educational Foundation.  Local scholarship students, their moms and a few expats got all gussied up and showcased the latest in elegant beach fashion from Café Calypso boutique in Melaque and Misifus in Barra de Navidad.  Guests enjoyed a sumptuous meal prepared by Chef Couillard and after the show they had time to indulge in a little shopping.  One hundred percent of the 21,961 pesos earned will go to La Catalina Foundation, serving La Manzanilla.  Founded in 2004, La Catalina has been working to improve social conditions in their community through providing free educational advancement opportunities to their local residents.  Currently, La Catalina Foundation has 45 youth, ages 13 to 22, who receive financial support and tutoring to help keep them in school.  

Upcoming Events

La Manzanilla Art Walk, celebrating its sixth year, will be held on Sunday, January 26 from 3 to 6 p.m. Various artists and artisans who call La Manzanilla their home (annual or seasonal, local and expat) will show the fruits of their endeavors in several venues around the town. There are two-dimensional works in acrylics, collage, oils, pen/pencil, and watercolors. You can see jewelry, functional and decorative pottery, paper maché, fabric crafts, the emergent work of student artists and more.  There will be 16 venues and 32 participants to visit.  It is a wonderful way to spend a day and get to know this delightful town and its people.  Don’t forget to wear your hat and sunscreen - you’ll be out in the noon-day sun.  Maps are available throughout town. Although there is no cost to attend this event, several venues will have a labeled donation container where you can contribute to ensure that student art programs both in - and out of - school will continue.

La Manzanilla Rodeo! This multi-day celebration kicks off February 6 with the ejido hosting the lunch at the casino, located on the town’s main street. February 7 is sponsored by local expats and humorously referred to as “Gringo Day.” Expats serve up birria and beer at the casino before everyone stumbles over to the plaza de toros for an entertaining rodeo complete with bull roping, clowns and some nice dancing horses. The town is on full party mode throughout the celebration, so expect crowded streets and long nights filled with ranchero music emanating from the casino. Be on the lookout for the marching band meandering behind a pick-up truck early in the morning. These are the ejido members cruising around town and serving up the famous ponche and boy does it pack a punch!  It’s guaranteed to get you into the party mood, or have you passed out by noon.

Family Wellness Day sponsored by Activos! Estilo de Vida will be held Sunday, February 16 starting at 8:00 a.m.  There will be three recreational races, a 500-meter race for kids from the primary school with one of their parents, a 2-km race for kids from the secundaria and a 5-km race for anyone 16 years old and up (there are two categories for adults).

Participants can run or walk. The most important part is to participate! There will also be informational booths with organizations and businesses who promote health. The 25-peso entrance fee gets participants a t-shirt and a certificate. The top three in each category (there are four age groups, each divided into male and female categories) will receive cash prizes. The races start and ends in the main jardin.

Whale Watching Tours

The whales have returned and are putting on a spectacular show.  Enjoy a morning tour of the bay departing 8:30 a.m.  Tours include binoculars, light snack, water, life jackets and expert commentary by naturalist Davison Collins. For more information or to book a tour contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .