Recent events in the Bay of Banderas news have seen a rally in Parque Hidalgo protesting U.S. governance, Bucerías welcoming its annual oyster festival, upgraded security for the Semana Santa safety holidays and Puerto Vallarta expanding public internet access for schools, parks, and civic centers.
No Kings rally
A permitted peaceful demonstration by U.S. citizens living in Puerto Vallarta took place at Parque Hidalgo on Saturday, March 28, organized by Indivisible Abroad Vallarta with participation from the Costa Banderas Chapter of Democrats Abroad Mexico, under an approved permit and in compliance with local regulations.
The “No Kings” rally saw over 250 participants stand in solidarity with Americans opposing what they described as authoritarian tendencies tied to Donald Trump.
Speakers addressed perceived failures to check unlawful behavior. The remarks mixed policy critique with personal testimony from U.S. citizens who said they felt compelled to speak out from abroad.
Organizers stressed the demonstration’s nonviolent, single-issue focus and coordinated closely with municipal staff to ensure a smooth, orderly assembly.
Rally leaders linked the March 28 action to a broader wave of global solidarity protests connected to the “No Kings” movement in the United States, which grew from mass demonstrations beginning in 2025.
Bucerías Oyster Festival
According to organizers, the Bucerías Oyster Festival served 10,000 oysters and 500 kilograms of ceviche to attendees in 2025.
On April 4 and 5, Bucerías will host its annual Feria de Ostiones, a celebration honoring the town’s oyster-diving heritage with music, cultural events, and seafood along the coast. The festival, organized by the Municipal Government of the Bay of Banderas with community partners, aims to welcome Semana Santa visitors while spotlighting local traditions and the coastal economy.
Known locally as the “Place of the Divers,” Bucerías traces much of its identity and livelihood to oyster harvesting. This year’s program blends family-focused entertainment, live music, artisanal markets and abundant fresh oysters prepared by neighborhood chefs and vendors. Organizers highlight the festival’s role in sustaining seasonal income for fishers and small businesses and in reinforcing Bucerías’ reputation as a culinary destination on the Vallarta–Nayarit shore.
Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, support local businesses and respect the town’s artisan fishing zones. Municipal officials extended an open invitation to residents and tourists to join the celebrations over the holiday weekend.
Semana Santa safety
The Bay of Banderas has stepped up a coordinated municipal effort to ensure safe, welcoming conditions for residents and holiday visitors. Public works, police, port authorities and emergency medical and fire services have expanded patrols, finalized joint emergency plans and conducted readiness drills to handle peak-season demand.
Cleaning and repair crews focused on beaches, boardwalks and high-traffic corridors, and public-safety units have increased visible patrols and reinforced coordination between municipal police, port authorities and volunteer rescue squads. Fire and medical teams from neighboring municipalities ran surge-capacity exercises and reaffirmed mutual-aid agreements to ensure rapid support for larger incidents.
A central element of the safety push was national recertification of Puerto Vallarta’s lifeguard teams by the Mexican Federation of Aquatic Rescue and Lifesaving. Lifeguards underwent rigorous open-water and pool evaluations to test endurance, rescue technique and operational readiness. Officials say the recertification reinforces confidence in the lifeguard service’s on-the-water response capabilities.
The overall objective is to protect public safety and natural resources while ensuring a positive holiday atmosphere. With enhanced maintenance, tighter emergency coordination and a recertified rescue force, municipal leaders say they are prepared for the seasonal surge. They urge visitors to follow local guidance and report hazards promptly.
Puerto Vallarta expands public internet access
Puerto Vallarta has accelerated efforts to widen public internet access as part of Jalisco’s state initiative to close connectivity gaps, expanding free hotspots in parks, civic centers and schools. The state-managed Red Jalisco now reports more than 2 million users across all 125 municipalities, and Puerto Vallarta says that network has brought concrete gains for residents, students, and visitors.
City officials report over 300 active public connectivity points, including hotspot coverage in major parks and public gathering places, plus internet service now installed in 184 local schools to support teachers and online learning. Municipal managers framed reliable internet as an essential public service that enables schooling, telehealth, job searches, and access to digital government services rather than a luxury.
Beyond coverage numbers, the municipality emphasized usability and impact, including faster links to municipal services, improved Wi‑Fi at tourist sites, and initiatives to help community centers and libraries offer digital-literacy support. The expansion aligns with broader state policy to reduce the digital divide and promote inclusive access to online resources across Jalisco.
Charlotte Smith is a writer and journalist based in Mexico. Her work focuses on travel, politics, and community. You can follow along with her travel stories at www.salsaandserendipity.com.
