Welcome to the Mazatlan Carnival 2009
" Universal Fantasy ... a trip for the carnivals of the world "
From February 19 to February 24

 

*  “For me, visiting Mazatlán has been a sensational experience. It is a destination which features many beautiful attractions, particularly in its historical El Centro district. Gastronomically speaking, it is a veritable treasure which the whole world should get to know.”  Maralyn Dennis Hill, president of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association

Mazatlán, Sinaloa, México, Jan 6, 2009.- This morning, on board the cruise ship Oosterdam, a group composed of members of the Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association arrived in Mazatlán, led by their president Maralyn Dennis Hill.

The welcoming committee included: Raúl Llera Martínez, Sinaloa state Sub-secretary of Tourism, state Tourism Department Directors Ricardo Urquijo and Monica Coppel, as well as Alfonso Gil Díaz, General Director of API Mazatlán (Port Authority), Javier Páez representing the Mazatlán Association of Hoteliers and Tourism Businesses, and Ángel Cruz on behalf of national restaurant association Canirac. These were the dignitaries on hand to greet the esteemed guests.

Members:

Angelo, Emanuela (SS) Writes for WineandDine.com and other greater New York publications. Works with Gail Gerson-Witte. Anis, Patty Executive Director of the International Wine, Food & Travel Writers Association; contributor, Press Pass; contributor, Global Writes. Anis Guest – Nick Anis Bartlett, Jeanne (SS) Food, Wine, Travel. Freelance. Recent publications include the Ventura County Star; Vittles, Vintages, and Voyages. Founder and director for the Ventura County Chapter of Wine Investigation for Novices and Oenphiles (WINO). Cervin, Michael Food, Wine, Travel. Freelance, Author- Photographer. Publications include: Wine Enthusiast, Santa Barbara News-Press, Wine and Spirits, Surfer's Journal, Decanter. Broadcaster: TableTalk on AM 1290 (weekly). Cervin Guest – Kathy Lynnn Gruver Delafrange, Carolyn Writes for WineandDine.com and other greater New York publications. Works with Gail Gerson-Witte. Farber, James James is a new member. Farber Guest – Nance Rosen John Harnish Author: “My Book’s Published – Now What???” “The Amazing Book Publishing Evolution in the United States of America” Hilbers, Joseph (SS) Owner, editor, publisher: Business News Bureau, representing Benchmark Publishing. Editor: Vittles, Vintages & Voyages newsletter. Author: The Pleasure of Wine. Hill, Brenda (SS) Freelance writer; co-author, Cooking Secrets, The Why and How…;co-author, Our Love Affairs with Food & Travel; co-author, $uccess, Your Path to a Successful Book; columnist, Ashland Times Gazette; contributor, Big Blend Radio & TV, By-lines Calendar, Bristol Meyer’s Company Magazine, Darien Review, Exeter Hospital News, Endicotter, EZine Articles, North Shore Children’s Hospital News, Pepper Tree Literary Magazine, Putnam News; author, Random House, NYC; contributor, Salem Hospital News, Southwest Blend, and Where Magazine, NYC. Hill, Maralyn International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association, Board Member and Co-Chairman Conference and Press Trips Committee; NoraLyn Ltd., CEO; Host / Producer over 90 Time Warner Cable food shows; Co-author "Our Love Affairs with Food & Travel, "Cooking Secrets the Why and How," and "success, Your Path to a Successful Book," Contributor, The Big Blend Radio & TV, Southwest Blend, Meetings Mexico & Latin America, Ezine Articles, Global Writes, SOGONOW.com, Jive3Media; Contributor & Editor, "Where & What in the World, author of international and domestic incentive programs and support material. Freelance food, wine, travel journalist/broadcaster. Hill, Norman Editor for numerous books and articles; Contributor, Global Writes; Contributor, SOGONOW, Contributor, EZine Articles; Contributor, Helium; Contributor, Smart Talk; Contributor, Norm’s Thoughts Blog; Contributor numerous industry publications. Author, “Winner and Final Chairman.” Israel, Diana, Mason, Richard, Food, wine & travel, freelance. Recent publications include: Global Writes, El Rey Sol at Mason, Yvonne Food, wine & travel photojournalist. Editor and bi-weekly columnist. Contributes to Random Lengths News, San Pedro, CA., Press Telegram, Long Beach, CA. Doris Crandall's Dining Guide; Press Pass, Easy Reader. Millner, Cork (SS) Author: Hollywood Be Thy Name � The Warner Brothers Story; Portraits-Celebrity Profiles; Write From the Start -A Proven Program For Writing And Selling Nonfiction; The Art of Interviewing; Santa Barbara Celebrities; Recipes By The Winemakers; Wineries of Santa Barbara County; Sherry-The Golden Wine Of Spain; Vintage Valley; Vintage Cork. Novel: Polo Wives; The Christmas Ornament, and a "true novel:" I Love You. Also writes for various publications. Mirsky, Steve Nieder, Janice Food, Wine, Travel. Freelance. Publications include: Vagablond.com, TangoDiva.com. Her articles have appeared in International Travel News, Runner's World, San Francisco Journal for Physicians, Slow Food USA, San Francisco Professional Food Society News, Business Women's Journal, Marina Times, Norway Post. Janice is A.K.A. "The Dining Diva" for tangodiva.com, the premiere website for women who travel. Nieder Guest – Ann Nieder Ragland, Gigi Food, Wine, Travel. Freelance, Editor. Recent publications include: Dining Out Magazine, Relish & American Profile magazines, AAA Living Magazine, Rocky Mountain Sports magazine, Desert Living Magazine. Ragland Guest – Christina Anastasia. Reed, Marcia Freelance writer photo-journalist, specializing in travel, cultural history, folk art, profiles. Contributor: Los Angeles Times; Country Almanac; Historic Traveler; Westways; Country Folk Art; Retired Officer Magazine; The South Bay Daily Breeze; Activities Magazine; Photos; Metal Roofing Magazine; Doctor's Review (Canada). Reed Guest – Lois Ebner Buchanan Rose, Peter Sociologist and freelance travel writer, author. Writer: New York Times Travel Section; Boston Globe; Christian Science Monitor; Hampshire Life; Newsday; SoGo Now; Travelworld International. Author: "Guest Appearances and Other Travels in Time and Space" (Swallow Press, 2003); "The Dispossessed: An Anatomy of Exile" (Univ. of Mass. Press, 2005); "They and We" 6th edition (Paradigm Press, 2006) Rose, Hedwig Photographer, New York Times Travel Section; Boston Globe, SoGo Now; Travelworld International. Thompson, Chad Shoots professionally for outdoor and lifestyle magazines in San Diego, Arizona and Oregon. Thompson, Jeniffer  Writes for lifestyle magazines in San Diego, Arizona and Oregon. Winner, Kurt Food, Wine, Travel. Freelance: Contributor to Sandy Post newspaper; Sandy Profile newspaper; Mt. Hood Gorge Connection; Gresham Outlook Stringer. Photographer: Arizona Bride; Ahwatukee Life. Winner, Michelle International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association, Board Member Food, Wine, Travel, Freelance: Contributor to Sandy Post newspaper; Sandy Profile newspaper; Mt. Hood Gorge Connection; Gresham Outlook Stringer; Arizona Bride; Ahwatukee Life. Witkowski, Gail Gearson: Gail the President of Wine and Dine, has a huge following of both readers and clients from every ethnic group as she has established herself both as a strong reason that the business has expanded and also as a trustworthy friend that only recommends money be spent when the product will be advantageous to the owner. She has had a successful TV Show and is now seen in The New York Times, Daily News, Asbury Park Press, Rockland Journal, Westchester Gannett, Staten Island Advance, Home News Tribune, Star Ledger, Wall Street Journal and more. Woodin, Jim (SS) President, Southern California Restaurant Writers Association, So. CA. newspapers, Chef Mario Martinili, Chef Amy Strong, Andrew Harris, Erik Elvejord.

It is worth noting that the invitation issued to this influential group of promoters and cuisine & beverage specialists is an initiative which should be regarded as a resounding success for the Sinaloa Department of Tourism, demonstrating that Tourism Secretary Antonio Ibarra Salgado is dedicated to supporting grand, high impact initiatives, but in a selective and discerning fashion. Of course, the vision of the Association of Hotels and Tourist Businesses of Mazatlán is also worthy of praise, as this event has great significance for Mazatlán, bringing to the fore one of the most charming facets of Mazatlán: its food. However, in terms of projecting this asset before a panel of international experts, there has existed a communication gap.

The task was not easy: First of all, because of the complications involved in inviting this particularly renowned group, one which is much sought after by destinations all over the world. Secondly, because it required a collaborative effort on the part of government and three distinct pillars of the tourist business. For the authorities, hoteliers and restaurateurs involved, disappointment was not an acceptable option, lest one of our principal attractions be insufficiently appreciated.

Fortunately, an atmosphere of unity, teamwork and collaborative results prevailed at all times, and the gastronomic display, which was presented in the heart of Mazatlán’s Historical District, was by all accounts a great success.

Among the favorable comments heard from the honorable invitees: “If all that the cruise ship did was visit Mazatlán, I would be very happy. The food is excellent, and the Historical District is unparalleled. As for all of the attractions such as the beach, the weather, the people, and the general feeling of warmth, it is enough to make you fall in love with it all.”

Having passed such a trial by fire with flying colors, it is fair to say with all certainty that Mazatlán’s cuisine is one of its most precious treasures, and a fundamental feature of its extensive list of charms.

Also, it is a delicious and motivating factor in deciding to visit this fabulous tourist destination. The special flavorful touches which our chefs add make each dish a veritable gourmet delicacy.

Maralyn Dennis Hill, president of the Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association, was enthusiastic, saying that it had been a sensational experience for her to visit Mazatlán, a destination filled with many beautiful attractions, notably in the central Historical District. She particularly observed that the food is a real delight which everyone in the world should get to know.

Internationally famous chef, Mario Martinelli, who hosts both a TV and a radio program in the USA , said that Mazatlán is blessed with a true culinary gem, as he described the local gastronomic offerings.

“Believe me, here they really serve and enjoy dishes with genuine Mexican flavor. I am impressed.”

As proof that the special guests were thoroughly satisfied with the offerings, Maralyn Dennis Hill bestowed upon each of the Mazatlán participants in the gastronomical show an award of recognition, an honor which took them all by surprise.

At the end of it all, the distinguished visitors lamented the brevity of their stay in Mazatlán and petitioned that the organizers invite them to return in the near future.

“We would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to the Sinaloa State Department of Tourism, the Association of Hoteliers and Restaurateurs of Mazatlán, Canirac, and to each of the restaurants which participated in this event.”

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* Mazatlán is the site of the First Mazatlán Bird Festival, 2009
 
* We want to put Mazatlán on the map for the 40 million North American bird watchers
 
* They would like to make this the most important event of its kind in Latin America.
 
* Mexico is home to 10% of the more than 10,000 bird species in the world, and Sinaloa more than 500 of them have been registered in Sinaloa.

Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico, on December 26, 2008. – This morning, in and exclusive interview with mazatláninteractivo.com, we got important details about the First Mazatlán Bird Festival from Paul Beckman, director of Sendero México and EduVentura, as well as Vice President Secretary of AMTAVE (Mexican Association of Adventure and Eco-Tourism), along with Carolyn Felderhof, Director of Bird Watching Programs with Sendero México.  The festival will take place from January 16th to 20th, 2009.
 
It's worth the trouble to clarify: for Mazatlán this event is very important because this sector of the tourist market attracts a great number of nature lovers.  They come because of the sensational options this tourist destination offers them.  Among these, bird watching can be done in an endless number of extraordinary rural and natural sites, and even within urban limits.
 
When questioned "Why a bird festival in Mazatlán?" Beckman responded: "Nature tourism has great potential in Mazatlán and in Mexico and, in terms of our bird species, the Bird Festival is a tool to generate more interest in this important region in the Republic of Mexico.  Since the festival program contains interesting conferences, workshops, excursions, and expositions of top quality and international scope, we want to put Mazatlán on the map for the more than 40 million North American bird watchers.
 
Beckman explained that there are hundreds of annual bird festivals in North America, some large, and others small.  In light of this, they are looking for ways to organize the Mazatlán Bird Festival every year, and to make it into the most important event of its kind in Latin America.
 
"The Mazatlán Bird Festival has been organized with the support and collaboration of the Secretary of Tourism of Sinaloa, the Panel of Promotion of Tourism in Mexico, Pronatura Noroeste, A.C. and Sendero México.  The venue will be the legendary Hotel Playa Mazatlán.  All of these institutions and businesses contribute to this effort.  Together, we are creating a new attraction within the nature sector," Beckman reflected.
 
Felderhof, the festival coordinator and specialized bird watching guide revealed that the Mazatlán region has been visited for several decades by European and North American bird watchers because of the high endemism of species in the area.  She said that better promotion was needed for the fact that Mexico is home to 10% of the more than 10,000 bird species in the world, and Sinaloa more than 500 of them have been registered in Sinaloa.
 
Adding to this, we have 35 endemic species in the northwest of Mexico and, according to experts at the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, one of the most important avian corridors in the world is located on the Mazatlán -Durango Highway.  This gives great importance and potential to Mazatlán, and it should use this information to create programs for awareness, environmental education, and conservation working for this goal.
 
For our part, during the Mazatlán Bird Festival we will hold workshops and excursions for more than 500 primary school children from Mazatlán as a complement to the general festival program.  We are very happy because we received more than 40 pairs of new binoculars, birding scopes, and tripods from two organizations in the United States to carry out this part of the festival," said Felderhof.
 
Finally, both made a cordial invitation to primary and secondary schools, universities, environmental organizations, and the general public to participate in this event.  This event, they said, will occur for the first time in Mazatlán, and will be a unique opportunity to be in contact with nature.

by Greg Brady

2009 finds Mazatlán looking forward to another year of sunshine and smooth sailing. What a wonderful place to live! Reading news accounts of the meteorological and economic climate up north makes a gringo want to tell all his friends and family, “Come on down, the water’s fine!”


Speaking of water, the nearby Preso Picachos dam project, the most ambitious public works endeavor in Mexican history, is proceeding full speed ahead, and may even be finished before its scheduled 2010 completion date. Once operating, an enormous man made lake will provide a vast and reliable source of water to the region, for household, industrial and farm uses. In Mexico’s number one agricultural state of Sinaloa, the additional water will greatly boost fruit and vegetable production- good news for local consumers!

It’s official, the “cold” weather has arrived! The federal Conagua Meteorological Service chief Hugo Nordahl Valdes has declared that, as of Nov 12, the mercury has now begun dropping a couples of degrees below 20º C in the wee small hours (that translates to mid sixties in Fahrenheit), just in time for the electricity subsidy to end! So turn off your air conditioner and break out the winter wardrobe, the mild season is upon us at last!

The Angela Peralta Theater is gearing up for one of the largest extravaganzas of the year, as an all-star cast and crew of international and local luminaries prepare to present an all-out production of Rossini’s immortal opera The Barber of Seville, on the evenings of Friday November 21st  and Saturday November 22nd  Mexico’s foremost international orchestra conductor, Enrique Patrón de Rueda, returns to his home town of Mazatlan to direct an impressive ensemble of musicians and singers, including tenors Adán Pérez and Alejandro Escobar and mezzo soprano Lucía Salas as featured voices. Ticket prices range from 80 to 350 pesos, and a sell-out is virtually assured, so now is the time to make sure that there’s a seat waiting for you! Call the theater box office at 982-4646 for details.

ArtWalk Mazatlan Map, 2008-2009 Season

Centro Histórico, Mazatlán, México.
First Friday of every month
November – May × 4 - 8 pm

The following interview by Deputy Consul Bernardo Mendez Lugo of public relations expert Margaret Pulles Machado, CEO, PuMa Communications & Cultural Services (www.pumacommunications.com) was conducted in light of the negative publicity and economic impact Mexico has been experiencing in the past few years in tourism and other vital business sectors.


Bernardo Mendez-Lugo (BML): What steps should officials take to address a crisis situation and improve the image of a country in the national and global scene? Specifically, what should they do to improve tourism and other sectors affecting the economy?