Ring In a New Season of ’Connect With Mexico’ at ArtVallarta Connect with Mexico
go to original December 31, 2021

We will once again meet to discuss this beautiful and challenging country. Come to discover the marvels, mysteries, customs, and politics of Mexicans, and learn what makes them tick and you'll be ready to talk to them and learn so much more about your adopted country.

It all starts 11 January 2022 at Puerto Vallarta's ArtVallarta, so check our list of topics, purchase your tickets, and be ready to attend the in-depth, friendly conversations we've created just for you.

This season we will also stream each session for you to enjoy from afar. We will also implement all COVID-19 guidelines for everyone's safety.

If you would like more details about Connect with Mexico’s host, background and design, please visit our website.

Calendar - Topics - 2022

11 January

Mexico, your adopted country: An introduction.

Mexico is a big country with a long history. Now that you're here get to know it better! In the voices of Mexicans themselves, listen to this nation's secrets, take a deep look at its breathtaking scenery and discover the awe-inspiring stories of its people.

18 January

Catching up with Mexico: How's the country doing in 2022?
Pandemic, new governments, changing climate, and more.

Come for an update on what's happened in this country in the last 18 months. Mexico has been immersed in change in politics, policies, culture, health, energy, the arts, that crazy pandemic that's still here and the always tricky relations with the United States.

25 January

Ignatius Vallarta? Who is that anyway?
The history, anecdotes, and charm of Puerto Vallarta.

Think all there is to Puerto Vallarta is the beach and your beautiful resort or condo? Come for a journey of discovery about this small coastal city that has deep roots in traditional Mexican and Jalisco culture. Prominent entertainers and politicians, national and foreign, all played a role in making this town thrive. You may have contributed a lot as well, who knows! Come find out!

1 February

Four challenging years.
Mexico during the Trump Administration in the United States.

Mostly for political reasons, former US President Donald Trump decided to turn Mexico into his personal enemy. What did Mexicans think about his words and his actions? Did the country struggle or were there benefits to working with Trump? How are relations with the United States and Canada now that he is not in the White House?

8 February

Who's that living in the National Palace?
The Administration of President Lopez Obrador: pros and cons.

President Lopez Obrador has been in office for half of his six-year term. With a 65-percent approval rating, how can he be so popular? And then, why do some Mexicans hate him so? Join us to look at his politics – and his policies – so you can decide if he is a menace, a madman, a dreamer, a firebrand, or a potential national hero.

15 February

What's a huasteca again? Ever heard of a cenote?
The natural wonders of Mexico.

As you very likely already know, this country is full of astounding natural beauty. Mexico has fauna and flora, oceans, coral reefs, volcanoes, rainforests and deserts to match any other country. Where are they located? How are these scenic beauties different from each other? Who takes care of them? Are they being protected? Come to Connect with Mexico to see, listen, and explore this nation's stunning natural wonders.

22 February

The Cinco de Mayo's battleground.
Puebla: New Spain's model city.

Puebla has played a major role in Mexican history, the most significant being the site of the Cinco de Mayo battle in which poorly trained Mexican soldiers defeated the powerful French Army. A colonial powerhouse that competed with Mexico City, you'll be surprised to find out that it hosts the largest pyramid in the world and that when you buy a Volkswagen car in the United States, it was very likely manufactured in this beautiful Mexican city.

1 March

El Mariachi Loco!
The vivid musical legacy of the Mariachi band.

Jalisco is where the music of the Mariachi came to be. What exactly are they singing to? Why do they dress the way they do? How many should there really be? What's with their odd-looking instruments? Are young people still interested? Let's truly listen!

8 March

From marching to marrying: The LGBT+ story in Mexico.

How are the rights of Mexican LGBTI+ people doing in 2022? Find out about the initial marches in 1970s Mexico City that brought pressure on the police and the government to end repression and on how the equal marriage struggle is gaining momentum. Can you get married and adopt a child if you are a "diverse couple"? While we're at it, we might as well discuss why Puerto Vallarta is now a global LGBTI+ mecca.

15 March

Tequila and other mescals.
Wise up about the spirits of Mexico!

Mexican alcoholic beverages have a long history and are the result of the ingenuity of indigenous populations and the art of wine making that arrived from Europe. You're in Jalisco but tequila is certainly not all there is! Come to explore other mescals and beverages whose stories will startle you.