Head for the Hills of Mascota for the Fifth Cultural Festival of Raicilla Que Hay
go to original December 12, 2012

Mascota is located about 78 km (about 49 miles) in the mountains east of Puerto Vallarta.

Everything is ready for the Fifth Cultural Festival of Raicilla 2012 in Mascota, Jalisco.

Raicilla (rye-see-yah), often misspelled "Racilla," got its start as bootleg liquor from the mountains above Puerto Vallarta. Now legitimized and no longer called "Mexican Moonshine," Raicilla is a mezcal spirit distilled in the same manner as tequila.

The difference between tequila and Raicilla is the source; Raicilla comes from Agave Lechuguilla while tequila comes from Agave Tequiliana Weber or "blue agave" (which is larger and more "blue").

The Mascota City Council, with the support of the Jalisco Ministry of Tourism will present the Raicilla Festival on December 13, 14 and 15, 2012.

For five years, this festival has been a not-to-be-missed event highlighting this emblematic artisanal drink involving the producers of Raicilla of the Western Sierra region and the coast (Cabo Corrientes, Puerto Vallarta and El Tuito).

The announcement of the event was presented at a press conference attended by Dr. Víctor Mijangos Castellanos, Director-General of Planning and Development of Tourist Destinations in Setujal; Eng. Miguel Castillon López, Mayor of Mascota; Dra. Rosario Sahagún, owner of the Inn Santa Elena; Mr. Florentino Carbajal, President of the Tourism Board; Lic. Elvia Margarita Rodriguez Fregoso, Director of Tourism.

The duration of the festival is three days, offering product tastings, conferences about Raicilla's production and marketing, in addition to cultural events that adorn this festival.

The cultural program of the event will include the participation of the School of Dance of the State of Zacatecas, CALMECAC, Ballet Folklorico of the Bachelor Technological Agricultural #31, the coronation of the Raicilla Queen, a traditional parade through the main streets of the town, accompanied by local mariachis.

You will also have the opportunity to take a tour, visit the Tabernas plantations, and to learn about the production process of this drink.

Included in the framework of this festival, the inauguration of "The Museum of Raicilla" will take place where every visitor will learn the history, background and preparation of the product, as well as receiving a sample of the different brands that are sold.

Mascota is located about 78 km (about 49 miles) in the mountains east of Puerto Vallarta.

Translated and edited by Team Angels