As we continue to live in Times of Covid, we have all needed to look outside of the box we once lived in to move forward safely. Besides having few travelers this year, our usual festivities have needed to cancel or completely change in order to carry on raising funds for various charities. This also means having a back-up plan in case we return to Semáforo Rojo (“red light”- see older blog post on Covid stoplight colors). As noted in a previous blog post, the 3rd Annual Paella Fest will be held, but with a completely different look. Tickets are very limited, and selling out quickly!
Also this month, Zihuatanejo’s Museo Arqueológico De La Costa Grande will host La Luz en el Cine de Oro (the light in the golden years of Mexican cinema)! Zihuatanejo was the setting for many films of the Golden Age of Cinema; this will be nostalgic for locals and a step back in time for travelers to see what it looked like before tourism changed our landscape.
This year marks the 20th annual Sailfest! It will naturally be very much scaled down this year, with no street fairs, chili cook-offs or live silent auctions. But there are children in need, and there will be participation! To kick it off, there will be a Sail Parade of Lights, followed by an online to raise donations, and a Rally Round the Rock. See their website to donate or to see any last-minute changes!
Restaurants have suffered quite a bit this year; the few of us who venture out have been welcomed with huge smiles (albeit under their masks!) and open arms (from a distance, of course!), and even with fewer tables in each establishment- never a full house. Having said that…
Love is in the air! As February is the month of Love and Friendship- we hope our restauranteur amigos will have at least a few more reservations. And with fewer tables overall- we highly suggest making reservations for any dinners! AND: Don’t forget that carry-out and delivery options are still widely available in most all of your favorite restaurants! Some of our favorite romantic restaurants for celebrations are El Galeon in the marina Ixtapa, La Vita e’ Bella in Ixtapa, KauKan in Ixtapa/Contramar, La Gaviota on La Ropa, Maderas on La Madera, Il Mare on the scenic road to La Ropa, Garrobo’s in Zihuatanejo. For an extra special treat, why not do a romantic sunset and dinner: The always romantic Magical Sunset Cruise on Picante (ask us about their annual Valentine’s Sunset Cruise!), followed by dinner at the lovely Casa Bahia n Puerto Mio?!
Why not try something completely different, like a special Foodie event? Paco Gonzalez of Carmelita’s Cafe/Parrilla San Pancho (son of Carmelita!) is known for his foodie workshops; he will host a Couples Foodie Workshop, for lovers of the grill and good wine! 
The price includes dinner, water and a few artisanal cervezas. Dinner will consist of: Mussels in white wine in a roasted chistorra sauce, taquitos of “octopus in love” and shrimp with crispy pork rinds, Ribeye with bone, bathed in roasted pepper sauce, Surprise dessert by Rol Coqueto. ** Wine Team will have wine bottles for sale at a special price.
Musicians have taken quite a hit: many played mostly for tips- but how can one survive now on gratuities when there are no tourists to leave tips? Our beloved Juanito Zihua is putting on a special online concert on February 26. His post on Facebook sums up the heart of it: “Today many places are closed and some do not allow live music and others close at 11:00 p.m. With your help I will perform this concert to continue living what I love to do so much music … hoping soon this situation in the world will end and to be able to tear these masks from our faces and run to hug our families and friends.”
- Every Monday at 6:15pm: “Músicos en Fuga” (musicians on the run) in El Canta de las Sirenas, Live on Facebook for those who can’t be there!!
- February 6: 3rd Annual Paella Fest Contact: Club Rotario Zihuatanejo
- February 6-28: La Luz en el Cine de Oro (the light in the golden years of Mexican cinema) at the Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande Contact: 755 554 7552 ** Dates subject to change
- February 13: Foodie Workshop for Couples at Carmelita’s Cafe/Parrilla San Pancho. Limited space; advance reservations required! Contact: Paco Gonzalez
- February 13 & 14: Festival de Trova at Angustina (limited seating) Contact: Angustina restaurant
- February 21: Local singing contest Canta Zihua Canta begins at Casa de Cultura (final will be March 07)
- February 26: Juanito Zihua’s LIVE on Facebook event POSTPONED Contact: Juanito Zihua on Facebook
Pickleball: As it is not a contact sport, it is easily played safely. Contact: Emanuel Pickleball
- Troncones: Mondays, Fridays & Saturdays 8:30am-11:30am in the Troncones basketball court (After February 14)
- Ixtapa: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 4:00pm-6:00pm in Parque de los Amates
- Zihuatanejo: Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 8:30am-11:30am Infonavit La Noria
Music: The show must go on! BUT- please keep in mind that all places must respect the protocols; some places may close until we change back to Semáforo Naranja (Orange Stoplight) and ALL places have limited seating. We suggest contacting the establishment to confirm hours and make reservations (or ask us to help!).
Listed below are our favorite local musicians, and where they will be playing, from the more famous Jose Luis Cobo, Juanito and Jossy Gallegos to the up-and-coming local artist Alma Valdovinos!
Where to find Jose Luis Cobo: (** Canto de la Sirena only open Mondays due to Semáforo Rojo!)
- Mondays: Canto de las Sirenas 6:00pm – 10:00pm (**Bring extra pesos, they will be serving delicious tacos from Chendo’s!!)
- Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays: Chendos restaurant 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Where to find Juanito Zihua:
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Saturdays: Bistro Soleiado restaurant in Ixtapa 8:00pm – 10:00pm
- Thursdays: Pozoleria Santa Prisca 2:00pm – 4:00pm
- Thursdays: The Generals in Ixtapa 7:00pm – 9:00pm
- Sundays: Palo Zancas in Ixtapa 8:00pm – 10:00pm
Where to find Jossy Gallegos:
- Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays: Bistro Soleiado restaurant in Ixtapa 8:00pm – 10:00pm
- Wednesdays: Brisas en las Rocas restaurant in Troncones 7:00pm – 9:00pm
- Saturdays: Thompson hotel, Playa la Ropa 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Where to find Alma Valdovinos:
- Fridays: Thompson Hotel on Playa La Ropa 6:30pm – 8:30pm
- Sundays: La Vita e’ Bella in Ixtapa 7:30pm – 9:00pm
ALSO NOT TO MISS:
Live music:
- Wednesdays and Sundays at Sabrina’s La Vita e’ Bella in Ixtapa 7:00pm – 9:00pm
- Fridays & Saturdays* 8:15pm-10:00pm at Bandido’s in Zihuatanejo (*earlier & shorter hours due to Semáforo Rojo)
May we also suggest… Strolling duos in Zihuatanejo! You will find them nightly offering their services at restaurants such as Garrobo’s, Mediterraneo, El Chuleto and Angustina.
Jossy Gallegos 
Juanito Zihua 
Alma Valdovinos 
Jose Luis Cobo & Músicos en Fuga
