September is the month of our national heritage! Mexican Independence Day is September 16, but our holiday actually commences at 11:00pm on the 15th, when we do the traditional “grito” (cry for freedom). Traditionally, celebrations and special events happen all through September, nationally as well as locally. The main “grito” is televised every year by the Mexican president, and generally it is also televised from Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato- where the very first cry for independence rang out in the voice of Father Miguel Hidalgo as he called out to the masses to follow him in the rebellion, initiating the war for independence in the evening of September 15, 1810. Locally, our mayor gets that privilege- but of course, Covid might get in our way of any actual events.
As Covid continues to keep the world on its toes with different variants, the state of Guerrero sadly went from Semáforo Naranja (Orange Stoplight) to Semáforo Rojo (Red Stoplight) at the end of August. While we all had hoped that we would be out of that phase by September- we are continuing under the Red Stoplight until September 6. As such, no events are being advertised as of yet.
Remind us… What does a Red Stoplight mean?
This isn’t so much as a reminder or refresher, as the rules have changed! Unlike the former Red Stoplight of 2020, this one is not nearly as harsh. Beaches remain open but are closed from 6:00am to 7:00pm. Stores close at 8pm; restaurants must be closed by 11:00pm. BARS, NIGHTCLUBS AND GYMS ARE CLOSED. Occupancy of restaurants and hotels at limited capacity of 40% (much higher than 2020’s allowed occupancy rates!). Masks are mandatory everywhere. If any of the usual Independence Day celebrations will happen, they will (or at least SHOULD) only happen under Yellow Light. But technically, we should change from Red to Orange Stoplight before Yellow…
SEPTEMBER 7: BACK TO SEMAFORO NARANJA/ORANGE STOPLIGHT!! What does an Orange Stoplight mean? All beaches are closed from 6:00am to 7:00pm, stores close at 8pm, bars and restaurants must be closed by 11:00pm. Occupancy of restaurants and hotels at limited capacity of 50%. Open-air bars, nightclubs and gyms allowed to be open at 40% occupancy and with limited hours. Masks are mandatory everywhere. If any of the usual Independence Day celebrations will happen, they will (or at least SHOULD) only happen under Yellow Light.
We are hopeful to get safely back to Yellow Stoplight in the next 2 weeks. While we understand that tourism is important for our economy, we all prefer to remain healthy!
September is the month of Chiles en Nogada! A green Poblano chile stuffed with a mixture pork and fruit, covered in a white walnut sauce and topped with red pomegranate seeds, this dish is a national treasure with the colors of the Mexican flag (and Taco’s personal favorite of all the stuffed chiles!). It is traditionally only served in the month of September (which is good for Taco’s waist!); Carmelita’s Cafe and Cuattro Cafe are our personal favorites for this delectable dish. Cuattro will have that dish every Saturday through September.
Special Events: **This will be updated when events are confirmed!
- September 15:
- El Grito/Independence Eve celebration by Mexican Presidente AMLO: 11:00pm from the National Palace; it will be televised on all Mexican local tv channels.
- El Grito/Independence Eve celebration by presidente de Zihuatanejo will be virtual: Facebook Zihuatanejo government at 10:30pm
- El Grito at El Canto de las Sirenas; doors open at 8:00pm
- September 16:
- Official Civic parade in Mexico City to commemorate the 200th anniversary of independence; will be televised on all Mexican local tv channels.
Ongoing Events:
Saturday Eco-Tianguis: This is always a great place to check out! While our local tianguis (market day) is not as big as those in bigger towns and cities, it is still OURS! Everything you find there was made locally, from food to souvenirs. IMPORTANT: Check their Facebook page before heading there, as summer locations may vary due to weather! Facebook page: Eco-Tianguis
Mercado de Emprendedores: This is a very special weekend market of young entrepreneurs learning a craft and selling their wares. From food (mostly sweet) to artisanal wear and everything in between, stop by to check it out and support local up-and-coming artisans and bakers! Fridays and Saturdays from 6:00pm – 9:00pm; across from the Captain’s Daughter. Facebook page: Mercado de Emprendedores
Pickleball: Beginners to pros; all have fun! Contact: Emanuel Pickleball Pickleball Mexico Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
- Ixtapa: BY RESERVATION ONLY! Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 4:00pm-6:00pm in Parque de los Amates
- Zihuatanejo: Mondays through Saturdays 8:30am-11:30am Infonavit La Noria
Fútbol-Soccer: Contact us (see our contact info below) to hook you up with a local game, or your youngster up with a day/days/week of training!
Music: Music is a big part of our culture, from strolling musicians to scheduled performances in restaurants. Keep in mind that all places must respect the protocols; things may change at a moment’s notice due to Covid regulations 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, Carlos Uribe, Jossy Gallegos to the up-and-coming Alma Valdovinos!
TIMES BELOW MAY VARY, DEPENDING ON THE COVID STOPLIGHT COLOR!
Where to find Jose Luis Cobo:
- Thursdays: Jazz night at El Canto de las Sirenas 7:00pm – 10:00pm (NOT DURING RED LIGHT!)
- Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays: Chendos restaurant 6:00pm – 8:30pm
- Friday & Saturday: El Canto de las Sirenas 7:00pm – (10:00pm, under Orange Light; 2:00am under Yellow or Green)
Where to find Juanito Zihua:
- Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays: 7:00pm – 9:00pm Casanovas in Colonia La Madera Zihuatanejo
- Tuesdays and Thursdays: 6:00pm – 8:00pm Bistro del Mar on La Madera
- Wednesdays: 4:00pm – 5:00pm Magenta Arte Mexico/ Restaurante Chula Vida in Playa Blanca
- Thursdays: 2:00pm – 4:00pm Pozoleria Santa Prisca in Zihuatanejo
- Saturdays: 8:00pm – 10:00pm Bistro Soleiado restaurant in Ixtapa (EXCEPT DURING RED LIGHT!)
- *** Juanito also gives back to the community; he gives free guitar lessons to children during the day on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays!!
Where to find Carlos Uribe:
- SPECIAL EVENTS:
- September 15: Bugambilias Restaurant in Pacifica Ixtapa 9:00pm – 10:40pm (reservation required; call 755 555 2500, or Srta. Albina 755 104 9155)
- September 30: Bugambilias Restaurant in Pacifica Ixtapa 9:00pm – 10:40pm (reservation required; call 755 555 2500, or Srta. Albina 755 104 9155)
- Tuesdays: La Ceiba Restaurant in Pacifica Ixtapa 8:00pm – 9:40pm (reservation required; call 755 555 2500, or Srta. Albina 755 104 9155)
- Wednesdays: Bugambilias Restaurant in Pacifica Ixtapa 8:00pm – 9:40pm (reservation required; call 755 555 2500, or Srta. Albina 755 104 9155)
- Thursdays: El Canto de las Sirenas 7:00pm – 10:00pm (NOT DURING RED LIGHT!)
- Fridays: Facebook Live Happy Home Concert 6:30pm – 7:30pm (see Carlos Uribe Facebook page for link)
- Fridays: El Faro Restaurant in Pacifica Ixtapa 8:00pm – 10:00pm (reservation required; call 755 555 2500, or Srta. Albina 755 104 9155)
- Saturdays: Tulipanes Restaurant in Pacifica Ixtapa 8:00pm – 10:00pm (reservation required; call 755 555 2500, or Srta. Albina 755 104 9155)
- Sundays: Bugambilias Restaurant in Pacifica Ixtapa 8:00pm – 9:40pm (reservation required; call 755 555 2500, or Srta. Albina 755 104 9155)
Where to find Jossy Gallegos:
- Thursdays & Fridays: Bistro Soleiado restaurant in Ixtapa 8:00pm – 10:00pm
- Saturdays: Thompson hotel, Playa la Ropa 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Where to find Alma Valdovinos:
- Fridays: Thompson Hotel on Playa La Ropa 6:30pm – 8:30pm
OTHER LIVE MUSIC NOT TO MISS:
All That Jazz: Thursday night Jazz & Blues Sessions at Canto de las Sirenas from 6:00pm-10:00pm, headed by local favorite Carlos Uribe. It’s a jam session, so pop in for a spell to see who’s in town!
- Salsa band, Fridays & Saturdays 10:00pm-1:00am (NOT DURING ORANGE OR RED LIGHT!)
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.
For more information, contact us directly: taco@zancatravelers.com Phone/WhatsApp/text: +527551318913
