Puerto Vallarta is turning Los Muertos Pier into an open-air dance floor this Saturday night for Valentine’s Day. Here’s what’s happening: 📍 Where: Muelle de Los Muertos 📅 When: Saturday, February 14, 2026 ⏰ Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 💲 Cost: Free The city is hosting a public electronic music set right on the waterfront featuring DJ Malan (local talent) and DJ Malaventurado (visiting from Monterrey). It’s being promoted as a community celebration for Día del Amor y la Amistad — no cover charge, no restaurant reservation required. For those of us who know the pier mostly for sunsets and water taxis, this will have a different feel. After dark, the lights come on, the bay reflects the glow, and Zona Romántica shifts into weekend energy mode. With a short two-hour set, this sounds more like a focused, early evening vibe rather than an all-night party — which many expats may actually prefer. What to expect: - Couples and friend groups out for Valentine’s - A mix of locals, expats, and visitors - Ocean breeze + electronic music + evening pier lighting - A likely crowd, especially closer to 8 p.m. If you’re planning to go, arriving a bit early could help you grab a better spot on the pier. As always with public events, keep your phone and wallet secure and stay aware of your surroundings when moving through the area. Nice to see more free public events happening in shared spaces like this. Would you go to a waterfront DJ set like this, or is Valentine’s more of a quiet dinner night for you? Source: Vallarta Daily (vallartadaily.com)

An unusual federal operation took place last Friday in El Caloso, where authorities removed a young tigress from a residential condominium complex and detained a foreign national. What happened • Date: Friday, February 6, 2026 • Location: Rivera Cuale condominiums, El Caloso • A one-year-old tigress (Panthera tigris) was seized • A foreign man was detained during the operation • The case is tied to suspected illegal possession of wildlife The search was carried out under a court-authorized warrant led by the Fiscalía General de la República, with support from the Navy, Army personnel, and municipal police. Environmental authorities were also involved, as this case falls under federal wildlife regulations. Officials have not confirmed the identity or nationality of the detained individual, and no formal charges have been publicly announced yet. The case is now under review by the federal Public Ministry. About the tigress Authorities describe the animal as approximately one year old. At that age, a tiger is already large and strong, making urban confinement particularly risky. The tigress is now in official custody and is expected to undergo: • Veterinary evaluation • Identification and microchip checks • Review of any legal documentation She will remain in an authorized facility while the legal process unfolds. Why this matters for residents and expats This isn’t just a headline — it raises real safety concerns. El Caloso is a dense, walkable neighborhood near downtown where families, tourists, and expats live close together. A large predator in a residential unit poses obvious risks not only to neighbors but to first responders and the animal itself. Mexico strictly regulates private ownership of wildlife, especially large felines. Legal possession requires permits, proof of lawful origin, and approved enclosure standards. Without proper documentation, cases quickly fall under federal jurisdiction. This is not the first time Vallarta has dealt with exotic animal enforcement. In 2025, a lion cub was seized after being walked on the malecón.

Puerto Vallarta health authorities have confirmed the city’s first two measles cases and have responded by launching a large-scale vaccination campaign to prevent further spread. What we know so far • Two adult men (one in his 20s, one in his 30s) tested positive • Cases were identified in Pitillal and Ixtapa • Both patients are local residents on the north side of the city • A sanitary cordon has been established around each home, with monitoring and vaccinations covering a 25-block radius Prior to these confirmations, around 50 suspected cases were investigated and all tested negative. Vaccination campaign details Health authorities are aiming to administer at least 6,000 measles vaccines per day over the next three weeks. Vaccines are being offered: • Door-to-door in affected neighborhoods • At schools and public hospitals • At the airport and shopping centers • At large temporary sites, including La Lija sports complex and a Costco parking lot Officials stress that vaccination is the primary and most effective protection against measles. What about masks? At this time: • No mask mandate in Puerto Vallarta • Mask use remains optional and a personal choice • A few private schools have chosen to require masks independently • State mandates currently apply only to higher-case areas near Guadalajara Local authorities are focusing on vaccination, not restrictions. What expats should consider • Review your measles (MMR) vaccination status • Adults unsure of immunity are encouraged to get a booster • Vaccines are free at public clinics and temporary sites during this campaign • Measles spreads very easily, but vaccination provides strong protection Health officials say the goal is to quickly contain the situation and keep Puerto Vallarta safe for residents and visitors alike. 💬 Question for the group: Do you know your measles vaccination status, or would you consider getting a booster while vaccines are widely available? Source: Vallarta Daily (vallartadaily.com)

Getting in and out of Vallarta just got easier. Volaris has announced three new nonstop domestic routes into Puerto Vallarta (PVR) starting June 2, 2026, connecting the city with: • Puebla (PBC) • Aguascalientes (AGU) • San Luis Potosí (SLP) This includes the return of the San Luis Potosí route, which had previously disappeared. What the schedules tell us These flights are clearly aimed at weekend travel, not just holiday peaks: • Aguascalientes → PVR: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday • Puebla → PVR: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday • San Luis Potosí → PVR: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday Most arrivals are in the morning or early afternoon, which makes a big difference for same-day plans, ground transportation, and short stays. Why this matters for expats• Easier visits from friends and family in central Mexico• Fewer forced connections through Mexico City• More competition on fares, which usually helps locals who fly often• Smoother summer and weekend travel instead of all demand piling into high season For residents, this is less about tourism hype and more about options. More nonstop routes usually mean more flexibility and better pricing over time. One thing to keep in mind New routes are always a test period. Airlines may adjust days, aircraft, or schedules based on demand, so if you’re planning to use these flights, keep an eye on updates and double-check timetables before booking lodging. 💬 Question for the group: Would these new routes make it easier for you to travel or host visitors, or do you mostly fly internationally? Source: Vallarta Daily (vallartadaily.com)

If you spend time north of the airport or visit Boca de Tomates, this is worth knowing. Mexico’s Navy (12th Naval Zone), working with state and municipal partners, has removed about one metric ton (1,000 kg) of inorganic waste from Boca de Tomates beach. The cleanup was completed in recent days and reported on February 6. What was removed • ~500 kg of plastic containers • ~300 kg of glass and aluminum • ~198 kg of discarded fishing gear (nets and lines) • Smaller amounts of cigarette butts and mixed waste All of the waste was transported to Puerto Vallarta’s municipal landfill. Why Boca de Tomates is especially vulnerable This beach sits near the mouth of the Ameca River, close to mangroves, a sea turtle camp, and bird habitats. After heavy rains, debris from streets, arroyos, and upstream areas often ends up here. Fishing gear and plastics are especially harmful because they can continue trapping wildlife long after being discarded. Boca de Tomates is also a popular spot for: • Seafood ramadas • Weekend family visits • Kitesurfing and birdwatching • Walking access from the north end of Marina Vallarta at low tide The bigger picture This cleanup is part of a national beach and coastline conservation campaign running through 2030, but Boca de Tomates has needed repeated cleanups over the years. After storms in mid-2025, roughly two tons of trash were removed from the same area. Cleanups help, but they also highlight an upstream issue: much of this waste starts inland and washes down during rains. Why this matters to expats A cleaner beach means: • Safer spaces for kids, dogs, and families • Better protection for wildlife • A stronger image for Vallarta during high season • Less long-term damage to the bay Small habits still matter — taking trash back out, avoiding single-use plastics, and keeping local drains clear all reduce what ends up on the shoreline. 💬 Question for the group: Do you think enough is being done upstream to prevent this trash from reaching beaches like Boca de Tomates, or does Vallarta need stronger local enforcement?