The Malecon

The Malecon is not a road, but a very wide side walk. Originally it was only a small side walk that ran in front of the old Oceana Hotel.  Now, it runs for about a mile along the beach in El Centro or the main part of old town.  In some sections it is wider than many of the streets in Puerto Vallarta.  It was probably made mainly for the tourists, but on weekends you will see lots of Mexican families with their children strolling up and down the Malecon, enjoying the views of the beach and sea.

Some sections are decorative concrete with writing embossed in the concrete.  I think they are Spanish proverbs, but some could be names of prominate people.  A large section was done with red abobe bricks.  It is quite attractive, but there is a problem.  They used concrete to grout the bricks.  Over the years many of the adobe bricks have deteriorated leaving just ridges of concrete (not easy to walk over).  Along the way are a least a dozen large sculptures;  the boy on a sea horse being the oldest and most famous.  I don't know where it came from but was here in the late 70's and became a symbol for Puerto Vallarta.  Some of the figures are obvious, like a dolphin fountain, or mermaids and neptune, but some are very difficult to figure out what they are meant to be.

The Malecon is used for all kinds of festivities, art shows, parades, etc.  One day I noticed there was some sort of sand castle contest (I guess it was a contest).  The theme was mainly Egyptian (before the revolution so I have no idea what it was about)  There are always vendors selling mainly touristy stuff, but one day I spotted a painting on display.  It was perfect for the wall over my sofa.  Well, the painting is by no means perfect, but I liked the colors and it was cheap.

All along the Malecon are many bars and restaurants.  I would say that Carlos O'Briens is the oldest and most famous where young kids get very drunk (I was one of those kids once).  Since all the bars and shops are some of the most expensive in P.V.  I rarely stop, unless it is a Starbucks (although their coffee does not compare with my favorite).  But a walk down the Malecon is free and besides the wonderful vistas of the bay, I love to people watch.  I don't think I will ever tire of walking along the Malecon..