Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 17

Malecon Boardwalk and Sculptures continued;

Triton and the Nereid by Carlos Espino, 1990

This is a sculpture which focuses on classical mythology and the human form. The mythical Greek figure Triton, son of sea god Poseidon, is depicted as having the body of a human and the tail of a fish. Triton’s body is gracefully extended as he reaches out his left hand to a Nereid, or sea nymph. The waves lift the mermaid up and slightly away from him, she gently reaches back with her right hand, wrist slightly bent, as her left arm and hand are raised up in an attempt to tame her wild and windswept hair. In the Greek tradition, these mermaids are friendly to seafarers and help them fight storms.

La Fuente de la Amistad by James “Bud” Bottoms, 1987

California sculptor James Bottom from Santa Barbara presented “The Friendship Fountain” as a gift to the city of Puerto Vallarta. Santa Barbara and Puerto Vallarta have been sister cities since 1972. The modern bronze sculpture sits on top of a circular dome-shaped fountain. This depicts three leaping dolphins which symbolize peace, protection, and the brotherhood that unites the two cities. The dolphins all look in different directions, one towards the city, one towards the ocean, and another towards the sky. This fountain is located on the Malecon near the Los Arcos Amphitheatre.

Bailarines de Vallarta by Jim Demetro, 2006

The sculpture “Vallarta Dancers” is of a life-sized couple in coloured patinas performing the Jarabe Tapatio, which is the Mexican Hat Dance. It was after seeing a performance of Puerto Vallarta’s famous Xiutla dance troupe that the artist was inspired to create a sculpture in honour of this national dance of Mexico. The engraved plaque accompanying this work reads: “The inspiration for the sculpture is the youthful energy, flowing movement, and colourful costumes of the talented Xiutla dancers and their instructor and choreographer Professor Enrique Barrios Limon. ”

Eriza-Dos by Blu (Maritza Vasquez), 2007

“Standing on End” are a pair of oxidized steel sculptures located near the beginning of the new Malecon extension. The two spiky structures are meant to resemble giant sea urchins.

San Pascual Bailon by Ramiz Barquet, 2008

In front of the Vitea Bistro Bar and Café, a statue can be seen of a 16th century Spanish Franciscan friar. Saint Paschal Baylon is the present day patron saint of cooks. The sculpture was created to honour the chefs of Puerto Vallarta and to also pay homage to all chefs worldwide. Along the walkway, there are several plaques recognizing the culinary skills and contributions of the many outstanding chefs of Puerto Vallarta.

Visiting Puerto Vallarta continued in Part 18