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On December 19, 2024, the heart of Puerto Vallarta’s El Caloso neighborhood came alive with the sounds of laughter, music, and holiday cheer as families gathered for the annual El Caloso Christmas Posada.
What made this year’s event extra special was the collaborative spirit of the local ex-pat community, led by residents of the Oasis Condominium, Grupo Zeiba, and city councilwoman Micaela Vázquez, to bring joy to the children of El Caloso. The result was an evening filled with warmth, unity, and the true spirit of giving.
A Community-Focused Celebration
The idea for this year’s Posada was inspired by Matt Karimi, an Oasis Condominium resident with a deep appreciation for the vibrant culture and people of Puerto Vallarta. Wanting to give back to the local community, Matt worked closely with Jeanne Michaelides, a fellow Oasis resident, and Micaela Vázquez, a dedicated councilwoman and longtime advocate for El Caloso residents. Together, they envisioned an event that would bring holiday magic to the neighborhood’s children.
“The celebration is a way for Oasis residents to give back to the beautiful people who live in El Caloso,” said Karimi. “It’s about fostering a sense of community and showing appreciation for the wonderful families who make this neighborhood so special.”
Jeanne Michaelides, who coordinated many of the logistics, including working with Grupo Zeiba and organizing donations, shared her perspective: “It was incredible to see how everyone came together to make this happen. The joy on the children’s faces made all the effort worthwhile. This event reminds us of the importance of building connections and giving back.”
Micaela Vázquez, who has been hosting the Posada in Parque Caloso for years, embraced the opportunity to collaborate with the ex-pat community. Her experience and connections proved invaluable in organizing the event, which brought together over 100 children and their families for an evening of joy and togetherness.
The Magic of the Posada
As dusk settled over Parque Caloso, the festivities began. Families arrived to find the park transformed with festive decorations, food and drinks, and volunteers ready to welcome them with open arms. The evening featured activities for children, including games, music, and, of course, the much-anticipated distribution of gifts and bolos, the traditional bags of candy.
Thanks to the generosity of Oasis residents, each child received a gift, carefully selected to bring a smile to their face. Watching the children receive their presents was a heartwarming reminder of the joy and wonder the holiday season brings. Volunteers from Oasis worked tirelessly alongside local families to ensure every detail of the evening went smoothly, from setting up the park to serving food and drinks.
A Testament to Collaboration
While the idea originated with Matt Karimi, he was quick to credit the success of the event to the collective effort of many. “This wouldn’t have been possible without Jeanne’s support, Micaela’s leadership, and the incredible contributions from Oasis and Grupo Zeiba,” he said. “It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we come together with a shared purpose.”
Micaela Vázquez echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for the ex-pat community’s involvement. “Seeing residents from different backgrounds come together to support our children is truly inspiring,” she said. “It’s a reminder that no matter where we’re from, we all share a responsibility to uplift our community.”
Building Bridges Through Giving
The El Caloso Christmas Posada exemplifies how ex-pats in Puerto Vallarta are becoming more than just visitors; they are active participants in the life of their adopted city. By contributing time, resources, and care, Oasis residents and Grupo Zeiba have strengthened the bonds between their community and their neighbors, fostering a sense of unity that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers.
For many of the attendees, the Posada was more than just a holiday event. It was a celebration of the connections that make El Caloso a special place to live. As one local parent shared, “It’s wonderful to see everyone come together like this. It makes us feel seen and appreciated.”
Looking Ahead
As the evening drew to a close, the smiles on the children’s faces and the warm camaraderie among attendees made it clear that the El Caloso Christmas Posada was a resounding success. For Matt Karimi and the Oasis residents, it was a meaningful way to give back to a community that has welcomed them with open arms. For Jeanne Michaelides, Micaela Vázquez, and the families of El Caloso, it was a reminder of the power of collaboration and the generosity of spirit that defines Puerto Vallarta.
“This is just the beginning,” said Karimi. “We hope to continue supporting events like this and finding new ways to contribute to the neighborhood. It’s a privilege to be part of such a vibrant and caring community.”
The El Caloso Christmas Posada stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared goal of making the world a little brighter. As Puerto Vallarta’s ex-pat community continues to find meaningful ways to engage and give back, events like this will undoubtedly become cherished traditions that strengthen the fabric of the city.
Here’s to more moments of joy, connection, and giving in the years to come. Feliz Navidad!
Esta publicación también está disponible en: English Español
