Sayulita is the gift of presence. She is the hearth of the feminine. She whispers in the language of body, heart, and soul. I feel a belonging here. A life force energy. It pulses in her natural beauty, in the people and community, in her small, but mighty size. There are no big-box stores. There are only dirt roads and cobblestoned streets. Thick jungle, hidden beaches, and everyone has a name. From the vendors to the waiters, to the grocers and the music makers, they are always the same. What a treat to live somewhere so small, you can walk…

Name: Felipe de Jesus Hernandez What is your nickname? What does it mean? My nickname, Chilly Willy, has a meaningful family origin. It stems from my grandfather, Feliciano Estrada Chavarin, who was affectionately known as Doctor Chilly in our town. He was a renowned healer, often referred to as a shaman, and possessed a strong character that earned him the nickname “El Chile.” His extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and his dedication to helping people made him highly respected within the community. Where are you from?  I am originally from Sayulita. Do you have a business in Sayulita? I specialize…

Mexico City, Mexico.  It was almost as if the words leapt off the screen. I didn’t know what was calling me to this place I had never been to, nor knew anything about, but as I stared at this city staring back at me, it was as if it were pulling me to it, like two magnets with opposing poles. I scrolled Google Maps to other Mexican cities and a jolt of electricity ran through my body. Guadalajara. San Cristóbal. Monterrey. San Miguel. Sayulita. They beckoned me to come explore. I imagined myself on a months-long trek through the Mexican…

Recently, I was asked a potent question by a friend passing through town. “What is the biggest adjustment you’ve had to make living in Mexico?” My mind started racing with possibilities. Was it the barrage of dirt and dust that settles into every square inch of space? Was it the language barrier that creates an arms-length relationship with locals? Maybe it was the vendors around every corner selling trinkets, likely to feed their family. Or maybe it was replying with the standard and rehearsed “No hoy, pero muchas gracias,” for the fiftieth time. Perhaps it was relying on my own…

A Community Event funding Azul Sayu, A.C. Now in its 4th year, Trashion Fashion Sayulita returns even stronger on May 17th.  Created by Flora Amor as a way of bringing the community together in a creative manner to raise awareness and funds for Sayulita’s recycling program operated by Azul Sayu, Trashion Fashion has now grown into an inspirational community event.  This year’s event will be hosted by Frente al Punto and sponsored by Archara Restaurant, Ally Cat Charters, Chaman Creative Kitchen, Sayulita Fit, Sayulita Dream Weddings, Sunset Soiree and Villa Valentin. Twenty-four teams of designers and models, including a team…

Full Name: Santos Hernandez Ramirez Age: 46 Where are you originally from? San Andres Cohamiata Jalisco, a Wixárika (Huichol) village located in Mezquitic, Jalisco, Mexico, that governs itself autonomously. How long have you lived in Sayulita?  9 years Tell me a little bit about yourself? I work in the field of art, specifically creating cow and ceramic heads with Wixárika art. Despite not having formal schooling, I have been taught by my grandparents about culture, and I use this knowledge to support my family. The heads I create are considered sacred and must be cleansed of negative energy before being…