Estela Marie school dazzled the crowd with their bright red uniforms and thunderous drums.  Of the three schools that played in the patrons Saints Festivals Estela Marie took first place in marching bands.  Their choreographed flag folding maneuver was dramatic, well coordinated and popular with the audience.  The band played with enthusiasm during the very hot day of September 15 and paraded around town showing off their skills.

Sunday September 4, 2011 the Blue Marlin Mexican Grill hosted it's first chess tournament.  Competitors from Carazao, Masaya, Rivas and San Juan del sur competed in teams for trophies and prizes.

National reggae star Phillip Montalvan rocked the house on Saturday at Arribas bar.  Covering a couple of Bob Marley songs and many of his originals he set the night on fire.  The band was tight and the groove was infectious as the crowd danced on long after the band left.  Another great party at Arribas!

For a month and a half San Juan del Sur celebrates it's Patron Saint St. John the baptist.  I don't know if he intended to leave this legacy but we are all glad it turned into a beautiful and colorful cultural party.  One of the many components of the festival is a competition between neighborhoods of a legend called the gigantona (gigantic lady).  A small bigheaded midget fell in love with her and they ended up together and happy.  Two neighborhoods battle it out for bragging rights every year.  This year it was between barrio La Cascabela (green) and barrio Chamorro (multi-colored). 

The Festival Einstein 2011 engaged the local youth and challenged them with a Science Fair, Essay Contest and Chess tournament.  The chess tournament drew out the best players in the area.  The science fair had various projects displayed and three happy winners were chosen and given bikes for their excellent displays.  The essay contest had only one entrant which also took a bike.   Five bicycles were given out to the five top chess players of the day along with medals.

The night of April 15, 2011 The Blue Marlin Mexican Grill transformed into an art gallery displaying artist Jacques Ouellet's series of paintings.  The conept of the paintings are the unseen waves eminating from all things that affect us.  The bright colors and unique perspective was well recieved and added a touch of class to the evening.  Jacques next exhibit will be at the tourism office in San Juan del Sur next month.  Dont miss this talented artist and photographer now living in San Juan del Sur.