2nd Annual Festival del Marisco
In July three nearby fishing villages to the south - San Clemente, San Jacinto, and San Alejo
joined hands with a program of activities showcasing and promoting the bountiful fresh seafood available here, and the local culture.
While organization is not a strong point in this country, and this is only the second annual event, it was an opportunity for celebration for the business communities. Centrally located between Manta and Bahia de Caraquez. San Clemente and San Jacinto are rather small seaside resorts that are somewhat tired, but have very popular nice long stretches of white sandy beaches frequented by the locals.
Playas Manabi
San Jacinto is known for its production of salt. San Clemente has a wonderful clay oven pizzeria operated by our Italian friend Graziani. Also the artesan designed beautiful Palmazul hotel and a condominium development geared towards foreigners is located here.
These communities are busy during the summer vacation period of July and August but, excepting holiday weekends & carnaval, are very quite and deserted for the remainder of the year.
Held over two weekends events included a fishing derby, whale watching tours, restaurant food competition, local food booths, music, artistic and folklore presentations, fireworks, ceremonies, and a maritime parade was the highlight. The parade was an impressive flotilla of several dozen fishing vessels on the water traversing from Manta to the area.
They were listing from brimming with thousands of people being ferried from the beach to and from the boats by pangas.
