The pathway is so narrow that walking through hand-in-hand is difficult. You really do want to stop mid-way and come together for one of those passionate kisses you only see in the movies; you’d lean in together and stand on one foot while the other slowly rises with the thrill of it all. The Paseo del Beso, which translates roughly into “The Kissing Alley” has been a must-see for many years now in Bucerias; one of the most typical towns on the Riviera Nayarit. It’s a tiny place bordering the downtown area, just a block away from the crafts market. Although the narrow alley also has some stands around it, the racket from the market dies down almost immediately, making it ideal for a romantic moment.
This is just one more reason to visit the Riviera Nayarit. Aside from its beautiful beaches, its high quality food and spectacular views, it offers places like this narrow alleyway where more typically Mexican culture naturally flows. This alley is also part of the art gallery walk occurring in Bucerias during the winter season.
For twenty years this alley has taken people from the downtown area to the residential zone since it connects to the only bridge crossing over the Indio stream. This stream is the natural causeway that splits Bucerias in two, dividing the tourist section from the business section. It was discovered by Guy Montaigne, president of the Quebec Association of Painters and Sculptors about 20 years ago. When he discovered that the place was known to locals as the “Kissing Alley” he became very enthusiastic and had the idea of decorating the passageway with art; anything, as long as it had to do with kissing.
However, the story that’s told about how the place got is name is not extremely romantic. “There were no lights in the alley and it was really dark, so couples used to go in to get a bit of privacy; that’s how it got its name. There aren’t any legends or romantic anecdotes connected to the place like at the one in Guanajuato, but people hear about it and come to see. It’s slowly become a tourist attraction”, said Arturo Ramirez Ortiz, who owns one of the houses on the alley. Interestingly enough, Ramirez Ortiz is a sculptor. He makes one-piece wooden figures. He and Montaigne got along immediately when they met and set themselves to work right away. In no time at all the walls of the alleyway were featuring the Quebec painter’s work.
Its popularity has grown year after year, because artists from the Quebec Association of Painters and Sculptors have been invited by Montaigne to add on little artistic memoirs. The program has been so successful that the Canadian artists have almost covered it completely, including the bridge that splits Bucerias in two.
When walking away through the artisans stands and then through the art galleries, you can’t help but look back. Who knows, maybe you’ll witness something reminiscent of Casa Blanca, with Humphrey Bogart in a warm, goodbye embrace with the likes of Ingrid Bergman.
