Growing in popularity year on year, one of the best-established dates on the international bear calendar is BeefDip Bear Week.
The furry gathering takes place at the end of January/beginning of February in the beautiful coastal resort town of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. It lies on the Pacific coast in the state of Jalisco.
This year’s event – based in and around the Mantamar Beach Club – is just drawing to close. It included a week of pool time frolics, wining and dining, ‘bearoke’ and late night dance clubs.
‘It’s been amazing,’ US visitor Adam (@arobitai) told GSN. ‘This is our 8th time at the event. It’s so much bigger this year with guys coming from all over: From Canada, the US, the UK, Brazil, Costa Rica, Columbia, and even Abu Dabi.’
‘I’m the shy type but everyone is really friendly’
A Beef Dip virgin was Dave, originally from the UK but now living in Toronto (@ncldave).
‘I’m recently single after an 11 year and then three-year relationship and decided to give this a try. It’s a little overwhelming but so much fun. I’m the shy type but everyone is really friendly,’ he told GSN.
‘I’m hitting 40 this year and although I came out when I was 19, was never confident in myself or my body. It wasn’t until I turned 30 that I discovered the bear community and accepted myself for who I was. It was almost like I had to come out twice.
‘Events like this really help. It’s such a confident booster and welcoming environment. You’re accepted for who you are.’
‘Puerto Vallarta is a paradise’
‘This is the 15th anniversary of BeefDip in Puerto Vallarta,’ a spokeperson for the event said. ‘Bears come from literally everywhere: US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, several European countries, Middle East and Asia too.
‘This has been a great year and we’re proud to be one of the friendliest events for bears all over the world. Puerto Vallarta is a paradise, and it’s an amazing time to share together.’
Check out more images from the week below
See also
Sitges Bear Week: 17 photos of beautifully hairy men having fun in the sun