Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – The Vallartense Institute of Culture, under the direction of Brenda Janeth Diaz Flores, has invited residents to join in the festivities commemorating Puerto Vallarta’s 106th anniversary as a municipality and its 56th anniversary as a city. The celebratory program began last week with a traveling exhibition of historical photographs displayed in the square and across the four municipal delegations.
This Monday, May 27, the community gathered on the Malecón to honor the renowned painter Manuel Lepe and to view an exhibition of works by his daughter, Marcella Lepe. The festivities continue today, May 28, with a photography contest in the courtyard of the Municipal Presidency. The theme of the contest, “Puerto Vallarta… What Defines Us as Vallarta at Heart?”, has already attracted over 20 participants. Prizes will be awarded to the top three entries.
Brenda Janeth Diaz Flores announced further events scheduled for this week:
- May 29: The inauguration of a new mural at the Lighthouse on Matamoros Street.
- May 30: A conference titled “Two Encounters with Their History” by the city chronicler Juan Manuel Gómez Encarnación, set to take place at 5:00 PM in the central courtyard of the Municipal Presidency.
The photography contest has been extended into next week to allow more citizens to participate.
The historic date of May 31, 1918, marks when Las Peñas was renamed Puerto Vallarta as a new municipality. In 1968, it was elevated to city status. This year, due to the pandemic, the “Puerto Vallarta Award” will not be presented to a distinguished citizen. Instead, a solemn City Council session will be held where the Hymn to Vallarta, composed by Félix Fernando Baños, will be sung. As is tradition, a large anniversary cake will be shared among the attendees.
Brenda Janeth Diaz Flores highlighted the main event:
“The big day will be May 31, where we are going to celebrate here at the Malecón lighthouse at 8:00 PM and at Los Arcos at 5:00 PM, with a series of activities. A surprise artist will be performing, so stay tuned for the announcement of the name.”
Residents are encouraged to join in the celebrations and participate in the events to honor Puerto Vallarta’s rich history and vibrant culture.
