Día de Muertos 2023 Celebrations in Puerto Vallarta – Official Schedule

PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) – The annual Dia de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is an event deeply ingrained in Mexican culture, commemorating loved ones who have passed away. This year, the festivities in Puerto Vallarta are set to be more vibrant and culturally enriching than ever, attracting both locals and a growing community of ex-pats from the United States and Canada.

The Dia de Muertos celebration originates in ancient Mesoamerican traditions, interwoven with Catholic practices over the centuries. Taking place from October 31 to November 2, this festival is not one of mourning but rather a celebration of life and the eternal cycle of reincarnation.

In Puerto Vallarta, as in many other regions of Mexico, the holiday is marked by several core elements that honor the deceased. Altars, or ‘ofrendas,’ are meticulously prepared with photographs, candles, and the favorite foods and drinks of the departed. Marigolds, known as ‘cempasúchil,’ are often laid on graves and altars as their fragrance is believed to guide souls back to the world of the living.

The Malecon, Puerto Vallarta’s iconic seafront promenade, will be the focal point for public festivities. An exhibition of elaborately decorated altars will be displayed, accompanied by traditional folk music and dances. Local artisans will showcase handcrafted items typical of Dia de Muertos, such as sugar skulls and ‘papel picado,’ intricately cut paper decorations.

Cuisine plays a vital role in Dia de Muertos observances. Pan de Muerto, a type of sweet bread often decorated with bone-shaped pieces, will be widely available. Various eateries and street vendors will offer traditional dishes like ‘mole,’ a complex sauce made from various spices and chocolate, served over meat.

The expatriate community in Puerto Vallarta has shown increasing interest in participating in this culturally significant event. Organizations and community groups often create their own altars and partake in processions, blending their traditions with Mexican culture in a unique fusion.

Dia de Muertos in Puerto Vallarta provides a profound glimpse into the rich tapestry of Mexican culture and spirituality. The event serves as a beautiful reminder of the unity and resilience of a community honoring its past while celebrating the present. Whether you are a local resident or an ex-pat looking to immerse yourself in Mexican traditions, the Dia de Muertos celebration in Puerto Vallarta is a must-experience event.

Below is the official event schedule provided by the City of Puerto Vallarta.

PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) - The annual Dia de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is an event deeply ingrained in Mexican culture, commemorating loved ones . . .

Follow Us On Google News | Get Our Newsletter



Trending News on PVDN

  • Where do foreigners come from and where do they live in MexicoMexico City Protest on July 5 Challenges Gentrification and Airbnb’s Impact on Housing Residents of Roma and Condesa will gather at Parque México on July 5 to protest gentrification, rising rents, and Airbnb’s effect on local housing. This Saturday, July 5, Mexico City will witness its first organized citizen protest against gentrification—a peaceful but urgent gathering taking place at 3:30 p.m. at the Lindbergh Forum in Parque México,…
  • raw-sewage-playa-los-muertos-puerto-vallartaMore Raw Sewage Dumping at Playa Los Muertos Appear to Come From Local Hotel Business owners in Puerto Vallarta are demanding action after raw sewage was discovered leaking onto Playa Los Muertos, raising public health and tourism concerns. A raw sewage leak at Playa Los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta has sparked outrage among local tourist service providers and business owners, who say the contamination is driving away visitors and…
  • puerto-vallarta-rainfall-hurricane-flossie-july-2025Puerto Vallarta braces for torrential rains as Hurricane Flossie gains strength Puerto Vallarta faces a high risk of flooding as Hurricane Flossie intensifies in the Pacific. Torrential rains and overwhelmed drainage systems pose major challenges for the city. Puerto Vallarta, a city wedged between the Sierra Madre mountains and the Pacific Ocean, is no stranger to dramatic weather shifts—but this summer, the skies are testing the…
  • puerto vallarta lettersPuerto Vallarta needs a new image to create meaningful reasons for travelers to visit Business leaders at Jalisco Tourism Secretariat forums stressed the need for renewing Puerto Vallarta image and diversifying attractions to appeal to national and international markets. Local business leaders and tourism specialists agreed this week that Puerto Vallarta needs a fresh look and a broader range of attractions to compete at home and abroad. In a…
  • José Luis Velázquez RodríguezSEAPAL Official Reported Missing in Puerto Vallarta Authorities in Puerto Vallarta have launched a search for José Luis Velázquez Rodríguez, SEAPAL's head of transparency, who has been missing since June 30. Family and officials are urging the public to report any information. Local authorities and civil protection units have launched a search operation for José Luis Velázquez Rodríguez, head of the Transparency…
  • mexico city real estateGentrification in Mexico City is not the reason for the high cost of housing City housing shortage, not gentrification, drives prices skyward as planning lags behind demand and foreigner influence remains minimal. High real estate costs in Mexico City stem from a deep and persistent housing shortage—exacerbated by land constraints, tangled regulations and speculative investment—rather than by the presence of foreign residents. Despite headlines blaming “gentrification,” foreign-born residents make…
  • protests3Mexico City Protests: There is a fine line between anti-gentrification and xenophobia The line between anti-gentrification and racism is clear if you choose to see it: genuine activism targets policy and practice, not nationality or ethnicity. I have lived in Mexico for two decades, and I have never witnessed the level of anti-American sentiment that exists today. All of it is tied to the buzzword "gentrification," a…
  • no-damage-jalisco-hurricane-flossieNo Damage Reported in Jalisco as Hurricane Flossie Moves Away While Mexico's Weather Service predicted heavy rains, Hurricane Flossie causes no damage along Jalisco’s coast. The Category 3 storm brings light rain and moderate waves as it moves away from the region. The coasts of Jalisco remain calm and largely unaffected following the passage of Hurricane Flossie, a powerful Category 3 storm that is now…
  • protestProtest graffiti and smashed windows mars anti-gentrification rally in Mexico City Residents and activists joined an anti-gentrification rally in Mexico Park, but the anti-gentrification rally Mexico Park turned destructive as masked youths defaced local shops and broke windows. A rally against gentrification held yesterday in Mexico City’s Parque México drew residents from Juárez, Roma, Condesa and Hipódromo alongside local activists. Organizers billed it as the city’s…
  • puerto-vallarta-police-chase-bahia-de-banderasPuerto Vallarta police chase ends in deadly collision in Bahía de Banderas A Puerto Vallarta police chase along Highway 200 ended in a deadly collision in Bahía de Banderas, leaving two people dead. A high-speed chase that began in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, and ended in Bahía de Banderas, Nayarit, left at least two people dead and raised new questions about police engagement and road safety in the…
Scroll to Top