By now you probably already know some of the history behind Día de Muertos, the three-day holiday celebrating and honouring those who have passed. While the holiday falls around the time of Halloween, the two days are celebrated differently. Halloween turns death into a horrifying experience, while Día de Muertos celebrates death.
One of the most common practices during the holiday is building an altar to call back the spirit of your loved ones for the celebration. Día de Muertos can be experienced throughout Puerto Vallarta with altars and street parties organized each year that invites locals and tourists to come together and enjoy part of the Mexican culture.
On October 29, visit Calla Aldama in centro to take part in the street activities and see the traditional altars on display. The following day, October 30, you can catch more festivities and altars just one block away on Calle Corona in centro. For a final street party and altar display, stroll down Calla Galeana on October 31.
The traditional holiday begins on November 1 in Lázaro Cárdenas Park in Old Town. At 7:00 PM you will be introduced to the tradition Pan de Muerto (Bread of the dead) and other traditional Mexican dishes representing the holiday.
At 8:00 PM in the park will be the expedition of the Altars of the Dead followed by Trimariachi, a regional Mariachi band. Then at 9:30 be entertained by the local Xiutla Ballet.
The festivities will continue on November 2 with a traditional street party on Calle Belice and San Salvador in 5 de Diciembre at 5:00 PM with ¡Viva la Muerte! At the Municipal Market at Rio Cuale
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At 7:00 PM the party moves into Centro at Calla Agustin Rodriguez and Matamoros with a reception of including music, games, churros, and awards ceremony for the Catrina contest where entries recreate the icon figure of the holiday.
That is how you celebrate Día de Muertos like a local in Puerto Vallarta!
Can’t wait to get there tomorrow, to experience this festival!!