The city hosts multiple celebrations focusing on religion, gastronomy, history and nature from the months of September and into the New Year, proudly celebrates Mexican national holidays with exciting sights, tastes, sounds, and experiences for locals and tourists alike.
The following are just some of the major celebrations taking place in the upcoming months.
Culture Comes Alive el Dia de Charro
September 14 marks el Dìa de Charro, or Cowboy day, where men and women ride through the town to honor the Mexican cowboys. Locals will ride on the ornate horseback through the streets wearing sombreros and brightly embellished jackets representing the colors and culture of Puerto Vallarta. The festivities continue into the evening with rich food, celebratory dances, and traditional charro style calf roping.
Mexican Independence Day Celebration
On September 15, the Eve of Mexican Independence Day, thousands gather below the balcony of the Municipal Square to listen to the Mayor proclaim “el Grito de Idependencia”, or the cry for independence: “Mexicanos, Viva Mexico” at 11 PM. El Grito is an event not to missed as it is followed by much celebration, food, drink, and fireworks. Widely celebrated throughout Mexico, el Dia de la Independencia on September 16th commemorates the day that Miguel Hildalgo announced the Grito de Dolores, starting the Mexican revolt against the Spanish rule. Businesses and government offices are closed and locals hold festivities with plenty of food and dance to celebrate their liberation.
Join Puerto Vallarta on November 20 to commemorate “el Dia de la Revolucion,” or Revolution Day, the start of the Mexican Revolution ignited by Francisco Madero. More commonly known as el veinte de noviembre, Revolution Day is celebrated in Puerto Vallarta with colorful grand parades, festive parties as well as patriotic speeches and official ceremonies.
Day of The Dead Festivities
Puerto Vallarta celebrates the most representative traditions of Mexico,
Day of the Dead
2016 Taco Festival
Is there anything more delicious and representative of our country than good tacos al pastor? Enter the unique world of true Mexican Tacos on Saturday, September 16th.
Vallarta-Nayarit Gastronomica 2016
Gastronomical harmony culminates in Puerto Vallarta to offer a feast of flavors. Taking place from October 23 to 26, the 8th edition of the Vallarta-Nayarit Gastronomica will have 3 Michelin stars and Chef Jordi Roca from El Celler de Can Roca, winner of Best Restaurant of the Wold.
International Fishing Tournament
Club de Pesca Puerto Vallarta (est. 1956) is proud to invite you to its annual International Marlin & Sailfish Fishing Tournament.
On November 11, Puerto Vallarta will be receiving the strongest contenders, and from November 12, you’ll be able to fish the best marlin and sailfish in our oceans with your bare hands. Check out the itinerary and save the date for you can’t miss this!
International Gourmet Festival
A world-class dining experience, it is held annually during the month of November in Puerto Vallarta and surrounding locations at participating hotels and restaurants.
Guest chefs from the international gourmet scene participate in the festival, enriching this great celebration of good food with their sensational art in contemporary cuisine.
The special attraction of the Gourmet Festival is the inspiration of working as a team, as the guest chefs, in conjunction with highly-awarded extraordinary culinary masters of local hotels and restaurants, lend a seal of the highest quality and creativity, making this event a unique experience where they surprise visitors with their latest trends, creations, and secret recipes.
Fiesta de Guadalupe
One of the most celebrated holidays in Puerto Vallarta is the Fiesta de Guadalupe on December 12, honoring the appearance of the “Queen of Mexico” in 1501 as well as the day that Puerto Vallarta was founded. The midnight ceremony in Mexico City is televised nationwide as she is serenaded with Mariachi and dancers who chant to the spirits and continue to dance the next day in front of the Basilica. Hotels throughout Puerto Vallarta commemorate this famous image on property with statues and flowers. After the religious ceremony, join the celebrations on the Malecon with fireworks, and a variety of street food vendors offering Mexican delicacies.
Christmas Overseas
La Navidad, or Christmas, is widely celebrated in Mexico. In Puerto Vallarta, the nine days before the religious holidays are celebrated in joyful anticipation of the special day with Las Posadas, or processions, throughout the streets to symbolize Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. People of all ages gather in El Centro on Christmas Eve at Our Lady of Guadalupe church with piñatas and colorful clothing to listen to music and partake in the exciting festivities that carry on into the night.
Shortly after Christmas, the festivities continue on into the New Year when Puerto Vallarta gathers on the Malecon, the preferred spot to watch the fireworks display. After the fireworks, follow the crowds and celebrate the night with music and dance in the street in the Romantic Zone. Puerto Vallartans celebrate New Year’s Eve by honoring the Catholic traditions of the Spaniards who came centuries ago by eating the 12 grapes of happiness, one grape every time the clock strikes at midnight.
Travelers visiting Puerto Vallarta will have the unique and memorable opportunity to experience these cultural celebrations first hand. The local community welcomes tourists to join all of the festivities and learn about the cultural heritage of Puerto Vallarta.