Each year, Puerto Vallarta erupts in a joyful celebration of Mexico’s Independence. The night before the national holiday, known as El Grito de Dolores, is celebrated with particular vigor, and everywhere the traditional grito, or “Cry of Independence” can be heard all over the city. Independence Day itself is active with parades, special events and parties everywhere. Expect lots of fireworks both on the eve and on the day itself.
On September 14, the city holds the Grito de Dolores cowboy parade in the city center at 10 AM, you are sure to see the traditional Mexican Cowboys riding horseback through the city dressed in costume, just the beginning of the celebration. Later the traditional Grito de Dolores Horsemanship Competition takes place where these cowboys show off their skills.
The day is full of parades, bands, dancing in the streets, great food, and the appointment of the new Queen of Chorros, a national competition of female horsemanship.
On September 15, the Grito Day Dolores is held at 11 PM, the day that Mexico won their independence from Spain in 1810. The celebration begins with the Mayor of the city reading Mexico’s Declaration of Independence on the balcony of city hall and naming the founding fathers of Mexico. In closing, attendees of the reading give the cry of freedom together and singing “Viva México!”, an event that happens in almost every city and village in Mexico.
After the reading of the Declaration of Independence the celebration turns to the skies and the streets with festivities and firework. The best place to enjoy all the excitement and fireworks is on the Puerto Vallarta Malécon, where it comes alive with shows, food, fun, and fireworks.
On September 16, the city holds the official Independence Day Parade in the town center at 11 AM. It is a national holiday so banks and federal buildings will be closed.
You do not want to miss this amazing celebration of Mexican culture in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Learn more about Mexico’s Independence from Spain Here.
Things to help you navigate the celebration as a foreigner.
El Grito:
Mexicans!
Long live the heroes that gave us the Fatherland (and liberty)!
Long live Hidalgo!
Long live Morelos!
Long live Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez!
Long live Allende!
Long live Galeana and the Bravos!
Long live Aldama and Matamoros!
Long live National Independence!
Long Live Mexico! Long Live Mexico! Long Live Mexico!
When is Indepedance Day?
The actual day considered as Independence Day it September 16, it is why the day is rung in at midnight on September 15th with fireworks and the reading of the Declaration of Independence, however celebrations are typically held for 3 days.
Most commonly known as Grito de Dolores, however the 16th of September is not the actual day that Mexico received independence from Spain, it is the date that the Mexico War for Independence began. The actual independence of Mexico wasn’t until 11 years and 11 days later.
Important Terms:
Viva Mexico – Long Live Mexico
Viva la independencia – Long Live Independence
Grito de Dolores – Cry of Dolores. Indicates the day that the priest in the town of Dolores rang the church bell and called upon Mexicans to revolt against the Spanish.
Learn more about Mexico’s Independence Day in Puerto Vallarta
