Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – In observance of the 106th anniversary of Puerto Vallarta as a municipality and its 56th year as a city, the Vallartense Institute of Culture (IVC), in collaboration with Seapal Vallarta, the Municipal Council of Sports (Comude), and various local delegations and agencies, unveiled a traveling photographic exhibition. This exhibition offers a pictorial odyssey from the city’s inception to the present day, aimed at preserving the vibrant history of this beloved destination.
The inauguration, presided over by interim mayor Francisco José Martínez Gil, saw the presence of councilors, IVC Director Brenda Janeth Díaz Flores, City Chronicler Juan Manuel Gómez Encarnación, and esteemed guests, including prominent figures who shared their personal reflections on Puerto Vallarta, both past and present, in a heartfelt video montage.
Director Brenda Díaz elaborated on the exhibition’s objectives, acknowledging the pivotal role played by municipal delegates and agents in facilitating its journey. She also expressed gratitude to the private sector for its contributions to cultural initiatives that enrich the municipality’s historical narrative.
Through this visual narrative, future generations are invited to immerse themselves in the bygone charm of Puerto Vallarta: its cobblestone streets, iconic tile roofs, bustling evenings in the main square, and everyday beach activities, including leisurely baths in the Cuale River amidst lively conversations and communal chores.
“The intention of this exhibition is to traverse all municipal delegations and agencies, capturing the memories and experiences of our earliest settlers, thereby honoring their legacy and contributions to Puerto Vallarta,” remarked Díaz.
Chronicler Juan Manuel Gómez Encarnación provided a comprehensive historical overview, tracing the city’s evolution from its origins as Puerto Las Peñas to its emergence as a renowned tourist destination, while highlighting the pivotal figures instrumental in its national and international acclaim.
Interim Mayor Martínez emphasized the exhibition’s ability to encapsulate Puerto Vallarta’s essence, presenting poignant narratives that invite viewers to delve into its rich history, spanning from inception to the present day.
“All of this,” he asserted, “is aimed at preserving and enriching our profound and captivating history, while actively engaging individuals who generously share their experiences, memories, and sentiments. This is history narrated aloud.”
Preceding the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, a poignant video showcased testimonials from local figures such as engineer Jesús Palacios Bernal, Cristina Pérez Muñoz, Chronicler Juan Manuel Gómez Encarnación, and restaurateur Rubén Fregoso López, each lauded for their invaluable contributions to the exhibition.
The traveling exhibition is scheduled to journey through various municipal delegations and agencies, with upcoming stops including Ixtapa on May 16th, Las Mojoneras on May 18th, Las Palmas on May 20th, Boca de Tomatlán on May 22nd, Las Juntas on May 24th, El Pitillal on May 29th, culminating in the grand finale on May 31st with the anniversary parade celebrating the founding of Puerto Vallarta.
Among the attendees were councilors María Elena Curiel Preciado, Tania Selenne Maya Toscano, and Pablo Ruperto Gómez Andrade, alongside notable figures such as businessman Abel Villa and Professor Enrique Barrios Limón, director of the Xiutla Folklore Group, underscoring the event’s significance and community-wide engagement.
