In Guadalajara, on Friday between the hours of 8 AM and 8 PM, the Department of Transportation for the State of Jalisco reported 60,000 cars departed the capital city, an average of 5,000 every hour as the week-long holiday kicked off.
Guadalajara is a business travel city more than leisure vacations, in contrast Puerto Vallarta is already reporting 100% hotel occupancy while Guadalajara reports less than 50%.
No doubt many of automobiles departing the capital city are heading to beaches along Banderas Bay. Guadalajara supplies the area with the most national tourists due to its convenience in travel and close destinations.
Tens of thousands of Tapatíos, the term for people from Guadalajara, travel to Puerto Vallarta during Semana Santa week each year.
Easter in Mexico is a two-week holiday consisting of Semana Santa (The Holy Week, beginning on Palm Sunday and ending Easter Saturday) and Pascua (Starting with Easter Sunday and ending the following Saturday). Semana Santa is undoubtedly the most important holiday in Mexican culture. Schools and often businesses in Mexico close during these two weeks and many Mexican families go on holiday during Semana Santa and Pascua.
Many Mexican families travel to beach destinations like Cancun and Puerto Vallarta during these Easter celebrations to enjoy the coast as they pay tribute.
Semana Santa brings the largest economic impact to the city of Puerto Vallarta than any other week span during the year.
