Puerto Vallarta’s Day of the Dead Celebrations

Read the information for Day of the Dead in Puerto Vallarta 2015

Pre-Hispanic religion, life, death, art, sorrow and humor come together in this celebration to commemorate and honor family members and friends who have passed on. In Puerto Vallarta the Cemetery located on 5th of December is the site of traditional Day of the Dead observance, but the city’s other cemeteries located in Ramblases, El Progreso, Ixtapa and Las Palmas, will receive thousands of local residents and visitor alike during this three-day event.

The City of Puerto Vallarta is also sponsoring an altar competition in the city square while themed art workshops will take place at Art Vallarta and in the Zona Romantica organized by the Asociacion Vallarta Centro.

Festivities will include street parties, parades, and holiday decoration contests.

City officials and civic organizations will work together to transform downtown into a gathering place for celebrations and the display of over 45 altars at town hall and other points of interest throughout Puerto Vallarta.

Residents of Puerto Vallarta are invited to participate in the Catrina competition, constructing the famous figure of death. Cash prizes will be awarded for the first, second, and third place winners.

According to Mexican Folklore, “La Catrina” —also known as death— can show herself in many different ways. Sometimes she is dressed in a rather elaborate, festive way. Sometimes she appears before us in “bare bones,” to take us away when we least expect it. Generally, however, the relationship which the Mexican people have with La Catrina, is defined by a unique set of circumstances, intimately tied with the history and culture of Mexico.

The festivities will begin each day on different streets with decorated houses, local artists, and music.

The locations are as followed:
Monday, October 27 – Calle Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez
Tuesday, October 28 – Abasolo
Wednesday, October 29 – Aldama
Thursday, October 30 – Corona
Friday, October 31 – Galena
Saturday, November 1 – Lazarus Cárdenas Park

All streets run across the Malécon, view map

On Saturday, November 2 at 5 PM will begin the Viva la Muerte parade with participation of the Charros, Batucada, and Xiutla Ballet. The route will go down Belize to the intersection of San Salvador, and up to the Municipal Market at the Cuale, where awards will be given for the altar and Catrina competitions.

Want to make Sugar Skulls for the holiday? Learn about the local workshop here.