Puerto Vallarta’s Fiestas Patrias bring two days of Mexican Independence Day celebrations to the city’s historic center, with live music, traditional food, dancing, and a festive family atmosphere around the Plaza de Armas.

On the evening of September 15, locals and visitors gather downtown for Mexican snacks, mariachi music, tequila, raicilla, and the traditional Grito de Independencia near midnight. The celebration continues with fireworks over Los Arcos del Malecón, including the burning of castillos and toritos.

The following day, September 16, Puerto Vallarta marks Independence Day with a civic parade along the Malecón. The parade typically includes local schools, firefighters, charros, escaramuzas, and other community groups.